Poona College Successfully Hosts Institute-Level FDP on Mahadyandeep Teacher Training Programme

In a significant step toward enhancing digital pedagogy, Poona College conducted an institute-level Faculty Development Programme (FDP) titled "Mahadyandeep: Teacher Training Programme" on February 21, 2026. Exclusively attended by staff members of the college, the one-day event drew enthusiastic participation, empowering over 90 educators to create high-quality online content.

The programme commenced at 11:00 AM with an inspiring welcome address by the In-charge Principal, who highlighted the importance of digital tools in modern teaching and commended the college's proactive adoption of NEP-aligned initiatives.

Dr. Muhammad Zuber, Coordinator of the programme and a dedicated academic librarian at Poona College, took the stage to formally introduce the chief resource person, Mr. Ganesh Lokhande. Dr. Zuber provided a comprehensive overview of the FDP's theme, explaining how Mahadyandeep bridges gaps in higher education by democratizing access to quality online courses.

Mr. Ganesh Lokhande, Director of Mahadyandeep and a visionary leader from the Higher and Technical Education Department of the Government of Maharashtra, delivered a highly enlightening session. He offered step-by-step guidance on structuring web-based courses using the proven 4-quadrant method - covering learning objectives, content, assessments, and learner support. Lokhande also demystified the submission process, detailing how the screening committee meticulously evaluates proposals based on pedagogical innovation, technical feasibility, and alignment with state curricula before granting approval.

The interactive segment featured a dynamic question-and-answer session, where Poona College staff members raised insightful queries on topics like course certification, integration with Learning Management Systems, and handling diverse learner needs. Mr. Lokhande responded with practical examples and real-world case studies from the platform, leaving participants motivated and equipped.

Dr. Shirin Shaikh extended heartfelt felicitations to the resource person, presenting a memento as a token of appreciation. The event concluded on a grateful note with the vote of thanks by Dr. Muhammad Zuber, who acknowledged the In-charge Principal's support, the resource person's expertise, and the active involvement of all staff members.

Mahadyandeep, established by the Maharashtra government and inspired by the national SWAYAM platform, stands as a cornerstone of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This robust digital portal offers free, accessible online courses, particularly in niche and minor subjects, enabling students to earn transferable academic credits at their own pace. It fosters inclusivity by reaching remote and underserved areas, with content developed collaboratively by a prestigious consortium of state universities: Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU), Savitribai Phule Pune University, University of Mumbai, Shivaji University Kolhapur, and SNDT Women's University. Since its launch, Mahadyandeep has enrolled thousands, significantly boosting enrollment in higher education across Maharashtra.

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the FDP as "transformative" for their teaching practices. Poona College plans to leverage these skills for upcoming e-content development projects and future FDPs, solidifying its role as a leader in innovative education.

Dr. Shaikh Muhammad Zuber
Programme Coordinator

 Academic Excursion Visit to Pune Book Festival 2025

The Department of Library, Poona College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Pune, organized an Academic Excursion Visit to the Pune Book Festival 2025 on Saturday, 20th December 2025. The Pune Book Festival, held at Fergusson College, Pune, from 13th to 21st December 2025, was a grand literary and cultural event jointly organized by the Ministry of Education, National Book Trust (NBT), and the Government of Maharashtra. It served as a platform to bring together authors, publishers, academicians, students, and book lovers under one roof, celebrating the joy of reading and learning.

The visit aimed to promote reading habits, foster academic curiosity, and enhance faculty awareness of newly published materials relevant to their disciplines. The festival featured over 900 book stalls, more than 100 book releases, and a wide variety of literary and interactive sessions, including author meet-ups, panel discussions, poetry readings, and workshops. The diverse range of books exhibited covered subjects such as science, arts, commerce, literature, education, social sciences, competitive examinations, and research publications.

A total of 234 students and over 100 teaching staff members from various departments enthusiastically participated in the excursion. The event provided an invaluable opportunity for students to explore current publications, interact with publishers, and cultivate an appreciation for contemporary print and digital media. Faculty members actively engaged in identifying and purchasing relevant academic and reference books for their respective departments. These included textbooks, research guides, encyclopedias, dictionaries, and reference materials aligned with the new curriculum and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 framework.

