Categories Uncategorized

Industrial Visit

An Industrial visit was organized for the students of TY B.Com A & B Division (Accounting Specialization) on 6th January 2024 to IFB Industries Ltd., Verna. The objective of the visit was to provide students with practical exposure to industrial processes and operations. This initiative aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom and real-world application in the industry.

The visit commenced with an informative session by the Manager of the HR Department providing an overview of the company’s history, mission, and core business activities. This set the stage for a better understanding of the industrial processes witnessed during the visit. Students were taken on a comprehensive tour of the entire manufacturing plant by personnel from the HR & Operations Department. The visit covered various sections, including production units, quality control labs, and research and development facilities. Students had the opportunity to observe and learn about the practical implementation of the concepts they had studied in their academic courses.  The industrial visit provided students with a holistic view of industrial processes, enabling them to appreciate the complexities involved in the day-to-day operations of a manufacturing unit. It also helped in broadening their perspectives on potential career paths within the industry.

50 students accompanied by Asst. Professor Ainsley Bernard were a part of the visit.

Workshop on how to write a Book/Article Review

The IQAC in collaboration with the Department of Commerce & Management organised a workshop on ‘How to write a book/article review’ for the students of TY B.Com on 5th January 2024. The workshop aimed to guide TY B.Com students in completing assignments related to Book Reviews. Ms. Manasi Rege, the College Librarian, served as the Resource Person for the workshop. Dr. Shami Pai, the faculty in charge, welcomed and introduced the Resource Person.

Ms. Manasi initiated the session by presenting a video of a Book Review for “The Blue Umbrella” by Ruskin Bond. Subsequently, she delved into the meaning and necessity of a book review, providing a detailed explanation of its structure. The presentation also included tips for writing an effective book review, along with examples of Book Review Platforms. Ms. Manasi extended her discussion to cover the procedure and structure of article reviews.

As a part of appreciation and reward, it was decided that the best 10 book reviews will be kept in the library for reference by other students and visitors. The presentation was followed by Q&A Session. Dr Edwin Barreto, Head, Department of Commerce & Management proposed the Vote of Thanks.

NCC(Army) Annual Training Camp (ATC)

The NCC Annual Training Camp (ATC) was conducted successfully at Sulcorna, Quepem Goa by the 1 Goa BN NCC from 22nd to 31st December 2023. The camp aimed to enhance the overall skills, discipline, and leadership qualities of the cadets, fostering a sense of patriotism and instilling a spirit of service to the nation. NCC Cadets of VVM`s Shree Damodar College participated enthusiastically.

The Objectives of the camp were:

·         To improve physical fitness and endurance.

·         To impart theoretical and practical knowledge of military drills and tactics.

·         To enhance leadership and teamwork skills.

·         To promote a sense of responsibility and discipline.

·         To inculcate values of patriotism and national pride.

The event brought together cadets from various colleges to compete in a series of challenging drills and exercises. NCC Army Wing Cadets clinched victories in various competitions, showcasing their exceptional skills, discipline, and commitment. In a resounding display of excellence and commitment, NCC Army Wing cadets the College emerged victorious, securing the prestigious “Best College Award”. The cadets were trained and led by ANO Lt. Sandesh Gaonkar.

The Competitions won by NCC Army Wing cadets of VVM’s Shree Damodar Colleg are:

1.Best Institution trophy- SD

2. Winners of Drill competition- SW

3. Winners of X- Country – SD

4.Winners of Solo dance competition-SD

5.Best Cadet in Drill- SD

6. 2nd place in group dance – SD/SW

7. 2nd place as a Best Cadet overall – SD

8. 3rd place in individual Drill-SW

9. 3rd place in Solo Singing- SW

10. 3rd place in Essay writing – SW

11. 3rd place cross country -SW

12. 3rd place Essay writing -SD

Various training Activities conducted were:

A. Physical Training:

·         Morning drills and exercises to improve fitness levels.

·         Obstacle courses and adventure activities for physical endurance.

B. Military Drills and Tactics:

·         Drill sessions focusing on marching, saluting, and parade movements.

·         Tactical training sessions covering basic military maneuvers.

C. Leadership and Team Building:

·         Leadership workshops and practical exercises.

·         Team-building activities to foster camaraderie and cooperation.

D. Specialized Training:

·         Workshops on first aid and emergency response.

