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Guest Lecture on “Hindi Bhasha Ka Udbhav Evam Mahattv”

On 4th October 2024, the Department of Hindi of VVM’s Shree Damodar College of Commerce & Economics organized a guest lecture on the topic “Hindi Bhasha Ka Udbhav Evam Mahattv” in classroom 205 from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. A total of 89 (46 male, 42 female) students SY B.Com sections A, B, C, D, and E attended the session, which aimed to deepen students’ understanding and appreciation of the Hindi language.

The lecture featured Dr. Omprakash Tripathi, retired Head of the Department of Hindi at Parvatibai Chowgule College (Autonomous), Margao, who was introduced by SY B.Com student Roshani Marathi. Dr. Tripathi began his lecture by discussing the origin and development of the Hindi language, its various dialects, and its significance in contemporary society.

The lecture achieved its objective as students left motivated to deepen their knowledge of Hindi. Dinesh Kumar from SY B.Com expressed gratitude in a vote of thanks, while Mr. Shehbaaz Sayed from the same class compered the event. The guest lecture was successfully coordinated under the guidance of Assistant Professor Ms. Chaya Velip from the Department of Hindi.

Expected Outcome of the Activity

The lecture aimed to enhance students’ understanding of Hindi’s origin, dialects, and contemporary relevance, fostering greater appreciation for the language and motivating them to further deepen their knowledge.

My Story: Academic Foundations to Corporate Heights: Bridging the Gap from Class to Boardroom

On 4th October 2024, the Department of Computer Science in association with Career Training Internship Placement (CTIP) Cell and Institution’s Innovative Council (IIC) Cell of VVM’s Shree Damodar College of Commerce & Economics organized an insightful session titled “My Story: Academic Foundations to Corporate Heights: Bridging the Gap from Class to Boardroom” aimed to provide students with practical insights into the journey from academia to the corporate world. The session was held in Hall 1 between 12:30 to 2:00 pm. The speaker for the event was Mr. Mangirish Salelkar, CEO of Umang Group, Chairman of Assocham Goa, and a key figure in the formation of the Goa Technology Association (GTA).

Mr. Salelkar shared his inspiring journey, transitioning from a self-proclaimed “lazy last-bench engineering student” to becoming a successful CEO. His story illustrated how persistence, the right mindset, and continuous self-improvement can lead to corporate heights, regardless of early academic struggles.

He emphasized three key pillars essential for success in the IT industry:

Attitude: A positive mindset, willingness to learn, and adaptability are crucial.
Deliverables: Consistently meeting expectations and delivering quality work are essential in any professional field.
Skills:Constant upskilling and staying updated with the latest technology trends can make one indispensable in the ever-evolving IT landscape.

An interactive Q&A session followed, where students posed questions related to Goa’s IT ecosystem, exploring its challenges, opportunities, and potential for growth. Mr. Salelkar, with his deep involvement in the Tech scene in Goa, provided valuable perspectives and encouraged students to be part in strengthening Goa’s IT sector.

Ankita Mishra hosted the session, which was attended by 107 (58 male, 49 female) students and 5 faculty members. Feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive.

Expected Outcome of the Activity: 

The expected outcomes of this activity are designed to inspire, educate, and empower students for successful careers in the IT industry. First, it aims to instill inspiration and motivation by showcasing Mangirish Salelkar’s journey of overcoming challenges to achieve success. His story is intended to inspire confidence among students, encouraging them to believe that success is achievable regardless of academic performance if they adopt a positive attitude, determination, and commitment to self-improvement. Additionally, the session will emphasize the importance of three key pillars for success: Attitude, Deliverables, and Skills. By understanding these pillars, students will appreciate the significance of a positive mindset, adaptability, consistency in work, and continuous skill development to stay relevant in the industry.

The activity also aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and corporate expectations, providing students with insights into the practical applications of their education, the critical role of soft skills, and strategies for professional success. Furthermore, through an interactive Q&A session, students will gain exposure to Goa’s IT ecosystem, which will deepen their awareness of the opportunities and challenges within the local industry. This could spark interest in contributing to Goa’s tech sector, whether through entrepreneurial endeavours or professional roles.