To facilitate organization and accountability, attendance was strictly monitored. Library staff were stationed near the exhibition entrance to maintain attendance records through arrival and departure. Staff attendance was deemed mandatory and was viewed as part of professional engagement. Heads of Departments were instructed to accompany their faculty members and ensure student participation. The college had suspended all regular lectures exclusively for the academic excursion, allowing complete institutional participation.

Throughout the visit, staff and students displayed enthusiasm and discipline. Faculty members guided their students, discussed subject-related publications, and shared insights about effective resource utilization. Students gained exposure to publishing trends, multilingual literature, and emerging fields of study. Many participants expressed appreciation for the event’s academic value and its contribution to their personal and professional growth.

The Academic Excursion Visit to the Pune Book Festival 2025 fulfilled its objectives of encouraging reading, bridging the gap between classroom learning and literary knowledge, and enhancing the overall academic environment of the college. It also strengthened the college’s collaboration with national educational initiatives and reaffirmed the importance of libraries in lifelong learning.

Outcomes and Impact

• Strengthened the reading culture among students and faculty.
• Expanded the departmental and central library collections through faculty-selected titles.
• Improved academic awareness of contemporary publications and author networks.
• Fostered interdisciplinary learning through exposure to diverse subjects and perspectives.
• Provided practical insight into the publishing and knowledge dissemination process.

The Head, Department of Library, Dr. Muhammad Zuber Shaikh, expressed his gratitude to the Principal, Heads of Departments, and all participants for their active cooperation in making this academic visit a grand success.

Programme Coordinator:
Dr. Muhammad Zuber Shaikh
Librarian & Programme Coordinator
Department of Library and Information Science

Poona College organised a book exhibition on the occasion of National Librarian's Day

12^th August is celebrated as National Librarian's Day to commemorate the birth anniversary of Padmashri Dr. S. R. Ranganathan, the father of Library Science in India. The Department of Library and Information Science of Poona College of Arts, Science and Commerce organized a grand Book Exhibition with the aim of promoting reading habits among students and staff, as well as providing them access to a rich variety of books from renowned publishers. The programme was inaugurated by the respected Principal, Dr. Shaikh Iqbal in the presence of faculty members, non-teaching staff, and a large gathering of students.

As part of the exhibition, Bookland Vendor displayed an impressive and diverse collection of books across various genres - ranging from academic reference materials, competitive exam guides, and textbooks to literature, biographies, self-development, history, science, and general knowledge titles. Several newly released books and bestsellers were showcased, attracting keen interest from both students and faculty.

The college library served as the vibrant venue for the event. A steady stream of students and staff visited the exhibition throughout the day, reading excerpts, discussing titles with peers, and making purchases. Many expressed appreciation for the reasonable prices and the opportunity to acquire rare and valuable editions.

The event was not only a sale opportunity but also a celebration of reading culture. Faculty members and the librarian guided students in selecting books relevant to their courses, research, and personal interests. Several departments placed bulk orders for books to enhance departmental libraries and reading corners.

The Book Exhibition became a meeting point for book lovers and knowledge seekers. Students were particularly enthusiastic about adding new titles to their personal collections, and many were inspired to develop a regular reading habit. The warm interaction between the vendor, teachers, and learners created a lively, intellectual atmosphere.

The event concluded on a highly successful note, with significant book purchases and a renewed enthusiasm for reading among the campus community. The organiser extended heartfelt gratitude to the Principal for his encouragement, the staff for their cooperation, the students for their active participation, and Bookland Vendor and Publisher for making the event a success.

Such exhibitions are an essential part of the academic calendar as they ignite curiosity, broaden horizons, and bridge the gap between readers and the wealth of knowledge contained in books.

