The Staff Recreation Club of Shree Damodar College of Commerce & Economics, organised and celebrated “Diwali Dhamaal” with great enthusiasm from 29th October 2024 to 2nd November 2024. The celebration featured a range of creative competitions, including Diya Painting & Decoration, Poha Making and Akash Kandeel Making, providing an opportunity for the teaching and non-teaching staff members to showcase their talents while celebrating the essence of Diwali.
Highlights of the Celebration:
- Akash Kandeel Making Competition (29th October 2024):
Participants crafted an array of stunning handmade eco-friendly khandeels symbolizing light, hope, and tradition. The event was judged by faculty members Ms. Divyanka Kanekar and Ms. Usha Gaonkar. - Diya Painting & Decoration Competition (30th October 2024):
Participants hand-painted and decorated diyas with vibrant designs, intricate patterns, and imaginative color combinations. Judges for the event were faculty members Dr. Maithili Naik and Ms. Ankita Naik. - Poha Making Competition (1st November 2024):
Culinary enthusiasts created delicious variations of this popular Diwali dish, delighting the audience. The judges for this competition were faculty members Dr. Rodney D’Silva and Dr. Lira Menezes Gama. - Main Diwali Celebration (2nd November 2024):
Damodar College came alive with the spirit of Diwali as the Staff Recreation Club hosted the main event from 1:00 to 2:00 pm in Hall No.1 on the 5thfloor, Central Block of the college. The celebration marked by ccultural flair and enthusiasm, with the event being beautifully compered by Ms. Girija Gaonkar, Assistant Professor in Computer Science, who skillfully guided the proceedings and kept the audience engaged. To further enhance the festive excitement, spot prizes were announced and the winners of all the competitions were awarded special prizes for their exceptional performance.
The Staff Recreation Club also organized refreshments in line with the Diwali theme, adding a delicious touch to the celebrations. A series of competitions added a creative spark to the entire Diwali celebrations and was enjoyed by all staff members of the college. The entire event was meticulously planned and organized by Ms. Lizette D’Costa, faculty member of Recreation Club.
The results of the competitions were as follows:
| Sr. No | Name of the Competition | Name of the Participants |
| 01 | Akash Kandeel Making Competition | 1st Place: Ms. Twinkle Fernandes, Ms. Valencia Baptista and Ms. Edrea Picardo |
| 2nd Place: Ms. Kalpana Parab, Ms. Akshada Gaonkar and Ms, Prashanti Bhamaikar | ||
| 3rd Place: Ms. Pradnya Nadkarni | ||
| 02 | Diya Painting and Deco Competition | 1st Place: Ms. Nikhita Mayekar |
| 2nd Place: Ms. Shruti Kunkolienkar, Ms. Girija Gaonkar and Ms. Rakshavi Dessai | ||
| 3rd Place: Ms. Vinaya Kirloskar | ||
| 03 | Poha Making Competition | 1st Place: Dr. Sonya Angle & Dr. Mamata Kane |
| 2nd Place: Ms. Twinkle Fernandes, Ms. Valencia Baptista and Ms. Edrea Picardo | ||
| 3rd Place: Dr. Lina Sadekar and Dr. Shami Pai |
Expected Outcomes of the Activity:
The Diwali Dhamaal organized by the Staff Recreation Club successfully fostered teamwork, creativity, and a positive atmosphere among the teaching and non-teaching staff of the college. The event promoted healthy competition, cultural awareness, and the celebration of Diwali through activities like Diya Painting, Akash Kandeel Making, and Poha Making. It encouraged staff engagement, well-being, and a sense of community while showcasing eco-friendly practices, particularly in the Akash Kandeel Making competition. By recognizing participants’ achievements and offering spot prizes, the event boosted motivation and contributed to a vibrant and cohesive organizational culture. Overall, the celebration not only enhanced interpersonal relationships but also reinforced the college’s commitment to inclusivity and employee well-being.