Another important outcome of the session is to facilitate networking and career guidance, offering students the opportunity to connect with an influential industry leader like Mr. Salelkar. This interaction is expected to provide valuable insights into the skills needed to thrive in the corporate world, helping students to gain clarity on their career paths. Finally, Mr. Salelkar’s experience as CEO of Umang Group and his role in founding the Goa Technology Association is anticipated to foster an entrepreneurial spirit among students. His story may encourage some students to explore entrepreneurial ventures or leadership roles within the tech industry. Overall, these outcomes align with the goal of empowering students to bridge their academic foundations with corporate success and inspire them to contribute actively to Goa’s growing technology ecosystem.

Navratri Celebrations

The Staff Recreation Club of Shree Damodar College of Commerce & Economics, organized and celebrated Navratri with great enthusiasm over a span of nine days, starting from 3rd October to 11th October 2024. The objective of celebrating this festival was to honor the cultural significance of Navratri while fostering unity and enhancing staff engagement. Each day highlighted a different aspect of the festival, with faculty members participating enthusiastically in this vibrant celebration. A unique thematic approach was adopted, with participants dressing according to the day’s designated colour, creating a festive and joyful atmosphere.

The celebrations featured daily snacks and beverages in line with the colour theme, and photography sessions were held to capture the memorable moments at the quadrangle/college entrance.

This celebration was a great success and was enjoyed by both teaching and non-teaching staff members of the college. The entire event was meticulously coordinated by Asst. Prof. Lizette D’Costa and Asst. Prof. Pooja Shanbhag, faculty members in-charge of Recreation Club.

Street play on “Cyber Crime Awareness” to commemorate the National Cyber Jagrookta Diwas

To commemorate the National Cyber Jagrookta Diwas on 3rd October 2024, the students of BCA and BVoc.(ST)  programmes under the TechTrendz Club of the Department of Computer Science presented a Konkani street play in the college quadrangle from 10:15 to 10:30 am. The street play raised awareness about critical issues in the digital world, such as hacking on social media, money theft through OTP, and phishing attacks. The play effectively highlighted the consequences of unsafe online behaviour and the need to stay vigilant in the digital space.

The street play was conceptualized and directed by Ms. Rama Borkar, Assistant Professor from the Department of Computer Science.  The faculty in-charge of the event were Asst. Prof. Rama Borkar and Asst. Prof. Rakshavi Dessai. 12 students (6 male, 6 female) participated in the performance. The performance aimed to provide students with an engaging way to understand cybercrimes and promote online safety.

Participating Students:

Anushree Shirodkar (SY BCA, Div A)
Nidhi Nagvenkar (SY BCA, Div A)
Sparsh Hede (SY BCA, Div B)
Daksh Lotlikar (SY BCA, Div A)
Esha Thapa (SY BCA, Div A)
Shaina Kamat (SY BVoc.(ST))
Arya Naik (FY BCA, Div B)
Sharv Lotlikar (FY BCA, Div B)
Shlok Kunkolienkar (FY BCA, Div B)
Trushank Prabhudessai (FY BCA, Div A)
Seval Naik (FY BCA, Div A)
Aishwarya Nayak (FY BCA, Div B)

Expected Outcome of the Activity:

The primary objective of this activity was to enhance students’ awareness of cybercrimes and emphasize the importance of online safety. Through this initiative, students gained knowledge and practical skills to navigate the digital world in a safe and responsible manner.

Session on “Goals Setting and Developing Strategic Plans”

The Counselling Cell in association with the Career Training Internship Placement (CTIP) Cell of VVM’s Shree Damodar College of Commerce & Economics, organized a session titled “Goal Setting and Developing Strategic Plans” on 1st and 5th October 2024, from 08:15 AM onwards for TY BCOM students. The session, held in classrooms S-205 and F-405, was led by college counselor Ms. Eshani Bakhle, with 45 (18 male, 27 female) students participating.

