Quiz Competition on the theme “Women who made India Proud” was held for the students of F.Y. B.Ed. & S.Y. B.Ed. The students participated in teams of four. This competition helped to encourage students to read books, surf the internet and gather information on women who have made an identity for themselves and also made India proud. Along with enjoyment this activity helped to inspire students to be more confident and strive to accomplish their goals in life.
Street Plays on gender related themes were organized on 2nd, 3rd, and 30th January 2023. The topics encompassed ‘Cybercrime,’ ‘Gender Projection in Media,’ ‘Influence of Family, Peers, Religion, and Culture on Gender Identity,’ ‘Gender Stereotyping,’ and ‘Gender Biasness in Health, Nutrition, and Education.’ These themes shed light on sensitive issues and proposed solutions. Participants exhibited creativity by crafting slogans and songs for their plays. The activity fostered socialization, emphasized teamwork, facilitated mutual understanding, and bolstered confidence among group members.
Yoga Sessions were arranged by the Women development cell & Well-Being Club of PCER, Panvel from 21st to 24th March, 2023 for the student teachers, teacher educators and non-teaching staff. These sessions were conducted by Mrs. Bharti Iyer, an alumna of our college and a member of Om Yoga Pranayam Centre, Panvel.
International Women’s Day was celebrated with enthusiasm and fervour at Pillai College of Engineering, New Panvel on 8th March, 2023. To acknowledge the achievements of women, the Soroptimist Excellence Award ceremony, was organized by Soroptimist International Bombay, Chembur. The theme of the event was “Embrace Equity.” The event aimed to recognize and honor the outstanding contributions of Mrs. Swathi Mukherjee, the managing trustee of Vatsalya Foundation, dedicated to the welfare and holistic development of children in need of care and protection. The program commenced with a warm welcome from Dr. Daphne Pillai, who introduced Mrs. Swathi Mukherjee to the audience. Mrs. Mukherjee’s notable background in psychology and social work, coupled with her commitment to education, made her a deserving recipient of the Soroptimist Excellence Award. She shared her inspiring journey, emphasizing the values of passion, observation skills, listening, innovation, training, and empathy, encapsulated in the acronym “POLITE,” which guides the foundation’s work. Mrs. Mukherjee recounted her challenges in ensuring moral values and quality education for the children under Vatsalya Foundation’s care. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, where attendees engaged with Mrs. Mukherjee, seeking insights into her experiences. The event reached its pinnacle as Namrata ma’am, Dr. Daphne Pillai, and other distinguished guests felicitated Mrs. Swathi Mukherjee with a trophy from the Soroptimist Foundation and a generous donation for Vatsalya Foundation. The ceremony concluded successfully, leaving a lasting impact on everyone present and reinforcing the importance of recognizing and celebrating individuals dedicated to social welfare.
Cooperative Learning Strategies for Understanding Gender-Based Legislation: Addressing the pressing gender-based challenges in India, particularly the declining number of girls, requires concerted efforts towards their survival, protection, and empowerment. To foster awareness and understanding among students, cooperative learning strategies were employed to delve into key legislative measures such as the Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act 2003 and the Domestic Violence Act 2005 within the course ‘Gender, School & Society’. Through collaborative learning, students gained insights into the gravity of these issues and the government’s initiatives to tackle them effectively.
Recognizing the critical need to rebalance skewed sex ratios and combat female foeticide and infant mortality rates, students engaged in cooperative learning activities to grasp the significance of these legislative frameworks. They collectively acknowledged the necessity for a paradigm shift in societal mindsets to ensure a healthy sex ratio and safeguard the rights of girls. Furthermore, students comprehensively explored strategies for combating domestic violence, understanding the pivotal role of proper law enforcement and comprehensive education in fostering a positive attitude towards the girl child. By utilizing cooperative learning methodologies, students not only enhanced their understanding of gender-based legislation but also internalized the importance of proactive participation in addressing these societal challenges. Through collaborative discussions and shared insights, they developed a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted approaches required to promote gender equality and ensure the well-being of girls. Such cooperative strategies not only facilitate learning but also empower students to become active agents of change in fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
International Women’s Day, observed on 8th March, 2023, in collaboration with Soroptimist International Bombay Chembur at Pillai College of Engineering, New Panvel, centered around the theme of embracing equity. Dr. Daphne Pillai, the Founder and President of Soroptimist International Bombay Chembur, presented the Soroptimist Excellence Award, 2023, to Ms. Swathi Mukherjee, Managing Trustee of the Vatsalya Foundation, acknowledging her outstanding dedication to the welfare of children in need of care and protection. Ms. Mukherjee shared with the participants how she has been actively involved with Vatsalya since 1989, persistently striving to facilitate comprehensive growth for children hailing from marginalized communities across urban and rural areas. Her tireless efforts stand as a testament to her role as an inspirational figure and a beacon of guidance for all.
