GRK Master Class (Kare College)

20GRK Master Class was organized by our college in which Mr. Clinton Vaz delivered a lecture on the topic ‘Waste Management and Law on 7th December 2015.

Conserve My Planet – An initiative by Scneider Electric India (VVA Primary/Secondary Section)

1Scneider Electric India conducted an educational project at Vidya Vikas Academy for students of Class 6 to educate young minds about the importance of conserving energy and protecting the environment. The project was held over a period of four months.

The resource persons, Ms. Devika And Ms. Sneha conducted three sessions for the pupils which included painting, tree planting activity and a quiz based on the topic ‘Conserve my Planet’.
Thereafter ten students were selected to participate in an extempore. Master Vaibhav Prabhudesai was shortlisted for the finals.
In the finals held on 11th December at the Ganesh Daivajna Auditorium, Master Vaibhav Prabhudesai bagged the 2nd place.

Staff Co-ordinators : Tr. Sushma Kalghatgi and Mrs. Merexi D’Silva

Law Day Celebration (Kare College)

College has celebrated Law day on 26th November 2015 which was organised by our students and various activities like poster competition, talk, quiz, etc. were conducted by our students.

September – October 2015 News (Damodar College)

Change the Mindset Programme – 1st September 2015

E-Cell of the college inaugurated a three day “Change the Mindset: Aspiring Entrepreneurs Workshop” in association with I-Create Inc. and GCCI. This initiative by the E-Cell of the college is aimed at inculcating entrepreneurial spirit amongst the students and to encourage them to consider entrepreneurship as a viable career option. President of VidyaVikas Mandal, CA Shri. Ganesh Daivajna and Shri VikramVerlekar, Vice-Chairman, Governing Council of Shree Damodar College, welcomed the gathering. Shri. Daivajna impressed upon the students that our economy could move forward only through entrepreneurship, as there were not enough employment opportunities for graduates, passing out through various professional as well as non-professional colleges.

Chief Guest at the inaugural function Shri.Shekhar Sardesai, Chairman, Kineco Pvt. Ltd. in his inspirational address emphasized on perseverance, determination, integrity and focus, as being the key success factors in business. He also intrigued the students with his personal experiences and how he developed his organisation into one that sources components to Boeing and Airbus today.The Guest of Honour Shri. Manish Gosalia, Regional Coordinator, I Create, Goa, exposed the students to various entrepreneurial ideas and to the novel concept of intrapreneurship, he commended the efforts of the E-Cell headed by Dr. Rodney D’Silva in promoting entrepreneurship at the grass root level. He also congratulated the College on the achievement of a student from the previous batch, who had made it to the National level of the Business Plan competition.

Principal Dr.Prita D. Mallya proposed the vote of thanks. The program was co-ordinated and compered by Mrs. Maithili S. Naik.

I.T. Project Management Guest Lecture – 4th September 2015

An interactive session in the subject of IT Project Management was conducted by the Department of Computer Science (BCA Programme) for Third Year BCA students. The Guest Faculty was Mr. Chetan Dattaram Rane, Team Lead from ‘Persistent Systems Limited’, Verna – Goa.

During the session, he explained the importance of IT Project Management in general, and the implementation of the concepts and the tools at Persistent Systems Limited, in specific. He enlighten upon the skills set required by the Project Manager and how to manage the Project Group in extreme situations. He also shared his personal industrial experience with the audience in managing projects and stakeholders.
The feedback taken for the session was motivating for us as suggestions were there to conduct more similar sessions in the future in different subject areas. We are thankful to the Guest Faculty, and the students for the smooth conduct of the session.

Teachers’ Day Celebration – 5th September 2015

Teachers’ Day was celebrated by the Students Council. Former teachers were invited and felicitated by the college students. All the teachers appreciated the efforts put in by all the students. The event was sponsored by Yes Bank. Students organized various games, spot prizes for the teachers and performed dances and recited poetry.

Shaping Young Minds Programme – 8th September 2015 

The students of the BBA department attended ‘Shaping Young Minds Programme’ organized by the All India Management Association (AIMA) held at the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO). The programme featured prominent speakers from diverse backgrounds who shared their life experience with the students. A total of 50 students from BBA(FS) accompanied by Miss. Cinola vaz attended the programme. Mr. Ashok V. Chowgule, the President of Goa Management Association and Executive director of Chowgule & Co Pvt Ltd delivered the welcome address.