·         Introduction to map reading and navigation skills.

The outcomes of this camp are:

·         Physical Fitness: Significant improvement in the overall physical fitness of the cadets.

·         Discipline and Conduct: Cadets exhibited exemplary discipline and conduct throughout the camp.

·         Leadership Development: Identified and honed leadership qualities among cadets through various activities.

·         Specialized Skills: Cadets demonstrated proficiency in first aid and emergency response.

·         Challenges: Despite the overall success of the camp, the Cadets faced adverse weather conditions, logistics and infrastructure issues and minor medical incidents.

The Annual Training Camp proved to be a valuable experience for NCC cadets, contributing to their holistic development. The lessons learned during the camp will undoubtedly contribute to the character building and future success of the cadets.

Damodar Utsav

The vibrant spirit of celebration filled the air as the Students’ and Cultural Councils of the College celebrated the much-anticipated Damodar Utsav from 21st to 23rd December 2023.

The theme for Day 1 – Holly Jolly Christmas (December 21)

Off-stage Event: Ornament Making

Students showcased their creativity through handmade ornaments for Christmas decorations. The event was judged by Dr. Monica Patil and the winners of this festive competition were:

1st place-Anusha Rodrigues; 2nd place -Lavanya Mhapsekar; 3rd place – Alita Fernandes

On -Stage Event: Carol Singing

Melodious voices filled the air during the enchanting Carol Singing competition where students from different programmes participated. The event was judged by Ms. Jean Braganza and Mr. Kevin Andre. The triumphant winners were:

1st place – Group of Aemisha Azavedo, Alrich Fernandes, Vaibhav Girap, Glyn Gomindes, Ivon Fernandes, Zia Fernandes and Deuzilia

2nd place – Group of Dr. Lira Menzes Gama, Ms. Lizette D’Costa, Kewell Fernandes, Shawn Fernandes, Brionna Noronha, Cidel Rodrigues, Sejal Goes and Riva Fernandes

3rd place – Gliffa Dias, Jolito Costa, Aveena Moura, Valinie Fernandes, Chris Dias, and Marvon Almeida

On Stage Event: Ballroom Dancing (Couple Dance)

The dance floor came alive with the graceful movements of couples through dances like Waltz, Salsa, and Cha cha cha.  The event was judged by Dr. Lira Gama, Ms. Alba De Sa, and Ms. Annette Santimano. The top performers in Ballroom Dancing were:

1st place- Group of Alrich Fernandes, Sheryl Anto, Ivon Fernandes, and Sunia Boruah

2nd place – Group of Osury Rodrigues, Hester Carvalho, Arafat, Atharva Shikhare, Leebon and Angel Costa

3rd place – Mujimil Shaikh and Khushi Nambiar

On-Spot Event: Christmas Reel Making

Quick thinking and creativity were on display as students crafted Christmas reels on the spot. The event was judged by Asst. Professors, Ms. Samira Vengurlekar and Ms. Shweta Shet Verenkar. The deserving winners were:

1st place – Petalia Coutinho; 2nd place – Neeraj Aroskar and 3rd place – Tanya Silveira

Off-Stage Event: Christmas Platter

Students showcased their culinary skills by presenting homemade sweets, which were Goan traditional Christmas sweets. The event was judged by Asst. Professors Ms. Pooja Shanbhag and Ms. Alba De Sa. The winners in the Christmas Platter competition were:

1st  place – Petalia Coutinho and Sachin Chaudhary

2nd place – Venedict Gomes and Alita Fernandes

3rd place- Shanawaz Hubli and Shine Dsouza

Off-Stage Event: Christmas Greeting Card

In a spur-of-the-moment challenge, students demonstrated their artistic talents in crafting Christmas cards on A4/A5 size papers within the time limit of one hour. The event was judged by Asst. Professors Ms. Snigdha Naik and Ms. Delisha Rebello. The winners were:

1st  place – Sushnieta Chawan

2nd place – Nelcy Kullu

3rd place – Looluwa Gundar

Day 2 – When Tradition Meets Western (December 22)

On Stage Event: Antakshari

Harmony filled the auditorium as students and teachers participated in group Antakshari, which had four different rounds with twists. The event was judged by Asst. Professor Ms. Pooja Shanbhag. The winners of this musical battle were:

