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Participation at an inter-collegiate competition “MEAR”

On 7th March 2025, the Women’s Studies Programme of Goa University in collaboration D.D. Kosambi School of Social Sciences and Behavioural Studies, Goa University, organized an inter-collegiate festival of competitions titled “MEAR: Making Equality a Reality” to commemorate International Women’s Day. The event held from 9.30 AM to 5.15 PM in Seminar Hall, Faculty Block B, Goa University, served as a platform for students to express and advocate for gender equality through various creative and performance-based competitions.

The event commenced at 10:00 AM with an inaugural function graced by Mrs. Naman Dhauskar, a distinguished social worker, as chief guest. Ms. Vithai Zaraunker introduced Mrs. Dhauskar to the audience. In her address, Mrs. Dhauskar highlighted various laws enacted to protect and empower women and emphasized the importance of financial independence for women. During this session, reels created by participating colleges were screened, showcasing creative expressions related to women’s empowerment.

The inaugural ceremony began at 10:00 AM with Mrs. Naman Dhauskar, a renowned social worker, as the Chief Guest. She was introduced by Ms. Vithai Zaraunker. In her address, Mrs. Dhauskar emphasized the importance various laws enacted to protect and empower women and emphasized the importance of financial independence for women. The session also featured the screening of thematic reels created by participants from various colleges, focusing on women’s empowerment.

Competitions and Participation:

1) MEAR Artist & MEAR Orator (11:30 AM – 1:30 PM):
These competitions were held concurrently, offering students an opportunity to showcase their artistic and public speaking talents on themes related to gender equality.

Participants from our college:

Miss Riya Shinde (SY BCA B) awarded as the MEAR Artist
Dhruv Naik (SY BCA B) awarded as the MEAR Orator

2) Street Play (2:30 PM – 4:30 PM):
Ten teams performed street plays addressing women’s rights and social equity. Our college team delivered a compelling performance and secured Third Place.

Participants from our college:

Miss Aishwarya Nayak (FY BCA, Div B)
Miss Arya Naik (FY BCA, Div B)
Miss Ankita Mishra (FY BCA, Div B)
Daksh Lotlikar (SY BCA, Div B)
Miss Anushree Shirodkar (SY BCA, Div B)
Shlok Kunkallikar (FY BCA, Div A)
Devang Naik (FY BCA, Div B)
Miss Shaina Kamat (SY BVoc.(ST))
Seval Naik (FY BCA, Div A)
Vismay Raikar (FY BCA, Div B)

3) MEAR Reelers (Pre-Event):
Students submitted short reels on gender equality prior to the main event.

Participants from our college: 

Vismay Raikar (FY BCA, Div B)
Miss Astha Tiwari (SY BCA, Div A)
Miss Riya Shinde (SY BCA, Div B)
Manthan Namshikar (FY BCOM, Div A)
Miss Sanjana Naik (FY BCA, Div B)

The valedictory session began at 4:30 PM, where prizes and participation certificates were distributed. The event concluded at 5:15 PM. The intercollegiate festival served as an engaging and enriching experience for the students, promoting creativity, advocacy, and collaboration in the pursuit of gender equality. Assistant Professor Ms. Yugandhara Joshi accompanied 15 students (08 males, 07 females) for the event.

Blood Donation Camp

On 6th March 2025, the Red Ribbon Club and NSS Unit of VVM’s Shree Damodar College of Commerce & Economics, in collaboration with the GMC Blood Bank, NCC Army, and NCC Navy, organized a Blood Donation Camp in the college Smart Classroom from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

The camp aimed to raise awareness on the life-saving importance of blood donation, promote voluntary participation, and contribute to maintaining a reliable supply of blood for medical emergencies. A total of 32 donors (18 males, 14 females) voluntarily came forward to donate blood, showcasing their sense of social responsibility to this noble cause.

The camp was smoothly coordinated by Asst. Prof. Sanjay Velip (NSS PO In-charge), Lt. Sandesh Goankar (ANO, NCC Army), Sub. Lt. Pretty Pereira (ANO, NCC Navy), along with NSS Programme Officers Asst. Prof. Ainsley Bernard, Asst. Prof.  Kalpana Parab, Asst. Prof. Akshad Gaonkar, and Asst. Prof.  Puja Goankar.