The first session speaker was Mrs. Anu Aga, a member of the Rajya sabha and Director of Thermax Ltd. who spoke about her journey from a social worker to a Director. The session was followed by a question-answer round wherein a six member student panel was given a chance to interact with her on the dais.

The second session started with an address by Mr. Prabhu Chawla, the Editorial Director of the New Indian Express Group. The session was moderated by Mr. Vishnu Surya Wagh, a journalist and prominent MLA. The session was followed by an interaction with the student panel and the audience. Avita Noronha and Shaizad Hajiamin, both from FY BBA(FS) , were selected to be a part of the student panel.

After lunch, the third sessions was addressed by Justice N Santosh Hegde, former Lokayukta of the Government of Karnataka. The session was moderated by Mr. Prabhakar Timble, the former Election Commissioner of Goa. Justice N Santosh Hegde spoke at length about the challenges faced by the Indian Judicial system and how we as individuals could do our part to ensure a better judicial system. The session was followed by an interaction with the student panel and the audience. Trisha George from TY BBA(FS) and Nidhi from FY BBA(FS) were a part of the student panel.

The fourth and final session was addressed by Celebrity Chef Sanjeev Kapoor who spoke about his jouney in the Hospitality Industry and his experience as a Chef with his own cooking show. The session was moderated by Wendell Rodricks, a Fashion Designer and Goan Environmental Activist. This session was also followed by an interactive session with a panel composed of students from the Hotel Management Industry.
The programme ended with Vote of thanks and felicitation of the people who made the event a success.

Talk On “ USING EXCEL IN FINANCE” – 10th September 2015

BBA(FS) Department organised a talk by CA. Satyaprakash Kamat on using excel in Finance.
Principal welcommed the gattering followed by speech by CA Anup Borkar. The Registrar of the Company gave an inspiring talk on investor awareness. He motivated the students to help in the development of society.

CA. Satyaprakash Kamat commenced the session by informing the students with the importance of excel and how all financial calculations needs to be done using excel. After providing with the theoretical knowledge, Mr. Kamat started with the practical session.
Practical session included calculations of EMI’s, Age and the loan payments. This session was linked to the theoretical knowledge they get through syllabus. He also taught the students important basic and financial formulas which can help the students in their near future.

The session ended by directing students for careers in accounting.

Talk on “HEALTH AND NUTRITION” – 12th September 2015

The Equal Opportunity Cell of Shree Damodar College of Commerce and Economics organized a talk on “HEALTH AND NUTRITION”. The Session began with the welcome address by the Principal Dr. (Mrs.) Prita D. Mallya followed by the introduction of the Resource person by Mrs. Ekta Agarwal , co-ordinator of the program. The Resource person for the Talk was Nutritionist Harpreet Pasricha. She is a post graduate in food and nutrition ,she is also certified practitioner in Neutrigenomics. Harpreet has a certification from International Sports Sciences Association, USA. She has been providing individuals with the ultimate solution to their weight loss problems by steering them through the maze of foods .Her passion and drive to create an awareness of healthy food habits is evident from a book co-authored her titled Nourish with Food & Flourish with Health.

Harpreet Pasricha talked about transforming the lifestyle. The event turned out to be Healthier and Nutritious session which had a participation of 150 plus students and teaching staff of Damodar College. Overall it was a very fruitful learning experience to all the students and staff about how Diets play a very important role in every individual’s life.

Industrial Visit to Nestle India Chocolate factory – 17th September 2015

As an initiative towards inculcating entrepreneurial Spirit and increasing Industry interaction among students, the T.Y.BCom students were taken on an Industrial Visit to Nestle India Chocolate factory,Usagao-Goa on 23rd September 2015. The students were briefed on the history and products of Nestle and exposed to the various intricacies of its factory operations. They also got an opportunity to closely understand the production, marketing and packaging practices of Nestle India. 26 students participated in the Visit.

The students were accompanied by Faculty members: Ms. Maithili S. Naik and Ms. Prachi Kolamkar.