1st place: Team BCA- Astha, Anushree, Esha, Hema with teachers Shruti Kuncolienkar and Sweta Shet Verenkar

2nd place: Team M.Com – Pranav, Vallabh, Shahnawaz, and Ibrahim, with teachers Valencia Baptista and Edrea Picardo

3rd place: Team B.Com- Soham, Omkar, Anish, and Shambhavi with teachers Lizette D’Costa and Marjina Shaikh

On-Stage Event: Fusion Dance

The fusion of traditional and Western dance styles captivated the audience. The dance was performed in a group and the time limit was 2-4 mins. The event was judged by Asst. Professors Ms. Ankita Naik, Ms. Edrea Picardo, and Ms. Snigdha Naik. The outstanding performers in Fusion Dance were:

1st place: Team Divine Dancers – Bhoviya Dharennavar – SY B.Com (A), Kajal Kadam – SY B.Com(B), Vishakha Kumari – SY B.Com (C), Tejal Redkar – SY B. Com (C)

2nd place: Team Diva Drift – Nitya Bhat SY BBA(FS) A, Pavitra Gadkar BBA(FS) B, Shweta BBA(FS) B

3rd place: Cool Movers – Vishaka G Gavakar – FY B.Com B, Nilakshi Chari – FY B.Com C, Prachita Arondekar – FY B. Com E 

Off-Stage Event: Treasure Hunt

Students embarked on a thrilling adventure to discover hidden treasures across the campus. Where they had to go through five elimination rounds which were tasks and games. The victorious treasure hunters were:

1st place: Sathvik Satardekar, Mayank Jalora and Yash Kaskar

Off-Stage Event: Tug of War

Teams displayed strength and teamwork in the intense tug-of-war competition, where the Teams were divided into groups of 8 (6 boys and 2 girls) and it was a best of three pulls. Amidst cheering from the crowd, the champions were:

1st place winners: Yashraj Fal Dessai, Siya Gauns Dessai, Yaman Redkar, Nunzio Barreto, Kedar Sattarker, Ashish Adawade, Jwella Gonsalves, Saharsh Metri

Day 3 – Masquerade Ball (December 23)

Off-Stage Event: Standup Comedy

Laughter echoed through the hall as students showcased their comedic talents. The Stand-up Comedy Act was held on 23rd December 2023, in the Smart Classroom. The allotted time slot was 5 minutes to entertain the audience. The Judges for the competition were Assistant Professors, Ms. Saruka Kalgutkar and Mr. Ainsley Bernard.

After their performances, the top three participants were selected based on their creativity, delivery, and audience response. The deserving winners in Stand-up Comedy were –

1st place: Frazer Menezes (M. Com)

2nd place: Siddhivinayak Hadpad (BCA)

3rd place: Mujimil Shaikh (BCA)

On-Stage Event: Mr and Miss Damodar

TY B. Com and M. Com Part II students vied for the titles of Mr and Miss Damodar. The event consisted of three rounds. Round 1 was the Ramp walk and introduction round where participants introduced themselves. Round 2 was the Talent Round where they had to showcase their talents and the final round was the question-and-answer round. The event was judged by Asst. Professors Mr. Ramakrishna Reddy and Ms. Sheryl Sanches.

Kushal Vidya was crowned Mr. Damodar and Nandhana M. R was crowned Miss Damodar.

The day also marked the unveiling of the logo and event dates of the Inter-collegiate event Anantara.

The event concluded with a DJ and students dancing enthusiastically. The success of Damodar Utsav was attributed to the collective efforts of the Council members, comperes, student volunteers, and event heads, guided by the dedicated teacher in charges, Dr. Sheetal Arondekar, and Dr. Maithili Naik.

Damodar Utsav 2023 was a resounding success, bringing joy and camaraderie to the Damodar College community. The overall winners of the event were the B.Com group of students.

NOS: Employability and Entrepreneurship skills

The Department of Computer Science organized a training session on Employability and Entrepreneurship skills for FY B.Voc.(ST) students from 11th September 2023 to 10th January 2024 as part of the skill component of the JSD Module Qualification Pack. The primary objective was to enhance the employability and entrepreneurial potential of the students, covering a range of topics, including stress management, interview preparation, effective resume writing, digital literacy, money matters, and understanding entrepreneurship.