 

Dr. Muhammad Zuber Shaikh
Programme Coordinator

 

                                      Deeksharambh 2025-2026 - Library Orientation and Visit

Poona College was abuzz with excitement as it welcomed the incoming batch of first-year students (undergraduate and post-graduate) through the Deeksharambh 2025-2026 Student Induction Program (SIP), held from the 21st of July to the 1st of August, 2025. Organised in strict adherence to the guidelines established by Savitribai Phule Pune University, the program aimed to ensure a smooth academic and social transition for new entrants from all faculties.

From the outset, the atmosphere was one of inclusion and anticipation. The program’s primary goal was to orient students to the institutional ethos and operational procedures of Poona College. During the first sessions, students were familiarised with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) - a crucial step in helping them adapt to the expectations and functioning of their new academic environment.

The sessions went beyond simple introductions. Faculty members, each distinguished in their respective fields, took turns presenting overviews of their areas of expertise, sharing insights into ongoing research projects, and elaborating on the academic pathways ahead. These segments were crafted not only to inform but to inspire a sense of curiosity and intellectual belonging among the attendees.

A focal point of the induction was the introduction to essential academic support systems, chief among them the Knowledge Resource Centre - Poona College’s modern library. Dr. Shaikh Muhammad Zuber, the Director of the Knowledge Resource Centre, delivered an engaging and comprehensive session. He guided students through the process of accessing the library’s wide array of services, from basic borrowing to advanced research support. Dr. Shaikh Muhammad Zuber also highlighted the use of digital resources, online educational courses, and specialised scholarly databases, emphasizing the importance of academic honesty and the cultivation of sound research practices. His talk encouraged students to make reading and lifelong learning integral components of their educational journey.

Following this informative presentation, students participated in a guided tour of the Knowledge Resource Centre. They explored the library’s contemporary infrastructure, discovered dedicated study spaces, and examined both print and digital collections. Staff members demonstrated how to seek research assistance and explained the mechanisms of the interlibrary loan service, reassuring students that support was always at hand for their academic pursuits.

Throughout the induction program, there was an unmistakable energy -  students engaged with each session, asked insightful questions, and began forging bonds with their peers. The overwhelming feedback at the conclusion of the event was highly positive. Many students expressed that they felt welcomed and supported, and appreciated the clear overview of resources available to them. The program succeeded not only in imparting essential information but also in building a strong foundation of community spirit and scholarly enthusiasm.

Deeksharambh 2025-2026 stood out as a thoughtfully organised and effective induction, leaving students both informed and inspired as they embarked on their academic lives at Poona College.

Dr. Shaikh Muhammad Zuber

Programme Coordinator

 

'READING RESOLUTION MAHARASHTRA' 1st January 2025 to 15th January 2025

POONA COLLEGE ORGANIZED VARIOUS ACTIVITIES UNDER

'READING RESOLUTION MAHARASHTRA'

1st January 2025 to 15th January 2025

The development of reading culture helps in nurturing the personality of the youth and also in social enlightenment. However, in recent times, it is found that the youth of the country has been moving away from reading culture. Therefore, there is a need to attract young readers towards reading books. In that regard, it was considered to launch an initiative to increase the reading culture of students through the Universities, Colleges and Public Libraries from 1^st January to 15^th January 2025. The above objectives were expressed by the Higher and Technical Education Department, Government of Maharashtra through its circular/notification issued on 20^th December 2024.

Under the initiative “Reading Resolution of Maharashtra” a reading fortnight is being implemented from 1st January to 25th January.  The following programs are being organized as suggested in the notification;

1. Book Exhibition and Open Reading Day from 1^st January to 3^rd January 2025:

One of the key programs organized under this initiative was the Book Exhibition and Open Reading Day, which took place from January 1st to 3rd, 2025. The event saw an impressive turnout of 866 students and faculty members, who visited the library and spent time reading from the special collection displayed.

2. Institution Level Workshop for students on 3^rd January 2025 on the topic 'Reading and Writing    Keys to Lifelong Learning Skills'

A comprehensive workshop was organized at the institutional level to enhance the reading and writing skills of students. The event featured three esteemed resource persons, each delivering a talk on a different language: English, Hindi, and Urdu.

