Camp, August 16, 2023: Poona College of Arts, Science, and Commerce took a significant step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of its students by inaugurating Anti-Ragging Week on August 12, 2023, commemorating International Youth Day. The event, a collaborative effort of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) and the Anti-Ragging Committee, reflects the institution’s unwavering commitment to protecting its student community.
Warm Welcome and Theme: The event commenced with a warm welcome from Principal Prof. (Dr.) Aftab Anwar Shaikh. He shed light on the theme of International Youth Day: “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World.” Prof. Shaikh unveiled an exciting lineup of competitions and activities scheduled for the week, encouraging enthusiastic participation from students.
Keynote Address: The highlight of the event was the insightful speech by Chief Guest, Additional Commissioner of Police, Arvind Chawariya. He emphasized the critical importance of anti-ragging measures, discussing legal aspects and the significance of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act.
Guests of Honour: Esteemed guests Anand Salunke and Bhagyashree Salunke, President and Secretary of the Multipurpose Foundation, Pune, graced the occasion as Guests of Honour. Their presence resonated with the students, emphasizing the role of young individuals in contributing to societal well-being. Bharat Bhima Yede, Assistant Room Officer, Examination – Confidential Room, Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), Pune, also shared valuable insights.
Fulfilling Conclusion: The program concluded with the rendition of the National Anthem, symbolizing the success of this initiative. The credit for its success goes to the dedicated efforts of the Anti-Ragging Committee, guided by Principal Professor Dr. Aftab Anwar Shaikh, Vice Principal (Arts) Prof. Moinuddin Khan, and Vice Principal (Science) & IQAC Coordinator Dr. Iqbal Shaikh. Dr. Shirin Shaikh, chair of the committee, alongside members like Dr. Shakir Shaikh, Dr. Shamshad Ahmed, Dr. Shabana Shaikh, Dr. Aafreen A. Ahmed, Dr. Baba Shaikh, and Dr. Riyasat Peerzade, played a pivotal role in organizing the event.
NCC Cadets’ Contribution: Special acknowledgment is due to the NCC cadets, who not only presented the guests with the Sword of Honour but also contributed to the event’s logistics. Their involvement added an extra layer of significance to the program.
The enlightening program directly benefited a substantial number of students, underscoring the vital importance of fostering a secure and conducive environment for the youth through such initiatives. The Anti-Ragging Week at Poona College serves as a beacon of commitment towards student safety and holistic development.