Ms. Eshani Bakhle, College Counselor, served as the Resource Person for the initial session held on 11th September, 2023, addressing the topic “Stress Management” from 12:15 pm to 1:15 pm. The session was comprehensive and interactive, covering stress identification, time management, coping mechanisms, and seeking help. The aim was to equip students with practical tools to navigate life’s challenges, fostering a supportive environment for open discussions. Practical techniques for identifying and coping with stress were shared to help students navigate the challenges they may encounter in their professional journey.

Mr. Andre Pacheco led the second session on “Digital Literacy” on 26th September 2023, from 10:15 am to 11:15 am, intending to enhance students’ understanding of digital tools crucial in academic and professional spheres. The session provided insights into basic digital skills, online presence, and the importance of staying updated with the latest technological trends to remain competitive in the job market.

Mr. Jayant Panvelkar, Assistant Professor in Management, led the third session on “Money Matters” on 3rd October 2023, from 12:15 pm to 2:00 pm. Financial literacy was addressed to prepare students for the financial aspects of their professional lives, covering budgeting, saving and investment basics. The segment aimed to empower students with the necessary financial knowledge to make informed decisions about their personal and professional futures.

Ms. Sailee Borkar, Deputy Manager (HR) at Vidya Vikas Mandal, served as the Resource Person for the fourth session held on 4th, 12th, and 13th October 2023. The session focused on “Interview Preparation and Crafting an Effective Resume.” Interview preparation was a key focus, with insights and tips provided to enhance students’ readiness for job interviews. Mock interview sessions were conducted to simulate real-world scenarios, allowing students to build confidence and refine their communication skills. Additionally, the significance of a well-crafted resume was emphasized, and students were guided on creating impactful resumes tailored to the specific requirements of the IT industry.

Mr. Gaurish Lad, Entrepreneur and Owner of AIM Higher, Margao, led the fifth session on the topic “Understanding Entrepreneurship” on 10th January 2024, from 8:00 to 10:00. The training session delved into the realm of entrepreneurship, introducing students to the fundamentals of entrepreneurial thinking. Through case studies and success stories, students gained inspiration and insights into innovation and risk-taking, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset.

The Employability & Entrepreneurship Skills training session was a valuable and enriching experience for the students. The teacher in-charge for the NOS: Employability & Entrepreneurship Skills was Ms. Vinaya Kirloskar, Assistant Professor in Commerce.

All India Trekking Expedition -Kerala Trek-I

The All India Trekking Expedition – Kerala Trek-I was organized by 18 K Battalion NCC(Kerala) in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Kulamavu in Idukki district of Kerala from 22nd to 29th  December 2023. The primary objective of the camp was to instill self-confidence in cadets and prepare them to face challenges in any environment.

Upon arrival, Brig. Biju Shantharam, the Director of the Kerala Trek -I, addressed the 510 cadets and ANOs. He extended a warm welcome to the cadets from five different directorates, namely Karnataka and Goa Directorate, Kerala and Lakshadweep Directorate, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Directorate, Tamil Nadu Directorate, and Maharashtra Directorate. The main activity of the camp, trekking, was conducted through four different routes, including two educational treks and two treks to tourist places. Major General J S Mangat, VSM, ADG Kerala and Lakshadweep Directorate, presented a token of appreciation to Karnataka and Goa Directorate for their exceptional skills during the camp.

2 Cadets from Damodar College namely, Cadet Omkar Verlekar and Cadet Sweetu Kumar represented Karnataka and Goa Directorate in the All India Trekking Expedition – Kerala Trek-I.

The selection of cadets for this camp was based on physical and medical tests.

Sagar Manthan Program

Panchjanya had organized ‘Sagar Manthan’ Conclave on 24th December 2023 at Novotel Goa Dona Sylvia Resort, South Goa on the occasion of the birthday of Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji, the founding editor of the weekly news magazine ‘Panchjanya’ and former Prime Minister. The conclave focused on Good Governance: Politics 2.0.

Eminent people from different fields such as Union Minister Anurag Thakur, Rajiv Chandrashekhar, General VK Singh, Nitin Gadkari, and State Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant, were part of the ‘Sagar Manthan’ program. During the conclave, various aspects of future India, environment, welfare schemes and good governance were discussed.

The program was attended by Mr. Sanjay Velip, NSS PO Incharge, Ms. Saruka Kalgutkar, NSS PO and Ms. Akshada Gaonkar NSS PO along with 102 students from our college.

