The Department of Biotechnology and Biotechnology Association conducted their Annual Intercollegiate Biotechnology Fest “CONSORTIA – Transforming Minds, Translating Ideas” on 28th January, 2017 at Dr. K. M. Vasudevan Pillai’s Campus. Consortia implies an “association or conglomeration” and as the name suggests also it aims in providing a platform for students to exchange ideas and showcase their magnificent skills and talents.
This year Consortia was inaugurated by Dr. Binoj Kutty, an ex-faculty member at the Department of Biotechnology at PCACS and currently working as an Assistant Professor at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai and by Dr. Mansee Thakur, In charge Director of School of Biomedical Sciences and Head of the Department of Medical Biotechnology at MGM Institute of Health Sciences, Navi Mumbai. The chief guests not only motivated students to succeed in life but also urged them to keep learning throughout their lives.
The one day fest was attended by more than 200 students, which included students from various colleges in Mumbai like from K.C. College Churchgate, Tilak College Vashi, K.B.P. College Vashi, M.G.M. College Kalamboli and Khalsa College, Sion. All the events witnessed a very large and enthusiastic participation.
Highlights of events were Drama Mantra (Dumb Charades) and Nagel Painting (Nail Art) which were newly introduced events. Both of which had an immense response. Other events were Vistas (Exhibition), Hit Your Grey (Quiz), Fructus Sculpture (Fruit Carving), Zoom In (Photography) and lastly TALAASH… The Search Begins (Treasure hunt).
It was a great effort put in by student-volunteers as well as by the faculty members in making the fest a grand success and yet again making all of us excited for “Consortia-2018”.
A big finale. That’s what the Computer Association had in mind for its final event for the year 2016-2017. After weeks of brainstorming and planning, a name was chosen: ‘The Tri-Tech Relay’. The Tri-Tech Relay was one of the biggest and most audacious technical events that were ever conducted on the campus.
The Tri-Tech Relay was a 3-stage relay challenge that tested the participants on their knowledge, problem solving skills, pattern recognition skills and memory. Teams of 3 would participate, where each member in the team would participate in a different stage each. Once a stage was completed, the token would be handed over to the next team member. Speed and accuracy are the key to success.
The members of the Computer Association faced a huge challenge in organizing this event. It was a challenge the members tackled head on.
Preparation Week: S.Y. and F.Y. members began planning the event a couple of weeks prior to the designated event date. Brainstorming ensued and the three stages of the challenge were decided. Teams were formed for each stage and the daunting task of publicizing the event.
Execution Week: The publicity teams were scrambled to all streams in PCACS to inform the students about the upcoming mega-event. Online registrations opened which was quickly followed by traditional offline methods. These efforts resulted in over 300 people registering for The Tri-Tech Relay in teams of 3, from multiple streams in PCACS.
The three stages of The Tri-Tech Relay were:
- Switch Keys: A typing challenge where the keys of the keyboard were switched around. The ultimate pattern recognition and memory challenge.
- E-Treasure Hunt: A treasure hunt where the clues are strewn all across the web.
- The Quiz: A 3-round countdown quiz that tested logic, vocabulary and general knowledge.
The Tri-Tech Relay was a ground-breaking success. Over 90 teams battled it out for the top spot. That one title known as the ‘Tri-Tech Champions’.
National Voters Day is celebrated every year on 25th January, 2017 to promote participation in elections and increase voter enrollment, especially of youngsters in the 18 to 19 years age group.
The National Service Scheme unit observed the day to commemorate the foundation day of the Election Commission of India and also to enhance the participation of voters, especially the youth in the democratic process. On this occasion all the students took pledge that they will make optimum utilization of their voting 01 power and encourage others to come forward and contribute in the national interest.
The programme was conducted under the guidance of Prof. Shabab Rizvi Programme Officer, NSS Unit of the College.
National Service Scheme in association with Ramachandra Mission organized Heartfulness Meditation Session from 23rd to 25th January, 2017. This Heartfulness Meditation is an initiative focused on colleges and administered by Shri Ramachandra Mission, a nonprofit organization. During the session the volunteers of the organization introduced Heartfulness relaxation and Sahag Marg meditation system – simple technique of relaxation and meditation – to all the students. The 3 day programme was conducted class wise, guided meditation for few minutes followed by an interactive session with the students on their experience.
A hands on training on ‘Advances in Microscopy’ was organised by the Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (CIRCOT), Matunga from 16th to 18th January, 2017. Three students of M.Sc. Biotechnology part I were send for the training (Ms. Shweta Vijaykumar Kartha, Ms. Vaishnavi Uday Samant and Ms. Tanishka Suhas Bagwe). The opportunity was provided to the students through Prof. Gopakumar Pillai who was in communication with Dr. Vigneshwaran, Senior Scientist and Course Coordinator, CIRCOT. The training was of three days and covered types of light microscopy, Scanning electron microscopy and Atomic force microscopy. The principle, operation, sample preparation, methods and applications of various microscopy techniques were detailed and hands on practice were provided. The resource persons of various sessions were reputed professionals in the field of Microscopy. They provided the students in depth knowledge, hands on practice over microscopes and study materials. Refreshments were also provided for three days. Students were provided certificates on completion of the training. The students have been well benefitted with this training and have provided them advanced knowledge and skills in microscopy. One of the highlights of the program was that all the participants excluding the three students were Scientists, Academicians and Industry professionals. This gave a chance for the students to even interact with various specialists in the field. The students were very much motivated with the program. The initiative taken by Prof. Gopakumar Pillai was well appreciated by the Program Coordinator of CIRCOT and the Research Institute has extended their support to have customized programs for the students of our college. The department looks forward to strengthen this bond with CIRCOT and provide quality industrial training to students to help them have a bright career in Biotechnology.
The placement cell had conducted a campus drive for T.Y.B.Sc. Biotechnology course on 12th January, 2017. Lilac Insights is India’s leading provider of evidence based genetic services with a special focus in the area of Maternal and Fetal Health, Newborn Health and Oncology.
Following students from T.Y.BSc. Biotechnology have been selected by Lilac Insights Pvt. Ltd. in the campus interview:
- Mr. Ashwin Naidu
- Ms. Rutuja Yelmar
- Ms. Riddhi Jore
- Ms. Pallavi Jadhav
- Ms. Shruti Jadhav
- Mr. Shubham Bendre
The placement cell had conducted a campus drive for M.Sc. Biotechnology Part II course on 12th January, 2017. Lilac Insights is India’s leading provider of evidence based genetic services with a special focus in the area of Maternal and Fetal Health, Newborn Health and Oncology.
Following students from M.Sc. Biotechnology part II have been selected by Lilac Insights Pvt. Ltd. in the campus interview:
- Ms. Neha Kousar Khan
- Ms. Kshitija Ghosalkar
As directed by the University of Mumbai the N.S.S. Unit celebrated the Youth Week from 12th to 16th January, 2017 dedicating to Swami Vivekanand’s Birth Day celebration, observing the theme “Youth for Digitization and Cashless Society”. Following were the activities carried during the week:
A lecture was organized to sensitize students about digital banking systems so that the awareness about cashless transactions can trickle down to the grassroots level. A poster exhibition was also organized for the same.
Following the theme a campaign was conducted at Raigad Bazaar for the vendors on 23rd December, 2017. The vendors showed great interest in trying to understand the cashless transaction at a minimal level also. Some of the NSS volunteers spoke at an individual level in making the people understand the value of e-transactions and benefits of digital economy.