The initiative saw enthusiastic participation from 32 students and faculty members (18 males, 14 females), and reinforced the college’s commitment to community welfare, civic engagement, and public health.

Session on “Personal Financial Planning”

The Department of Management Studies at VVM’s Shree Damodar College of Commerce & Economics organized an informative session on “Personal Financial Planning” on 5th March 2025 in Classroom F-401. The session was conducted by Mr. Brendon Mascarenhas, Goa’s first investment advisor to hold three prestigious financial designations— Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), and Chartered Wealth Manager (CWM).

The session commenced with an introduction of the resource person by Mr. Erville Rodrigues. Mr. Mascarenhas emphasized the importance of budgeting, saving, and setting financial goals as key pillars of financial planning. He provided insights into various investment avenues such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, highlighting the benefits of early investing, diversification, and risk management. His engaging PowerPoint presentation simplified complex financial concepts, making them more accessible to students.

Additionally, he stressed the importance of insurance in ensuring financial security and managing uncertainties. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment, where students actively sought guidance on investment strategies, financial planning, and wealth management.

The session proved to be highly insightful, equipping the 35 participating students (14 males, 21 females) with practical financial knowledge and motivating them to take proactive steps towards securing their financial future. Overall, the session was highly beneficial, fostering financial literacy and encouraging students to adopt disciplined financial planning habits.

Expected Outcomes of the Activity

The session provided students with a fundamental understanding of financial planning, including budgeting, saving, and setting financial goals to ensure long-term financial security. Participants gained awareness of various investment opportunities, such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, while also learning essential risk management strategies. Additionally, the session emphasized the importance of insurance in safeguarding financial well-being and the role of diversification in minimizing risks. By engaging with these concepts, students developed enhanced decision-making skills, enabling them to adopt a structured approach to personal finance and make informed financial choices for sustainable wealth creation.

Campus to Corporate Placement Training

The Career, Training, Internship and Placement (CTIP) Cell of the college successfully conducted its pre-placement initiative titled “Campus to Corporate Placement Training” from 3rd to 28th March 2025 between 1:30 PM and 05:30 PM in the Smart Classroom. The training was facilitated by Ms. Priyanka Row, a highly experienced Mind Coach, NLP Practitioner, and Image Consultant. A total of 90 students (34 males, 56 females), all registered with the CTIP Cell, participated in the three-day comprehensive training programme.

Ms. Row’s sessions were engaging, dynamic, and highly interactive, focusing on preparing students for the transition from campus life to corporate environments. The key areas covered during the sessions included:

Creating impactful first impressions
CV writing essentials
Interview preparation and performance
High-performance communication skills
Power and influence of body language
Posture dos and don’ts (sitting and standing)
Types and implications of handshakes
The elevator pitch and self-presentation
Grooming tips including outfits, footwear, perfumes, and etiquette
Strategies for confident communication and proper interview closure
The art of departing

The training also incorporated practical activities and role-playing exercises that allowed students to practice interview scenarios and develop their confidence, self-esteem, and presentation skills.

Ms. Row also delved into emotional and mental preparation, helping students identify their emotional setbacks and teaching them effective tools to overcome them. Techniques like the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and Mental Commands were introduced, aimed at fostering a positive mindset and controlling self-doubt and fear.

She further explored real-life interview situations, emphasizing the importance of mindset, attitude, and how one’s approach can make a difference. Each session was filled with actionable insights, personal reflections, and bonus tips that the students found immensely valuable.

The programme concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where Ms. Row addressed student queries and offered personalized advice.

Expected Outcome of the Activity

The training programme proved to be an enriching, motivational, and transformative experience for all participants. It not only equipped students with practical tools for corporate readiness but also instilled in them the confidence and clarity needed to face real-world professional challenges.

Participation in National Seminar

The Department of Economics, Commerce, and the Research & Development Cell of Cuncolim Educational Society’s College of Arts and Commerce organized the 1st Prabhakar T. Vaidya Memorial Students’ National Seminar on the theme “Challenges Before Viksit Bharat @ 2047” on 1st March 2025.