The session aimed at equipping students with essential strategies for effective goal-setting and guiding students to create SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, besides introducing the different types of goals and the principles of effective goal-setting. The speaker highlighted the importance of SMART goals as a structured approach to achieving clarity and focus, providing examples to illustrate each component’s practical applications for academic and personal objectives. She discussed short-term goals: quick wins that serve as stepping stones and Long-term goals: broader aspirations that require sustained effort. Emphasis was placed on balancing both types to maintain motivation. Key principles of goal-setting were also covered, including commitment, clarity, the importance of flexibility in adjusting goals and creating actionable steps for tracking progress.

The session concluded with a Q&A segment, where students engaged with Ms. Eshani, clarifying doubts and sharing experiences. The teacher in charge, Asst. Pof. Pooja Shanbhag, member of CTIP Cell, facilitated the activity.

Expected Outcome of the Activity:

Students will be able to create and set SMART goals. They will be more equipped to develop actionable steps and strategies to achieve their goals, particularly by balancing short-term and long-term objectives. By understanding the principles of goal-setting and how to maintain flexibility and clarity, students may feel more motivated and committed to their academic and personal aspirations.

Cleanliness Drive at Kuskem Waterfall

On 1st October 2024, the NSS Unit, NCC Army, Vasundhara Green Club, and Yuva Tourism Club of VVM’s Shree Damodar College of Commerce & Economics organized a Cleanliness Drive at the scenic Kuskem Waterfall in Canacona, Goa. This initiative aimed to foster environmental awareness and community service among student volunteers, who displayed enthusiastic participation and dedication to preserving the natural beauty of the location.

The event saw enthusiastic participation from 101 students (26 male, 75 female), all equipped with caps, gloves, trash bags, and cleaning tools. The volunteers were divided into groups, with each group assigned to a different section of the waterfall area. Together, they worked to clear plastic bottles, food wrappers, and other litter scattered around the site, resulting in restoring its pristine condition.  By the end of the day, a significant amount of waste had been collected, leaving the waterfall area visibly cleaner and participants with a sense of pride in their contribution.

Overall, the cleanliness drive at Kuskem Waterfall not only improved the environment but also ignited a spirit of responsibility among participants, reminding everyone of the importance of protecting natural spaces for future generations. Plans for future initiatives were discussed to maintain the momentum of this drive and ensure continuous efforts towards environmental preservation. The event concluded with a group photograph, symbolizing participants’ commitment to environmental conservation.

Expected Outcomes of the Activity

The expected outcomes of the cleanliness drive at Kuske Waterfall include a significant reduction in litter and improved aesthetics of the area, fostering a stronger sense of community responsibility among participants. The initiative is likely to raise environmental awareness, encouraging ongoing engagement in environmental stewardship.

BITBUZZ 6.0 – An IT Fest for Higher Secondary Students

On 1st October 2024, the Department of Computer Science at VVM’s Shree Damodar College of Commerce & Economics organized BITBUZZ 6.0, an IT Fest for Higher Secondary students. The event aimed to provide a platform for young talents to showcase their skills and engage in healthy competitions in the field of Information Technology.

The fest commenced with an inaugural ceremony graced by the Chief Guest, Mr. Rohan Warty, Founder of Xervis Global and an alumnus of the College. Mr. Warty delivered an inspiring speech emphasizing the importance of soft skills like confidence, discipline, passion, and work ethic in building a successful IT career. The college also renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two prominent companies, Codemax IT Solutions and Haztech Innovations. The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Codemax Ms. Nestinka Cleta Rebello, along with her team, and Mohshin Shaikh, the CEO of Haztech, were present to mark this significant collaboration. These partnerships aim to enhance the academic and professional development of the students by facilitating industry-driven initiatives, internships, and real-world exposure.

