Common Commencement Programme

6 August 2016

"The biggest duty of man, is the duty towards his fellow human beings" said Chief Guest Advocate Ram Jethmalani, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India, on 6th of August 2016, at the Common Commencement Programme 2016 jointly organized by Symbiosis Law School (SLS), Pune, Symbiosis School for Liberal Art (SSLA) and the Symbiosis School of International Studies (SSIS) at the Symbiosis Viman Nagar Campus-I Auditorium.

The programme redefined the essence and reaffirmed the warmth of the concept of Vasudeva Kutumbhkam, 'the world is one family'. It began with the auspicious lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries, followed by the opening remarks by Dr. Shashikala Gurpur, Director, SLS, Pune, Fulbright Scholar and Dean, Faculty of Law, SIU. In her address, Dr. Gurpur highlighted how the institutes at the Symbiosis International (Deemed University) represent the hallmark of excellence. This will provide opportunity for students to hone their skills set in an environment which is reflective of the framework of democratic identity.

Dr. Rajani Gupte, Vice Chancellor, SIU in her welcome address spoke about the ardent commitment of the faculty and the strong and illustrious alumni base of the University. She stated as to how the interactions of SIU students with these eminent personalities have created a space for educators to bring the real world into the classrooms.

Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Principal Director, Symbiosis addressed the audience emphasizing on the wide ranging disciplines being taught to a multitude of students by the Symbiosis fraternity and the value they hold in the development of each student’s distinct personality. She said, "The process of internationalization, which imbibes global competency, is in the DNA of Symbiosis. Symbiosis hosts students from more than 85 different countries and all states of India. This provides a platform for students to interact with peers from different cultures, countries and ethnic groups"

Prof. Dr. S B Mujumdar, Hon'ble Chancellor of Symbiosis International (Deemed University), welcomed the new batch on behalf of the Symbiosis family, extending love and best wishes for their future. He emphasized the importance of innovation in shaping career and as the only pathway to success.

The Chief Guest for the event, Adv. Ram Jethmalani, thereafter took to the stage, inspiring the audience and reflecting on their youthful enthusiasm, he exclaimed that the biggest duty on the planet is to serve our fellow beings.

Exploring the dimensions of our democracy Adv Jethmalani added stress on the gravity of religious differences and the threat it poses to the secular fabric of India. He urged the students to fight the menace of terror, violence and conflicts through knowledge and education.

The pre- lunch session of the day concluded with the vote of thanks by Prof. Shivali Lawale, Director, SSIS, followed by the National Anthem.

Dr. Rajesh Shinde Symbiosis Centre for Health Care (SCHC), and Mr. Anthony Augustene, University Sports Board (USB) and Ms. Shweta Sharma, Recreational and Wellness Centre (RWC) introduced the SCHC and USB-RWC and its services respectively to the students.

The Common Commencement Programme also witnessed a panel discussion on substance abuse, by Mr. Shrikant Navale, Senior Police Inspector, Anti Narcotic Cell, Pune and Mr. Nihar Hasabnis, Associate, Muktangan Mitra, PuneMr. Praraprao Kolte, API Viman Nagar Police Station, Mr. Sali, API, Anti-Narcotics Cell, Pune City and Prof. Santosh Aghav, Faculty Member , Crisis Management Committee, SLS, Pune.

Event of the day concluded with the vote of thanks by Dr. Bindu Ronald, Deputy Director SLS, Pune.