Mr. Venedict Gomes and Miss Alita Fernandes, students of the SY BBA(FS) Programme, participated in the event. They presented a research paper titled ‘AI and Digitalization in Skill Development for Viksit Bharat 2047.’ Their study explored the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digitalization in addressing unemployment and enhancing skill development in India. The paper examined India’s existing skill development programs, government policies, and the education system to understand how AI can equip the workforce for future challenges.

A panel comprising experienced academicians and industry experts evaluated the research papers based on their content, originality, research methodology, and presentation skills. The Q&A session provided a valuable platform for participants to elaborate on their research findings and engage in critical discussions.

The seminar featured the presentation of more than 17 research papers by students and scholars from various colleges. This event offered a unique opportunity for participants to interact with fellow researchers, receive constructive feedback, and gain insights into emerging trends in their field. It was a significant learning experience that fostered knowledge exchange, idea sharing, and the enhancement of analytical and research skills among students.

Expected Outcome of the Activity

The participation in the National Seminar helped students enhance their research and analytical skills by engaging in in-depth study and critical evaluation of their chosen topic. The feedback received from academicians and industry experts allowed them to refine their research work and improve its quality. Additionally, presenting their findings before a panel and addressing queries during the Q&A session strengthened their presentation and critical thinking abilities. The seminar also served as a motivation for students to pursue further research and innovation, fostering a spirit of academic curiosity and knowledge exploration.

Guest Lecture on Key SEO Strategies

On 1st March 2025, the Department of Computer Science, in association with the Alumni Engagement Cell, organized a guest lecture on “Key SEO Strategies” for TYBCA students as part of their SEO curriculum. The session was conducted in Classroom S-207 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM by Mr. Kris Rego, an alumnus of the BVoc.(ST) programme 2023 batch and currently a Team Lead at Intuio Easy Solutions.

Mr. Kris provided a hands-on demonstration of applying SEO techniques on live websites and explained essential website optimization checks using SEO tools like RankMath. He covered key topics such as robots.txt, sitemaps, headers, and On-Page SEO strategies. The session also emphasized the importance of effective communication skills in the industry and the need for continuous learning.

Additionally, Mr. Kris shared his career journey and engaged in an interactive discussion with the 30 participating students (16 males, 14 females) on career opportunities post-BCA/BVOC, challenges in the field, and the evolving landscape of digital marketing.

The session was compered by Miss Shrawya Shetty from TYBCA, Div B. The faculty in charge were Asst. Prof. Rama Borkar and Asst. Prof. Andre Pacheco.

Expected Outcome of the Activity

The session provided students with practical insights into SEO strategies, enabling them to understand how to optimize websites using various SEO tools. They gained knowledge about the significance of sitemaps, headers, robots.txt, and On-Page SEO in improving website rankings. The session also gave students an opportunity to interact with an industry professional, allowing them to explore career paths in SEO and digital marketing while understanding industry expectations and challenges. Through the hands-on demonstration and interactive discussions, students developed a clearer perspective on the skills required in the field and the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in the evolving digital landscape.

Participation in “World Wildlife Day Quiz Competition”

A team comprising of 2 students from VVM’s Shree Damodar College of Commerce & Economics participated in a quiz competition organized by the Goa Forest Department’s Wildlife & Eco-Tourism (South) Division, Margao, to commemorate “World Wildlife Day 2025”. The competition was held on 3rd March 2025 at the auditorium of Parvatibai Chowgule College (Autonomous), Margao, where teams from various institutions across South Goa gathered to participate. The quiz aimed to test and enhance students’ knowledge of Goa’s rich biodiversity, focusing on its wildlife, conservation efforts, and eco-tourism initiatives.

Below mentioned students participated in the Quiz:

Aliston Fernandesfrom FY BCA, Div A
Ram Parabfrom FY BCA, Div B

The event commenced at 9:00 AM with an inaugural ceremony. The quiz comprised multiple rounds, including: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Visual Identification, Rapid-Fire and Buzzer Round.

Participants showcased their knowledge of Goan wildlife species, protected areas, environmental policies, and conservation challenges. Out of all the teams, the top six advanced to the final round. Prizes were awarded to the top three teams, and all participants received certificates of participation.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks, appreciating the efforts of the organizers, participants, and faculty. The Wildlife & Eco-Tourism (South) Division emphasized the importance of such initiatives in fostering environmental awareness among students.