The keynote speakers included:

 1.   Mrs. Kajal Chhatija, Director of United International School, Pune, spoke on "Narrative for Growth - Teaching Life Skills Through Reading and Writing."

2.  Dr. Ubale Prerna, a renowned Hindi writer and poetess, delivered a talk on "Hindi Bhasha Vachan Aur Lekhan Kaushalliya" (Hindi Language Reading and Writing Skills).

3.  Mrs. Kausar Jahan Sundke, an acclaimed Urdu writer and poetess, spoke on "Mutaliya Aur Takhliqee Salahit Ka Farig" (The Importance of Reading and Creative Writing).

Throughout the workshop, the resource persons emphasized the necessity of developing daily reading and writing habits. They highlighted the transformative power of reading, which enhances cognitive abilities, memory, vocabulary, and communication skills while fostering critical thinking, personal growth, and stress reduction. The students responded enthusiastically to the sessions, and the workshop was deemed a resounding success.

The event began with the recitation of the Quran by Mr. Javed Khan. Vice Principal Dr. Amjad Sheikh while welcoming the guests, he asked the students to adopt the art of reading and writing skills. He also made them aware of the consequences of mobile. Dr. Muhammad Zuber, the Programme Coordinator, explained the workshop's theme, while Dr. Baba Shaikh extended the vote of thanks at the end.

3. Book Review Competition held on 18^th January 2025

The Book Review Competition was held on January 18, 2025, with students participating enthusiastically. The key highlights were:

1.      Students were provided with computers to type their book reviews.

2.      Participants were instructed to write reviews on books of their choice, within the 500-1000 word limit.

3.      Reviews were collected and emailed to the esteemed jury members for evaluation.

4.      The jury members comprised:

Dr. Abrar Ahmad (Urdu language)

Ms. Zeenat Merchant (English language)

Dr. Baba Shaikh (Hindi language)

5.      Additionally, reviews on Computer Science and Mathematics books were evaluated by Dr. Shaikh Shabana and Dr. Shaikh Amjad.

6.      The top three winners were announced based on the maximum points scored, as awarded by the jury members.

The competition aimed to encourage critical thinking, analytical skills, and effective communication among students, while fostering a love for reading and literature.

4. Storytelling Competition on 20^th January 2025

The Storytelling Competition was held on January 20, 2025, in the reading hall of the library, with students participating enthusiastically. The programme commenced with a warm welcome by Dr. Muhammad Zuber, Director of the Knowledge Resource Centre and Programme Coordinator. He extended a gracious greeting to the esteemed jury members and provided clear instructions to the participating students. He elaborated on the evaluation criteria, emphasizing the importance of clearly stating the name, title of the story, and language used. This ensured that students understood the assessment parameters and could tailor their presentations accordingly.

 Dr. Muhammad Zuber also expressed his sincere gratitude to the AKI Management for their generous sponsorship of the event. Their financial contribution of Rs. 25,000 facilitated the successful organization of the competition, and their support was greatly appreciated.

The students took turns sharing their stories, and the jury members assessed their performances based on the predefined criteria. The jury members provided constructive feedback, highlighting areas of improvement and offering valuable guidance. The competition concluded with the announcement of the top three winners, selected based on the points scored.

 A notable highlight of the event was a captivating storytelling session by Dr. Abrar Ahmed, (I/C Urdu, Arabic and Persian Department) who shared an engaging story that kept the students enthralled. He emphasized the importance of maintaining audience engagement, creating suspense, and conveying a meaningful moral.

Dr. Baba Shaikh (Assistant Professor Hindi Department) encouraged the students to tap into their everyday experiences and craft compelling stories from them. He urged them to publish these stories, emphasizing the numerous benefits of doing so:

1. Fostering a love for literature: By writing about their daily life incidents, students will develop a deeper appreciation for the power of storytelling and the world of literature.

2. Providing sustainable means: Publishing their stories can offer students a potential source of income, enabling them to sustain themselves while pursuing their passion for writing.

Dr. Shaikh's advice aimed to inspire students to explore their creative potential, cultivate a love for storytelling, and potentially turn their passion into a viable career path.

