| Event | SENATE Event |
| Session | 2023-24 |
| Year | I |
| Date | 10th October, 2023 |
| Time | 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. |
| Venue | Auditorium, 7th Floor |
| SENATE incharge | Prof. Jayesh Patil, Prof. Ashwini Bhosale |
| SENATE coordinators | Ms. Jill Mehta, Mr. Sameer Pawar |
The much-anticipated “Induction Day” at Pillai College of Architecture took place on 10th October 2023, in the college’s spacious auditorium. It was a day filled with informative sessions, introductions, and insights into the exciting journey that lay ahead for the incoming students and their parents. The event was orchestrated to provide a warm welcome to both students and parents as they embarked on their educational voyage in the world of architecture.
The schedule for the Induction Day in the academic year 2023-24, intended for the incoming F.Y. B.Arch. students, was carefully devised and shared with the faculty members as well.
“The event began with a heartfelt welcome delivered by Prof. Ashwini Bhosale, who offered warm greetings to the respected faculty, eager students, and their encouraging parents. Following this, the program continued with the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, during which Prof. Ashwini invited Principal Dr. Sudnya Mahimkar, Prof. Dr. Smita Dalvi, Prof. Shubhangi Bhide, Prof. Dr. Neha Sayeed, Prof. Sarojini Lohot, and Prof. Harshada Katkar to the stage to illuminate the Goddess Saraswati. To set the stage and provide a glimpse into the college’s offerings, videos were screened, introducing the audience to the distinctive aspects of the Pillai College of Architecture and the dynamic studio culture that the students would soon become a part of.
The highlight of the event was when the college’s Principal, Dr. Sudnya Mahimkar, took the stage. She eloquently elaborated on the college’s infrastructure, including well-equipped studios, state-of-the-art classrooms, a comprehensive library, and the vibrant conclave area. She introduced the entire faculty, both teaching and non-teaching, and shed light on the various initiatives in place to enhance the learning environment.
Following the session, Prof. Sasmit Acharekar took the stage to discuss the work culture and discipline within the studio environment. He highlighted the distinction between studio culture and traditional classroom culture, offering a glimpse of what students could expect in the upcoming orientation week.
Exam Co-ordinator; Prof. Rupali Vaidya further provided valuable insights into the academic requirements of the course, which encompassed the course syllabus, examination format, the challenges inherent to architecture, and the importance of students maintaining a proactive and diligent approach to their studies.
Prof. Ashwini Bhosale then introduced the General Secretory of SENATE Council for the Academic Year 2023-24; Ms. Jill Mehta who provided an overview of the wide array of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities offered by the college. She introduced the various events and exhibitions hosted by the college, including Tekton, Mindscape, Transparence, VOX, PiCAgram and numerous workshops. These activities promise a holistic and enriching educational experience beyond the classroom.
Prof. Tushara Kaliyath; who is the Social Media faculty in charge then introduced the social media team, elucidating their role in shaping the college’s online presence and communication strategies. The importance of leveraging social media as a tool for information dissemination was emphasized.
Continuing the introductions, Prof. Neha Deshpande, Publications faculty in charge, presented the Publication team and gave insights into VOX magazine and Picagram newsletter. These publications serve as platforms for students to express their creativity and share their architectural insights with the wider community.
Prof. Suvarna Thakare, who is the Anubhuti faculty in-charge, shared details about the ‘Anubhuti’ initiative, highlighting past events and providing a sneak peek into the exciting upcoming activities at Pica. This initiative promises to create memorable experiences throughout the academic year.
Prof. Sayalee Kulkarni, the faculty in charge of the Women’s Development Cell (WDC), then took the stage to educate students about women’s social, legal, and constitutional rights, presenting her team and outlining the committee’s upcoming goals to combat gender-based exploitation. Following her, the club coordinator, Prof. Ajita Deodhar, introduced the six clubs offered by PICA Institute: the Nature Club, Heritage Club, Music and Dance Club, Photography Club, Books and Movie Club, and Drama Club. This introduction also included the club faculty heads and student teams.
General Secretary Jill Mehta introduced the Student Council and underscored its essential role in student life, explaining the council’s functions and encouraging students to actively engage in shaping their college experience.
A brief video was screened to showcase the wide array of events and initiatives orchestrated by the Student Council affiliated with PICA. Additionally, the video for the orientation week designed for first-year students was also presented. A question-and-answer session addressed parental inquiries and was expertly handled by Principal Dr. Sudnya Mahimkar.
As the Induction Day came to a close, Prof. Tanaya Deka expressed gratitude to all attendees for their enthusiastic participation, marking the day as one filled with inspiration and invaluable information for both students and their parents.To conclude the event, the students and their parents were invited to explore the captivating exhibitions in the college’s studios, providing a hands-on experience of the creative environment they would soon become a part of.
The ‘Induction Day’ at Pillai College of Architecture laid the foundation for an exciting and enriching journey for the incoming students, and it was a day filled with informative sessions, inspiring introductions, and an insight into the dynamic world of architecture. We wish the new students a successful and fulfilling academic year ahead.