Expected Outcome of the Activity

Students developed a deeper understanding of Goa’s wildlife, conservation efforts, and environmental policies, fostering a sense of responsibility towards nature.

Participation in National Management Day Celebration

Ms. Pallavi Kadam, Ms. Steral Fernandes from SY BBA(FS) and Mr. Yunus Pirjade from FY BBA (FS), represented our college in a Business Quiz Competition organized by M.E.S Vasant Joshi College of Arts & Commerce, Zuarinagar, Vasco, Goa, as part of their National Management Day Celebration on 25th February 2025. The event revolved around the theme “India Tomorrow: Unlocking Industry, Innovation, and Talent,” emphasizing the pivotal role of industry, innovation, and talent in shaping India’s future.

The celebration commenced with a panel discussion featuring renowned industry experts, including Mr. Anirudh Dempo, Mr. D.S. Prashant, and Dr. Niyam Marchom, moderated by Ms. Rina Barreto Shankar. The discussion provided valuable insights into emerging business trends, innovation-driven growth, and talent development in India.

The Business Quiz Competition saw the participation of eight teams from various institutions across Goa. The quiz was structured into multiple challenging rounds, assessing participants’ knowledge in key business domains:

Business Strategies and Corporate Affairs
Emerging Industries and Market Trends
Innovation-Driven Growth in India
Case-Based Problem Solving

The rounds included a buzzer round, a rapid-fire session, and analytical case studies, testing participants’ strategic thinking, quick decision-making, and problem-solving abilities. Despite tough competition, our students performed commendably, demonstrating strong analytical and teamwork skills. This experience was highly enriching, offering students an opportunity to test their knowledge, engage with industry professionals, and refine their critical thinking abilities.

Expected Outcomes of the Activity

The event provided students with deeper insights into business strategies, corporate affairs, and emerging market trends, enhancing their overall business acumen. Engaging in case-based problem-solving and rapid decision-making challenges helped develop critical thinking and analytical skills. Additionally, exposure to industry experts offered valuable knowledge on innovation, talent development, and the evolving business landscape. The  competition also boosted students’ confidence, teamwork, and communication skills while fostering a competitive spirit essential for professional growth.

Web Chronicles – Transforming Ideas into Web Realities

The TechTrendz Club of the Department of Computer Science successfully organized “Web Chronicles – Transforming Ideas into Web Realities”, a website designing competition, on 25th February 2025. The event was held from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM in Lab 1 and witnessed enthusiastic participation from 20 students (15 males, 05 females).

The theme for the competition was “Music Concert,” where participants, in teams of two, were required to develop either a static or dynamic website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Each team was allotted 1 hour and 30 minutes to code their website, followed by a 2-minute presentation explaining their work. Ms. Ankita Naik, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science, served as the judge, evaluating the websites based on the following criteria:

Creativity and originality
Functionality and responsiveness
Aesthetics and design quality
Code complexity and efficiency
Adherence to the given theme

The event provided a valuable platform for students to showcase their web development skills, problem-solving abilities, and innovative thinking while working under time constraints. Additionally, the competition enhanced their presentation and communication skills, as participants had to articulate their design choices effectively. The flyer and brochure for the event were designed by Miss Aarti Solanki from SY BVoc (ST). The event received positive feedback from participants, who displayed great enthusiasm and creativity.

The Student Coordinator, Faculty Coorinator of the event were:

Student Coordinator: Miss Aifa Shaikh, from TYBCA, Div B

Faculty Coordinator: Asst. Prof. Samira Vengurlekar

Winners:

1st Place: Miss Apsara Ghorasaini & Miss Shravya Shetty, students from TYBCA, Div B
2nd Place: Mr. Jayden Fernandes & Mr. Abhishek Kesavan, students from TYBCA, Div B
3rd Place: Mr. Suraj Maurya & Mr. Meghnath Ghadi, students from FY BVoc.(ST)

Expected Outcomes of the Activity

The competition significantly contributed to students’ technical proficiency by enhancing their skills in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in website development. Participants  demonstrated creative thinking by designing unique and innovative websites while ensuring alignment with the given theme. The event also served as an excellent opportunity for students to refine their problem-solving abilities and time management skills, as they had to develop functional websites within a limited timeframe. Additionally, the requirement to present and explain their work to the judge helped students improve their presentation and communication skills, preparing them for real-world professional scenarios.