The event commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, symbolizing the illumination of wisdom and knowledge. Prof. Sanjay P. Sawant Dessai, Officiating Principal, delivered a warm welcome address that set an enthusiastic tone for the day. BITBUZZ 6.0 Student Coordinator, Ms. Sujal Naik provided an overview of the planned events, which included competitions like Tech Talks (Presentation) Artsclusive (E- Poster making), Key Smashers (keyboard warriors), Tech Clowns (stand-up comedy),  Geekology (Quiz), Bomb Squad (gaming), Realogic (Reel making), E-waste Wonder (wealth out of e-waste), War of Words (debate) and Bid Wars (Auctioning).

A total of 09 Higher Secondary Schools participated in the events with a total of 115 students (85 male, 30 female):

Damodar Higher Secondary, Gudi Paroda
Loyola Higher Secondary,Margao
S. Angle Higher Secondary, Mashem, Canacona
Rosary Higher Secondary, Navelim
Damodar Higher Secondary of Science, Comba
Swami Vivekananda Higher Secondary, Borim
RMS Higher Secondary
Vidya Vikas Academy
PES SRSN Higher Secondary, Ponda
Damodar Higher Secondary, Gudi Paroda
Loyola Higher Secondary,Margao
S. Angle Higher Secondary, Mashem, Canacona
Rosary Higher Secondary, Navelim
Damodar Higher Secondary of Science, Comba
Swami Vivekananda Higher Secondary, Borim
RMS Higher Secondary
Vidya Vikas Academy
PES SRSN Higher Secondary, Ponda

All the nine higher secondary school teams, accompanied by their teachers, enjoyed an enriching campus tour conducted by faculty members from the Department of Computer Science: Ms. Annette Santimano, Ms. Rama Borkar, Ms. Shruti Kunkolienkar, Ms. Sneha Prabhudessai, and Ms. Rakshavi Dessai. The students explored classrooms featuring smartboards, the expansive library, a dedicated reading room, advanced computer laboratories, multipurpose hall, and college gym.

The event concluded with a valedictory function where Officiating Principal, Prof. Sanjay P. Sawant Dessai acknowledged the competitive spirit of all participants, and a comprehensive report on the day’s activities was delivered by Ms. Ankita Naik. Mr. Ramkrishna Reddy offered an overview of the BCA and BVoc.(ST) programmes and facilities offered by the college, while Faculty Coordinator for BitBuzz 6.0, Mr. Amogh Pai Raiturkar expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants, dignitaries, and volunteers for their invaluable contributions, hard work and enthusiasm in making the event a resounding success. The prize distribution was conducted by Ms. Rama Borkar.

Awards were presented to the top-performing teams, recognizing their achievements and encouraging further exploration in the field of information technology.

The Results of the individual events are as follows:

Events
Winner
RunnerUp
Faculty In-charge

Realogic (Reel Making)
S. S. Angle Higher Secondary School, Mashem
Vidya Vikas Academy, Margao
Sneha Prabhudesai

Artsclusive (E-Poster)
Vidya Vikas Academy, Margao
Swami Vivekanand Higher Secondary, Borim
Girija Gaonkar

Key Smashers
Damodar Higher Secondary of Science
Vidya Vikas Academy, Margao
Rakshavi Dessai

TechTalk
Rosary Higher Secondary, Navelim
RMS Higher Secondary, Margao
Sweta Verenkar, Deepti Kulkarni

Bomb Squad
Swami Vivekanand Higher Secondary, Borim
RMS Higher Secondary, Margao
Andre Pacheco

Bid Wars
RMS Higher Secondary, Margao
Damodar Higher Secondary, Gudi
Ankita Naik

E-Waste Wonders
PES SRSN Higher Secondary, Ponda
Rosary Higher Secondary, Navelim
Samira Vengurlekar,

Vinaya Kirloskar

Geek-O-Logy
S. S. Angle Higher Secondary, Mashem
RMS Higher Secondary, Margao
Ramkrishna Reddy,

Sumit Kumar

Tech Clowns
Swami Vivekanand Higher Secondary, Borim
S. S. Angle Higher Secondary, Mashem
Shruti Kunkolienkar

War of Words
Loyola Higher Secondary, Margao
RMS Higher Secondary, Margao
Sameer Patil,

Yugandhara Joshi

The Winners of BitBuzz 6.0 were R.M. Salgaocar Higher Secondary School, Comba, Margao Goa. The Runners-Up trophy was shared between S.S. Angle Higher Secondary School, Mashem, Canacona, Goa and Swami Vivekananda Higher Secondary, Borim.

