News & Event

Common Commencement Programme 2019 Press Report


The Common Commencement Programme for the first year students of Symbiosis Law School, Pune, Symbiosis School for Liberal Arts and Symbiosis School for International Studies was organized in the Auditorium, Symbiosis Viman Nagar Campus on 3rd September 2019.

The programme commenced with the lighting of the auspicious lamp by the dignitaries. It was followed by an energizing welcome address by Dr. Shashikala Gurpur, Dean, Faculty of Law, SIU; Director, SLS Pune. In her opening remarks, Dr. Gurpur, dwelt upon the importance of the Common Commencement Programme, which serves as an occasion for students to have a general acquaintance of the system and helps strengthen the solidarity of the different institutes. She commented on the importance of quality higher education - the common mission of all three institutes. Dr Gurpur concluded her address by stating, “in the sacred fire of knowledge, we burn our ignorance. There is thus no substitute for knowledge.” 

 Dr. Rajani Gupte, Vice Chancellor, Symbiosis International (Deemed University) in her address, reiterated the significance of the Common Commencement Programme and spoke of it as the initiation of fresh youngsters into the world of higher education with the intention of leading them on a path of excellence in their academic journey. Dr. Gupte opined that in light of the rapidly changing world, the education imparted and the skill sets learnt need to be modified to adapt to the dynamic world. She further remarked that, “ it is life beyond the classroom that helps shape your future”, and in this endeavor, the Symbiosis experience will help one in the years ahead. 

Subsequently, Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Pro Chancellor, Symbiosis International (Deemed University) in her address lauded the strength and beauty of the Symbiosis culture. She remarked, “what shapes a person and their personality once they enter the portals of Symbiosis is the Symbiosis culture, which stands on the strong pillars of honesty, integrity and character.” 

Prof. Shivali Lawale, Director, SSIS, then introduced Dr. S.B. Mujumdar. Dr. Mujumdar, the esteemed Chancellor of Symbiosis International (Deemed University) began his address with a prayer, thus setting a spiritual tone. He then shared with the students the three mantras that would help them succeed in their academic quest. The first of these was health, and here Dr. Mujumdar urged students to be mindful of their health; the second related to the worth of time, about which Dr. Mujumdar stated, “time is the most valuable entity.” The final piece of advice that Dr. Mujumdar shared with the students was about realizing the crucial importance of making concerted efforts in academics.

Dr. Mujumdar encouraged students to utilize to the fullest, their years at Symbiosis, and concluded his address by remarking “the world is one family (Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam) and this belief is in the very DNA of Symbiosis”, thus underlining the prominence of internationalism in this University. 

Prof. Anita Patankar, Director, Symbiosis School of Liberal Arts delivered the vote of thanks. 

The second session of the programme, “SymbiCare Induction”, centered on physical and emotional health awareness was conducted by Col. (Dr.) Gopal Singh, Medical Superintendent, SCHC & Dr. Girija Mahale. Ms. Beulah, Assistant Director, Physical Education addressed the students, giving them an overview of the different sports and fitness facilities of the Department of Sports, Recreation & Wellness. 

The session was concluded by a vote of thanks that was delivered by Dr. Shweta Sinha Deshpande, Deputy Director, SSLA. 

The third session was a panel discussion on “Maintaining Law and Order and Prevention of Substance Abuse”. Panelists included Mr. Prasad Akkanovru, DCP Zone 4, Pune City Police; Mr. Rajendra Patil, Senior Police Inspector, Viman Nagar Police Station; Mr. Sunil Dongre, Senior Police Inspector, Control Room, Headquarters; Mr. Sanjay Bhagat, Muktangan Mitra (NGO); Col. C. V. Mohan (Retd.), Senior Campus Administrator, SVC Campus; and Dr. Santosh Aghav, Assistant Professor, Symbiosis Law School, Pune. 

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Sukalpa Chakraborty, Deputy Director, SSIS.