Winners at Insignia 9.0

The Department of Commerce at Rosary College of Commerce and Arts, Navelim, organized INSIGNIA 9.0, a National Inter-collegiate Event, on 28th February 2025. The event provided students with a platform to showcase their knowledge, analytical skills, and creativity in commerce, management, and extracurricular activities.

The team from our institution exhibited exceptional skills across multiple competitions and emerged as the overall winners of the event. A total of 21 B.Com students (12 males, 09 females) from our institution participated in the event. The list of participants is as follows:

Sr. No
Name of the Student
Class & Div

1
Anupam Pandey
SY B.Com, Div A

2
Abhijit Dhere
SY B.Com, Div D

3
Keneisha Pereira
SY B.Com, Div B

4
Anisa Bista
SY B.Com, Div A

5
Rijul Pathak
SY B.Com, Div C

6
Anushka Fernades
SY B.Com, Div C

7
Vishaka G Gavakar
SY B.Com, Div D

8
Zenon Vaz
SY B.Com, Div C

9
Sudeep Dharwadkar
FY B.Com, Div A

10
Livy Dourado
SY B.Com, Div C

11
Vishal Kubawat
TY B.Com, Div B

12
Kajal Kadam
TY B.Com, Div C

13
Vishaka Kumari
TY B.Com, Div C

14
Saakshi Ganguli
TY B.Com, Div C

15
Harsh Kalal
TY B.Com, Div A

16
Dinesh Kumar
TY B.Com, Div A

17
Kamal Ram
TY B.Com, Div D

18
Ruby Mahato
TY B.Com, Div B

19
Dishhant Naik
TY B.Com, Div D

20
Kartik Sanikatta
TY B.Com, Div D

21
Vedant Patil
TY B.Com, Div A

The students excelled in multiple categories, securing top positions in the following events:

Event
Position
Participants

Beat Bash (Dance Battle)
3rd Place
Vishaka Kumari

Bright Brains (Debate)
1st Place
Saakshi Ganguli, Harsh Kalal

Ad Mad Marathon
2nd Place
Dishant Naik, Ruby Mahato, Sudeep Dharwadkar, Kamal Ram, Harsh Kalal

Cash From Trash
2nd Place
Keneisha Pereira, Karthik Sanikatta

The Street Hustlers (Dance)
1st Place
Vishaka Gavakar, Livy Dourado, Anushka Fernandes, Vishaka Kumari, Kajal Kadam

Velvet Dominion (Fashion Show)
2nd Place
Dishant Naik, Anupam Pandey, Rijul Pathak, Anisa Bista, Keneisha Pereira, Ruby Mahato

Startup Showdown (Business Plan)
1st Place
Harsh Kalal, Saakshi Ganguli

Bizz Battle (Quiz)
–
Sudeep Dharwadkar, Vishal Kubawat

Screen Battle (Short Film)
3rd Place
Dishant Naik, Anupam Pandey, Kamal Ram, Vishal Kubawat, Ruby Mahato, Anisa Bista, Keneisha Pereira

Elite Manager Challenge
1st Place
Vishal Kubawat

Musical Mayhem
1st Place
Kamal Ram, Dinesh Kumar, Rijul Pathak

Shutter Bugs (Photography)
1st Place
Zenon Vaz

Flex Your Team
2nd Place
Vedant Patil

The team was assisted by:

Miss Prachi Naik (SY B.Com)
Miss Sunidhi Angle (SY B.Com)
Arhaan Shaikh (FY B.Com)
Miss Divya Suthar (FY B.Com)
Raghav Shetkar (FY BBA FS)

The outstanding performance of the students is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and academic excellence. Their achievements not only bring pride to the institution but also serve as motivation for their peers to pursue excellence in both academics and co-curricular activities. The faculty in-charge were Assistant Professors Sandesh Gaonkar, Sheryl Sanches and Akshada Gaonkar. Their unwavering support and mentorship played a pivotal role in the success of our students.