The 1st Undergraduate Convocation of the Bachelor of Mass Media Degree offered by St Pauls Institute of Communication Education for Women (SPICE for Women) was held on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at the SPICE for Women campus.
The ceremony was conducted in a hybrid mode taking into consideration appropriate Covid -19 protocols and advice. The programme was also livestreamed as well. Given that this is momentous event for all our students, only graduating students and award recipients – who confirmed their attendance and met with campus entry guidelines – were permitted to attend the programme in person.
Our alumni were looking forward to receiving their certificates. The programme started with a warm welcome, with all the graduates walking into Alberione Hall, to a round of applause. Our visiting dignitaries, Principal, Dean, Superior General, along with a student representative, Ms. Deepa Sujith then lit the commemorative lamp. This was followed by a solemn solo prayer dance led by very own T.Y.B.A.M.M.C student – Ms. Disha Bhalekar.
Fr. Dr. Plavendran, Principal – SPICE for Women, and Director- SPICE, welcomed the audience and shared the convocation report. He also updated the audience on the initiatives taken by the college during the lockdown, such as Career Counselling and Internship Assistance, Counselling and Mental Health Awareness, Online Webinars and cultural programmes as well as other academic and extracurricular activities. SPICE for Women and SPICE fully digitized their admission processes during the pandemic and successfully conducted online semester examinations for all their departments during the pandemic.
His Excellency Prof. R. D Kulkarni, Honourable Pro- Vice Chancellor, University of Mumbai virtually presided over the function. Fr Renold Pascal, SSP, the Vice Principal, SPICE for Women welcomed the Pro-Vice Chancellor in person. Delivering his keynote address online, using four stories as reference points, Prof. Kulkarni emphasized on the principles of education and pragmatism and reminded the outgoing students to be realistic, apply what they learn as well to remember their origins as they step out into the corporate arena.
Hon’ble Chief Guest, Dr. Sunder Rajdeep, Head of Department, Communication and Journalism, University of Mumbai in his address congratulated all students on entering a new phase in life and wished them well, while elaborating on the influence of media and its importance in society today. He awarded the first batch of students from the year 2018-2021,their Bachelor of Mass Media Degree Certificates. Additionally, Dr. Sunder Rajdeep handed over the Best Student Awards, where he advised students that learning is a constant, citing the continual developments in communication media and reminding them about the role of ethics in society as they pursue their career goals.
The Best Student Awards were declared and the winners are as follows:
- Best B.M.M Advertising Student: Ms. Zeba Shaikh
- Best B.M.M Journalism Student: Ms. Shivani Nair
The ceremony continued with alumna Rebecca Shaikh reminiscing about her time as a student at SPICE for Women, and concluded with Fr. Renold Pascal delivering the vote of thanks. After a rousing rendition of the National Anthem, all graduate students were invited for a class photograph with Dr. Sunder Rajdeep, Principal Fr Plavendran, Dean Carol Andrade and Course Coordinator Joulyn Kenny.
Our sincere thank you to all contributors who helped make this 1st UG Convocation Ceremony a grand success.