Talk on “Disaster Management” – 2nd October 2015

NSS( National Service Scheme) organised a talk on Disaster Management .The speaker on the occasion was Shri. Nitin Raiker, Deputy Director, Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services, Govt. of Goa.

Ms.Namrata Haldankar introduced the guest speaker to the students. Shri.Nitin Raiker in his speech spoke about the meaning of disaster, types of disaster, agencies involved for the rescue & rehabilitation programs in case of disaster and what needs to be done in case disaster occurs. He also shared some valuable inputs. Ms. Leena Sadekar NSS Officer proposed the vote of thanks .

Faculty Development Programme organised by IQAC – 3rd October-10th October 2015

The IQAC of the College organized a teacher training programme to provide the teachers with necessary knowledge and training to innovate and implement best practices under the various criteria wherein Colleges are evaluated by NAAC. Informative sessions were conducted by experts invited from within and outside Goa. 37 teachers of our College actively participated in the faculty development programme.

The Commemoration of the Birth anniversary of Late President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (VVA Primary/Secondary Section)

Report by: Mrs. Tania Monteiro, Vice-Principal,
Vidya Vikas Academy, Margao Goa

The Commemoration of the birth anniversary of Late President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was held on 15th October 2015, at Vidya Vikas Academy.

It was a no school bag day from the Pre-Primary to Class 12. Various activities were conducted to instill in the students the value of Reading, importance of Science and relevance of Art in our daily lives.
The library section arranged for books on display of well known authors, Indian as well as International. Books written by Late Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam were also put on display. Literary activities were the highlights where some students spoke on various authors and their passion and love for books.

The Hindi Section also conducted activities in Hindi poetry recitation and quotes of Late Dr. A. P. J. Kalam. The Music section organized ‘Songs of Kalam’ where songs with a positive message were sung by a group of students.

A science exhibition was organized by the Senior Secondary Section, showcasing their talents in Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Computer Science. Highlights of this exhibition were working model of solar tree, kidney, automated street light, perpetual energy generator model, the creation of Hovercraft model etc. The exhibition was open for Classes 8, 9 and 10.
The Art section put up a very innovative and creative sand animated show, where by some students of Class 8, 9 and 10 designed visuals (using sand as a medium for expression) based on the inspirations from Dr. A. P. J. Kalam quote ‘Empowerment of Women leads to the development of a good nation’.

Students of Classes 6 to 12 also participated in a unique community art project ‘Dear Kalam Sir’ created by Letter Fams, Kochi, Kerala. The School arranged for simple postcards and students wrote, painted or did a drawing to pay tribute to late Dr. A. P. J. Kalam. Later these postcards were posted to a given address in Kochi.

Classes 1 to 12 Students had a special assembly in their individual classes and had posters and models of science displayed in their classrooms. It was an enriching experience for the students as well as a happy day for them in school as they had no books to carry to school.

ADVENTZ – Youth For Tomorrow Festival (VVA Primary/Secondary Section)

19On 24th October 2015, Adventz, Youth for Tomorrow Festival powered by Zuari Global was held at the Ganesh Daivajna Auditorium at the G.R. Kare College of Law from 11am to 2pm.

Mr. Alex Pacheco, GM, Manufacturing, Zuari Agro Chemicals Ltd. welcomed the gathering. The Vice Principal, Mrs. Tania Monteiro addressed the gathering and appreciated the initiative taken by Adventz and efforts put in by the students.

The competition comprised of two parts:

PART 1: Elocution – in which 15 students participated.
The topics were: Envisioning the Goa of tomorrow, Does sustainability and development go hand in hand?, Reimagining careers in Goa

The winner was Lysander Lopes, 1st runner up – Trusha Ganesh and 2nd runner up – Chantal D’Costa
They spoke very eloquently.

PART 2: Solo Singing Competition in which 13 students participated.
The Winner was Sneiden Fernandes, 1st Runner up – Bevan Fernandes and 2nd Runner up – Danielle Fernandes.
The singers rocked the stage. The winners Lysender Lopes and Sneiden Fernandes represented the school at the semifinals held in Margao on 28th November 2015.