Pop up Bazaar

The Department of Commerce & Management’s Commerce Club organized a two-day Pop-Up Bazaar on 21st and 22nd December, 2023, adjacent to the Multipurpose Hall, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The primary objective was to foster the development of budding entrepreneurs within the college by furnishing them with a platform to gain business exposure. The bazaar showcased a diverse range of stalls vending snacks, sweets, and beverages.

A total of 09 stalls were set up for the event, 05 on Day 1 and 04 on Day 2. 41 students from FY B.Com C division actively participated in the activity. This activity was organized as a part of Elements of Cost subject. The teacher in-charge of the activity was Ms. Marjina Shaikh, Convenor of the Commerce Club.

First Responder Training Program

The Department of Physical Education and Sports, in collaboration with EMRI Green Health Services, organized a comprehensive First Responders Training Program on 20th December 2023 from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. 70 students participated in the training.

Mr. Saurabh Raikar, Instructor in Physical Education, skillfully compered the event, ensuring its smooth progression.  Principal Prof. Prita D. Mallya addressed the gathering, emphasizing the critical role of such training in building a community resilient to emergencies. Mr. Dewaraj Hirekurbar, College Director of Physical Education and Sports, extended a warm welcome by introducing the distinguished EMRI team.

The training program covered various essential topics, beginning with an introduction to first aid courses, followed by in-depth discussions on medical emergencies, trauma emergencies, environmental emergencies, and CPR. Theoretical knowledge was complemented by practical sessions, where students actively engaged in learning adult CPR, adult and infant choking responses, as well as dressing, bandaging, and splinting techniques.

Under the guidance of the EMRI GHS team, led by Mr. Sateesh Kumar Kama, four experienced trainers shared their expertise with the participants. The practical sessions provided hands-on experience, ensuring that students could apply their newfound knowledge in real-life emergency situations.

An exam was conducted to assess the understanding and skills acquired during the training. Additionally, participants had the opportunity to provide feedback through a feedback form, contributing to the continuous improvement of the program.

The training day concluded with a closing ceremony, during which certificates were distributed to the successful trainees.  The College Director of Physical Education and Sports proposed the Vote of Thanks, underlining the collaborative effort that made the program a success.

Money Matters 6.0

The “Money Matters” series is an initiative of the Department of Management Studies, focusing on cultivating financial awareness and skills among Higher Secondary students. “Money Matters 6.0” event took place on 18th December 2023, with participation from 10 Higher Secondary schools and a total of 11 teams.

The compères for the event were Ms. Ayesha Rafiq, Ms. Delilah Vaz and Ms. Steral Fernandes, students of the Management Studies department. They welcomed the dignitaries, participants and faculty members of different institutions who accompanied the students.

As a part of the inaugural, the event commenced with an enthusiastic speech by our Chief guest Mr. Brendon Mascarenhas a CFA Charter holder. The speech was followed by the lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries and the event was declared open by Mr. Brendon.

The event featured multiple competitions that tested participants’ knowledge in areas such as financial planning, investment strategies, and economic trends. Teams had the opportunity to showcase their analytical abilities through case studies, presentations, and interactive sessions. The panel of experienced judges for every sub-event was comprised of experts, and faculty members from the Department of Commerce and Computer Science.

For the closing ceremony the Chief guest Mr. Mohan Undakoti, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Commerce at Rosary College of Commerce and Arts- Navelim, briefly spoke on the importance of financial literacy. This ceremony featured the much-anticipated awards distribution, recognizing outstanding achievements in various categories. The winning team R. M. Salgaocar Higher Secondary School and the Runner-up team S.S. Angle Higher Secondary were recognized for their exceptional performances. Trophies and prizes were presented to the winning teams and certificates were presented to the participating teams acknowledging their dedication and exceptional performances.

The Principal Dr. Prita D. Mallya expressed her sincere gratitude to all the participants for their outstanding efforts and conveyed her wishes for a successful event. “Money Matters 6.0” proved to be a resounding success, achieving its objective of promoting financial literacy and fostering a spirit of healthy competition among Higher Secondary students.

Ms. Delisha Rebello, Assistant Professor in Commerce was the Faculty Coordinator of the event. Mr. Myron Soares and Ms. Sakshi Talaulikar were the Student Coordinators of the event.