Ms. Zeenat Merchant (Head, Department of English and Postgraduate Centre) also shared some valuable tips on how to tell an interesting story:

1. Start with a hook: Grab the audience's attention with an intriguing question, a surprising statistic, or a thought-provoking quote.

2. Use descriptive language: Paint a vivid picture with your words, using sensory details to transport your audience into the story.

3. Create suspense and tension: Use pacing, cliffhangers, and unexpected twists to keep your audience engaged and curious.

4.   Make it relatable: Use universal themes and emotions to connect with your audience and make the story more relatable.

5. Use storytelling techniques: Employ techniques like foreshadowing, symbolism, and imagery to add depth and complexity to your story.

6. Practice your delivery: Rehearse your storytelling to ensure a smooth, confident, and engaging delivery.

The Storytelling Competition aimed to foster creativity, confidence, and effective communication skills among students, while promoting a love for storytelling and literature.

The success of the Storytelling Competition was made possible by the tireless efforts of several individuals. Dr. Deepina Kininge, Head Department of Business Administration deserves special mention for encouraging students to participate, as many were initially hesitant to present their stories.

Miss. Zenia Kuwaise, Assistant Professor from the Department of Business Administration, played a crucial role in facilitating student registration through a Google Form. Her persistence and follow-up efforts ensured maximum participation.

The programme was attended by staff members, including I/C Registrar Mr. Sayyed Ismail. Dr. Iqbal Shaikh, the Principal, motivated the students to utilize the college's resources, including its rich library collection and experienced staff, who are always willing to support students' academic and personal growth.

The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks presented by Mr. Kahsif Shaikh, Assistant Professor, Department of Business Administration. The college community is grateful for the collective efforts that made this event a success. A total of 866 students and teachers were involved during this fifteen-day programme.

5. Prize Distribution Ceremony on 26^th January 2025

As per the instructions of the Joint Director of Higher Education, Pune Region, the Prize Distribution Ceremony was held on January 26, 2025. The event was a grand celebration of the students' literary talents. Mr. Musharraf Hussain, I/C Head and Chairman of the Gymkhana Department, announced the names of the winners, who were awarded cash prizes, certificates, and mementoes in recognition of their outstanding efforts.

The prizes were distributed by Principal Dr. Shaikh Iqbal and Vice-Principal Dr. Shaikh Amjad, in the presence of teaching and non-teaching staff, NCC cadets, and NSS volunteers.

Notably, all participants received certificates of participation, acknowledging their enthusiasm and involvement in the literary competition. The ceremony was a fitting conclusion to the storytelling competition, inspiring students to continue nurturing their creative talents. The names of the winners are;

SN	Student Name	Author and Title of the Book Reviewed	Prize	Prize Amt	Remark
1.	Ulde Ayesha Mehboob	Rhonda Byrne: The Secret	First	2000.00	Memento and Certificate
2.	Shaikh Saba Md. Usman	Abrar Ahmad: Intezar Hussain Ki Afsana Nigari	Second	1500.00	Memento and Certificate
3.	Banekar Arkan Salim	Subir Chowdhury: The Power of Six Sigma	Third	1000.00	Memento and Certificate
SN	Student Name	Title of the Story	Prize	Prize Amt	Remark
1.	Sayyed Azra Shahanawaz	People's President: Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam	First	2000.00	Memento and Certificate
2.	Shaikh Saba Md. Usman	Yaqeen Ka Safar	Second	1500.00	Memento and Certificate
3.	Santosh Babu Khandekar	Soch	Third	1000.00	Memento and Certificate

Dr. Shaikh Muhammad Zuber 

Programme Coordinator

Meeting with the staff members for the conduct of the

Vachan Sankalp Maharashtracha initiative

Book Exhibition and Open Reading Day held from 1^st January 2025 to 3^rd January 2025

Workshop on ‘Reading and Writing  - Keys to Lifelong Learning Skills held on 3^rd January 2025

Book Review Competition held on 18^th January 2025

Storytelling Competition held on 20^th January 2025

Prize Distribution Ceremony held on 26^th January 2025