Lysender Lopes and Sneiden Fernandes were qualified for the final round which was held at Kala Academy, Amphitheatre, on 2nd December 2015. Lysender Lopes was declared the winner in the Elocution Competition and Sneiden Fernandes was the winner of the Solo Singing Competition. Each one won a cash prize of Rs. 50000/- and a mini IPad-3.

The elocution competition was coordinated by Tr.Sandra Mesquita while the solo singing by Sir Neil D’Cruz.

VVA Students Visit Orphanage (VVA Snr. Sec. Section)

3On 24th October 2015 students of Vidya Vikas Academy Senior Secondary Section along with their teaching staff visited Sister Valentina’s ‘Little Heaven’ an orphanage at Colva.

We had taken along lot of items to donate. Among the items were pulses, towels, notebooks, sugar, rice, etc. At the orphanage there were around 60 to 70 kids ranging from age group 1 month to 18 years. We performed a song for them and spent some time talking and getting to know them. All the children were happy, sang a song for us, enjoyed with us and engaged in talk with us.

After sometime of fun it was time to say goodbye to these amazing kids. After a hearty goodbye we left the orphanage feeling happy that we had brought smiles to some of the children.

World Food Day (VVA Primary/Secondary Section)

22A Special Assembly was held by the students of Class Sr.Kg C to celebrate the World Food Day. A short skit was put up to show different kind of ‘food we eat’ and the need and importance of food in our life. A special song on “food” was sung by all the children of the Pre-Primary Section.

Students along with their teachers made delicious ‘Fruit Salad’ and made charts and posters of various food items which were displayed on the display board.

Students of Class 2B also conducted an assembly to mark the ‘World Food Day’. Fruit and Vegetable carving activity was conducted and charts with variety of food posters were displayed in the classroom.

The assembly for the Pre-Primary was conducted by Tr. Genesia while for Classes 1 & 2, the assembly was co-ordinated by Tr. Olga.

Science Exhibition Held (VVA Snr. Sec. Section)

To commemorate the birth anniversary of our former President Scientist Late Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, Vidya Vikas Academy Senior Secondary Section organised a Science Exhibition on 15th October 2015.

The exhibition was inaugurated at the hands of Mr. Abhay Bhamaikar (CEO of Vibrant Skill Sets Solutions). He has interest in activities related to science. He is also the organizer of Budding Scientists of India.

Science exhibition was organised with a view to encourage and inculcate a scientific temper amongst students. The students showcased their talents in Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Computer Science. The students put up an array of exhibits at exhibition organised in the school hall.

There were a number of working models on display as part of the exhibition. Exhibits included human battery, thermoelectric generator, working model of solar tree, working model of kidney, automated street light, perpetual energy generator model, the creation of hovercraft model, etc. High school students visited the science exhibition.

The event was organised by Tr. Pooja Desai, Tr.Shaheena Basha and. Tr. Shilpa Sukumaran.

V.M Salgaocar Elocution Competition (VVA Primary/Secondary Section)

10The Inter-School V. M. Salgaocar Memorial Elocution Competition is conducted every year by the V.M. Salgaocar Bros. Pvt. Ltd. in association with M.R. Pai Foundation and Forum of Free Enterprise – Mumbai.

The objective is to encourage school students to learn the art of public speaking, gain confidence and develop love for the spoken and written word.
The competition comprises 3 levels: Intra School Level, Inter – School Zonal Level, Inter School Finals

The first Intra School round was conducted at Vidya Vikas Academy, on 10th October 2015 at 10.00am. It was attended by Mr. Anup Bhat, a representative of the V.M. Salgaocar Bro. Pvt. Lt.d. The competition was judged by Mrs. Enny D’Souza, Pre-Primary Consultant and Mrs. Tanula Cotta e Fernandes, Special Educator.

The participants spoke on the following topics:

  1. Waste Management – Need of the hour
  2. Goa – Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
  3. Exams, True indicators of a students ability?

Mast. Lysender Lopes of Class 10A won the competition and will be participating in level 2 which will be held in November. Miss Surabhi Aswath of Class 10A was the runner up. The winner was awarded with a cash prize of Rs. 1000/- and the runner up was awarded Rs. 750/-. All the participants were presented & participation certificates.

Mrs. Sanjyot Bhembre co-ordinated the competition.