The BitBuzz 6.0 logo and brochure was designed by Mr. Sumeet Sawant, student of FY BVoc.(ST). Ms. Sujal Naik, student of TY BCA A and Mr. Kushal Naik, student of SY BVoc.(ST) were the student coordinators for the event. The compere for Inaugural and Valedictory functions were Ms. Ankita Mishra and Ms. Adaa Shaikh respectively, both from FY BCA. The event concluded on a high note, fostering a spirit of collaboration and learning among the young tech enthusiasts.

Expected Outcome of the Activity

BITBUZZ 6.0 provided a platform for higher secondary students to showcase their IT skills. The various events helped in fostering creativity, teamwork, technical excellence, encouraging collaboration, learning, and a passion for IT. It also emphasized the importance of soft skills for a successful IT career. Industry partnerships with Codemax IT Solutions and Haztech Innovations provided students with opportunities for internships and real-world exposure.

State Level Solid Waste Management Workshop and Hackathon

The Department of Commerce and Management, Administrative Staff College of India, IPE Global and the Institution’s Innovation Council, in association with the Directorate of Higher Education, Government of Goa organized State-Level Solid Waste Management Workshop and Hackathon on 27th, 28th September and 5th October 2024 in the Smart Classroom from 9:00 a.m. onwards.

The workshop aimed to create a platform for the 22 participating students to address the challenges faced in solid waste management and disposal in Goa, fostering a culture of product and process innovation with a problem-solving mindset. 8 colleges participated in the event, showcasing their commitment to finding sustainable solutions.

The event commenced on 27th September with three technical sessions. The first session, led by Mr. Kishor Shah, focused on “Problem Identification and Analysis”. This was followed by a session on “Solution Identification” by Mr. Mayuri Bhate, and a session on “Technical Feasibility” by Mr. Samay Shetti addressed. These sessions provided participants with vital skills for addressing key challenges in solid waste management.

On September 28th, the focus shifted to the Business Session, featuring a Business Model Workshop facilitated by Mr. Damodar Patnekar. Discussions on (Minimum Viable Product) MVP and prototype development were conducted by Mr. D. S. Prashant, covering essential steps for transitioning from prototyping to fundraising.

The event concluded on 5th October with a Hackathon competition, where participants showcased their innovative solutions to solid waste management challenges. The judging panel, consisting of Mr. Aaron Rodrigues and Mr. Mohsin Shaikh, evaluated the solutions, awarding Goa Multi Faculty College the first place and Shree Rayeshwar Institute of Engineering & Information Technology College the runners-up position. The event was coordinated by Dr. Maithili Naik and Ms. Swati Bhat, who ensured smooth conduct across all days.

Expected Outcome of the Activity

This initiative encouraged creativity and collaboration among participants, aiming to promote sustainable waste management practices in the region. By engaging students in hands-on problem-solving, the initiative sought to empower them to become proactive environment stewards, aiming to inspire a new generation of leaders dedicated to implementing effective and sustainable waste management strategies in Goa.

Swachh Bharat Diwas

On 1st October 2024, 1 Goa Naval Unit NCC organized the ‘Swachh Bharat Diwas’ as part of the Puneet Sagar Abhiyan at Colva Beach, held from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. The event saw the enthusiastic participation of 169 cadets from various institutions, including Presentation Convent, Vidya Vikas Academy, and VVM’s Shree Damodar College of Commerce & Economics, along with their ANOs and PI staff.

