The Students’ Council of VVM’s Shree Damodar College of Commerce & Economics, kicked started the activities for the academic year 2024 – 25 by organizing Friendship Day and Freshers 2024 Celebration on 27th August 2024 from 08:15 a.m. to 02:00 p.m. The objective of the celebration was to firstly, provide a platform to the students of the college to celebrate their bond of friendship by displaying their talents through various competitions, and, secondly, kindle a spark among the freshers of the college (First Year and M.Com Part-I students) by inviting them to showcase their talents and abilities through their participation in Mr. & Ms. Freshers 2024 contest. A total of 93 students (20 males, 73 females) participated in various off-stage and off-stage events.
The competitions under off-stage event category were:
Friendship Band-Making Competition: The competition began at 08:15 a.m. in the College Smart Classroom. The participants were given one hour to create a friendship band, wherein, they were encouraged to use their creativity and artistic skills to showcase their talent. The judging criteria included creativity, craftsmanship, overall presentation and adherence to the theme. Ms. Gayatri Hosalli of FY B.Com (Div B) bagged the first place, Ms. Lavanya Mhapsekar and Ms. Nisha Fernandes of TY B.Com (Div D) secured the 2nd place, while Ms. Shrutti Madival of M.Com Part-II secured the third place. A total of 35 students participated in the competition. The judges for the competition were Assistant Professors Ms. Delisha Rebello and Mr. Sanjay Velip.
Muffin-Magic & Mocktail Making Competition: The competition began at 09:15 a.m. in the College Smart Classroom. The participants were given one hour to showcase their creativity and culinary skills by presenting a decorated muffin and preparing a refreshing mocktail. The judging criteria included taste, creativity, and overall presentation. The intriguing competition saw Mr. Rosh Fernandes and Ms. Saffa Sayed from FY BBA(FS) B emerging as the 1st place winners, Mr. Sudeep Dharwarkar and Mr. Pradosh Hadadekar from FY B.Com (Div D) securing the 2nd place, while Ms. Riya Shinde and Ms. Risha Mariyam bagging the 3rd place. A total of 10 students participated in the competition. The judges for the competition were Associate Professor Dr. Lira Menezes Gama, and, Assistant Professor Ms. Sushrusha N. Khandekar.
Reel-Making Competition: Participants were required to submit reels lasting 30 seconds to one minute, capturing both the on-stage and off-stage competitions and performances, as well as the overall Friendship Day celebration on campus. The judging criteria included relevance to topic, , creativity, presentation, and originality. Mr. Devesh Shetye from FY BBA (Div B) secured the first place, Mr. Vishnu Patel from TY BCom (Div B) bagged the 2nd place, while the 3rd place was awarded to Ms. Netra Pikle and Ms. Shweta Sahakari of FY BCA (Div B). A total of 10 students participated in the competition. The judges for Reel-Making Competition were Assistant Professors Ms. Puja Gaonkar and Ms. Preity Fernandes.
The formal function including the on-stage performances and the much-anticipated Mr. & Ms. Freshers 2024 contest, commenced at 10:30 a.m in the Multipurpose Hall. The event was compered by Ms. Anushree Shirodkar from SY BCA. The celebration began with a melodious medley of friendship songs performed by the students, setting a warm and vibrant tone for the day. This was followed by the principal’s address which highlighted the importance of unity and friendship among the students. The highlight of the day, the Mr. & Ms. Freshers 2024 contest, was held in three competitive rounds: Round 1 featured an introduction and ramp walk, Round 2 was the talent round, and Round 3 was the Q&A round. A total of 15 students participated in the contest. Interspersed with the contest were two group dance performances and distribution of several spot prizes. The climax of the day was the announcement of Ms. Arya Naik as Ms. Freshers 2024 and Mr. Darshan Mangeshkar as Mr. Freshers 2024, both of whom received enthusiastic applause from their peers.
Following this, Assistant Professor Ms. Lizette D’Costa, a faculty member of the Students’ Council, announced the winners of all the competitions held throughout the day. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Assistant Professor Dr. Maithili Naik, Convenor of the Students’ Council, who expressed her gratitude to everyone involved in making the event a grand success.
The day ended on a high note with the much-awaited DJ performance by DJ Keegan Alvarez, which brought enthusiasm and strengthened the bond of friendship between the new and existing students of the College in a festive atmosphere.
Overall, the Friendship Day and Freshers 2024 celebration, coordinated by Assistant Professors Ms. Lizette D’Costa and Ms. Edrea Picardo, faculty members of the Students’ Council, was a resounding success, fostering a sense of amicability and oneness among all the students, and marking a vibrant beginning to the academic year 2024-25.
Expected Outcome of the Activity:
To provide a platform for the students to celebrate their bond of friendship by showcasing their talents through various competitions. Besides this, to kindle a spark among the freshers of the college (FYs and M.Com Part-I) by inviting them to showcase their talents and abilities through their participation in Mr. & Ms. Freshers 2024 contest.
