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Symbiosis Law School, Pune, together with the Symbiosis School of International Studies and Symbiosis School for Liberal Arts, constituents of Symbiosis International (Deemed University), held the Common Commencement Programme 2018 to welcome the new batch of Undergraduate and Postgraduate students, on 6 th August, 2018. The programme commenced at 11:30 AM in the Symbiosis Viman Nagar Campus Auditorium, Viman Nagar, Pune with the lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries.
Dr. Shashikala Gurpur, Fulbright Scholar, Director, SLS-P, Dean, Faculty of Law, SIU welcomed the new batch of students. She recounted how Symbiosis was born as an institution with the objective to kindle the spirit of passion, inspiration and intellect. Dr. Gurpur also spoke about the diversity and inclusion that Symbiosis symbolizes and how all three sister institutes share the same harmonious principle of “Vasudaiva Kutumbakkam”. Speaking on the relation between SLS-P, SSLA & SSIS, she lauded the different dimensions of learning taking place under one roof, hailing the several academic collaborations between the three institutes. She reiterated that civilization cannot grow unless one truly evolves as a human being in a progressive community.
Dr. Rajani Gupte, Vice Chancellor, SIU, remarked how joining SIU will always be a defining factor in the career of all students present in the auditorium. She highlighted the university’s presence in numerous Indian cities and the multitude of academic disciplines offered by it. She lauded the strong alumni base of the University who have achieved remarkable feats in their career. She also praised SIU’S constant emphasis on inclusion of practical and technical knowledge in its curriculum. Dr. Gupte highlighted SIU’s admirable work towards society, and numerous initiatives that have an impact on the community. She cited the example of SLS-P, working for the betterment of prisoners and provision of scholarships to underprivileged students. She also briefed the students on SIU’s “start-up culture”, and encouraged them to think innovatively and contribute to the country’s development as well as earn laurels for the institute and family.
Dr. Vidya Yervadekar, Pro Chancellor, SIU, emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary higher education and urged students to avail the benefits of credit sharing from a campus that accommodates three diverse disciplines. She encouraged students to imbibe new cultures, since higher education is not only limited to employability, but is also about character building and responsible citizenship.
Prof. (Dr.) S. B. Mujumdar, Hon’ble Chancellor, SIU welcomed the new batch of students on behalf of the Symbiosis family. He highlighted the diversity of the students joining SIU, hailing from all parts of India and the world. He also stressed on the importance of mental and physical well-being of the students, time management and dedication towards academics. On a concluding note, Dr. Mujumdar stated that the correct path to gain employment is understanding the value of character and hard work and not strikes and marches.
The vote of thanks for the introductory session was delivered by Prof. Shivali Lawale, Director, SSIS.
The next session on SYMBICARE began with the felicitation of the members of the team by Dr. Bindu Ronald, Deputy Director (Academics), SLS-P.
Thereafter, Dr. Puja Malhan, Head, Student Affairs, SIU introduced Symbiosis Centre for Health Care (SCHC) and Recreation and Wellness Centre and spoke about the annual health check-up, blood donation drive and sports infrastructure under the University Sports Board. Dr. Aloka Chandak, Head, SCHC, Ms. Shweta Sharma, Head, RWC and Ms. Beula Konlage, Assistant Director, University Sports Board accompanied the speaker. The panel also mentioned several redressal forums for sexual harassment and ragging on campus. Dr. Atmaram Shelke, Deputy Director (Administration), SLS-P, delivered the vote of thanks.
This was followed by a panel discussion on Substance Abuse. The panel comprised Col. C.V. Mohan (Retd.), Campus Administrator, Symbiosis Viman Nagar Campus, Mr. Ganesh Gawde, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Khadaki Division, Mr. Dilip Shinde, Senior Inspector, Viman Nagar Police Station, Mr. Sanjay Bhagat, Representative, Muktangan Mitra, Mr. Ramesh Sathe, Inspector, Crime Branch, Advocate Santosh Bari and Dr. Santosh Aghav, Assistant Professor, SLS-P.
Mr. Dilip Shinde, Senior Inspector, Viman Nagar Police Station addressed myths related to addictions, their consequences, and signs and symptoms of drug abuse. The speaker enlightened the gathering about the new scheme of “Buddy Cops or Police Kakas” and “Female Buddy Cops”, introduced by Maharashtra Police, who will ensure that students, especially female students, may comfortably approach them with complaints and grievances. Mr. Gawde spoke on drug and substance abuse, quoting real life incidents. He also enlightened the students about the helpline number, exclusively for women in Pune. Mr. Sanjay Bhagat, using a documentary, explained the dangers of drug addiction and the means to tackle it. Advocate Santosh Bari spoke about the various legal implications of the aforementioned illegal activities and exhorted students to be responsible young citizens.
The session concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Shweta Sinha Deshpande, Deputy Director, SSLA.