The primary objective of the event was to contribute to the Swachh Bharat Mission by promoting cleanliness and environmental awareness among the cadets and the general public. The Puneet Sagar Abhiyan focuses on cleaning water bodies and coastal areas, was the main theme of the initiative. The beach cleaning drive served as an educational and hands-on initiative to foster a sense of duty towards environmental conservation while contributing to the broader goals of Swachh Bharat and Puneet Sagar Abhiyan.

35 cadets (19males, 15 females) from VVM’s Shree Damodar College were accompanied by Sub. Lt. Pretty Louiza Pereira, ANO of the NCC Naval Wing. The activity highlighted the importance of collective efforts in protecting our natural environment and encouraged participants to actively engage in conservation efforts.

Goa Police Hackathon 2024

The Cyber Crime Cell, Goa Police held its Second Hackathon, a non-stop 48 hours event, inviting all Goan students, regardless of their field of study, to apply their coding and problem-solving skills to address core policing challenges. This event aims to develop digital tools that boost police efficiency and aid in crime detection. Through a collaborative approach, the Hackathon seeks to establish a partnership between Goa Police and students to build a safer society. This initiative encourages the use of technology for public service and nation-building, providing a platform for young innovators to contribute to community safety.

To participate in the event the teams had to register online by September 17, with September 24, being the deadline to submit a two-page abstract for the chosen problem (from among the 9 problem statements) containing an explanation of the Problem statement, proposed solution to the Problem statement, features of the Final solution to be designed, reason for opting for the Problem statement and past expertise in the area (if any). Teams shortlisted based on their abstracts were intimated by September 25, and the 48-hour Hackathon commenced at 7:00 PM on September 27, concluding at 7:00 PM on September 29 at the BITS Pilani, Goa campus. Final presentations were scheduled on 19th October 2024 at the campus.

A team of four BCA students (all males) from the Department of Computer Science of the college participated in the “Goa Police Hackathon 2024,” an event that saw fierce competition among 23 teams from various institutes across Goa, all striving to design innovative solutions for policing.

The participating students were:

Rahul Rajpurohit (TY BCA, Div A)
Ronal Barbosa (TY BCA, Div A)
Rishabh Arolkar (TY BCA, Div A)
Valencio Monteiro (TY BCA, Div A)

The team chose E-BANDOBAST, a digital tool designed to enhance police deployment and monitor personnel movement during large events using real-time location tracking. It allows deployment data, including officer details, duty locations, and supervisory information, to be uploaded in a structured Excel format. Officers receive SMS notifications with check-in links to confirm their presence, and geofencing ensures they remain within designated areas. Deviations trigger instant alerts to supervisors for quick response, while shift completion requires supervisor approval to end tracking. E-BANDOBAST streamlines deployment management, check-ins, and log-offs via SMS integration, boosting efficiency and accountability during large-scale events.

The inaugural ceremony of the Goa Police Hackathon was held at BITS Pilani, Goa, featuring esteemed guests including Shri Alok Kumar, IPS (DGP of Goa), Akshat Kaushal, IPS (North SP of Goa), Rahul Gupta, IPS (South SP of Goa), Prof. Suman Kundu (Director of BITS Pilani), and Prof. Meenal Kowshik (Dean of BITS Pilani).

The final round took place on October 19, from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, where participants presented their projects through a formal presentation and live demonstration. Each team faced questions from the judges, which included SP Rahul Gupta and experts from the IT industry, based on the solutions they developed. The team was asked about handling VIP route management, which was demonstrated to the judges, showcasing its capabilities in ensuring efficient and secure routing during events.

Faculty in-charge:  Asst. Prof. Annette Santimano and Asst. Prof. Deepti Kulkarni from the Department of Computer Science.

Expected Outcome of the Activity

The Goa Police Hackathon 2024 had a significant impact, showcasing the innovative digital solutions created by students to improve police operations and public safety. The 48-hour event fostered social responsibility and technical skills, allowing students to address real-world law enforcement challenges. It strengthened the collaboration between students and law enforcement, encouraging tech-savvy individuals to contribute to community-focused, technology-driven solutions, ultimately helping create a safer, more efficient society.