THE SCMC CHRONICLE

A publication of Symbiosis Centre for Media & Communication (for internal use and publication) Batch of 2020 | Vol. 12 Cultural gala marks International Day Founder President and Chancellor Dr S B Mujumdar turns 84 Passang Lhamo Tshewang Choden very year Symbiosis celebrates In- ternational Student’s Day on July E31st, to coincide with the birthday of its president Dr. S B Mujumdar who founded Symbiosis to help foreign stu- dents. This year, Dr Mujumdar, who is also the Chancellor of the Symbiosis International University (SIU), turned 84. Speaking on the occasion, he reminded, “We cherish the ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakkam – the world is one family.” “We want more and more international students to come to Pune. Their presence is of immense significance,” he observed. Baraka H Luvanda, high commissioner of Tanzania and Vikram Kumar, CEO of Dr S B Mujumdar prepares to cut the cake as international students cheer and sing “Happy Birthday” in the presence of Dr Sanjeevani Mujumdar. (All photos by Pasang Lhamo & Tshewang Choden) osis, more 2000 are international students. his wife Dr Sanjeevani Mujumdar. donation camp. Speaking on the occasion, SIU vice-chan- Faculty from the Symbiosis School of The evening saw a glittering interna- cellor Dr. Rajani R Gupte said, the inter- Culinary Arts judged the food festival tional cultural program of dances and national students were not only goodwill entries on the basis of ambience of the music. ambassadors for the University but of the stalls, presentation skills, taste, and nutri- South Korea bagged the first prize of Rs entire country. tional value. The first prize of Rs 5000 10,000 in the Asian cultural events com- As a part of the celebration, the interna- was bagged by Uzbekistan followed by petition, while Bangladesh came second tional students organized an international Mozambique and Sri Lanka winning Rs and got Rs 8000. From Africa, Mauritius food festival at the Symbiosis Hill Top 3000 and Rs.2000 respectively. bagged the first prize and Mozambique Campus, Lavale, in which students from Other activities during the International 2nd. The best critic prize of Rs 5000 was Chief guest Vikram Kumar (C) tasting 31 countries took part. The food fest is an Student’s Day included a tree plantation won by Nepal and the best costume award food made by international students initiative supported by Dr Mujumdar and drive, visits to some NGOs and a blood of Rs 5000 was won by South Korea. the Metropolitan Region Development Authority of Pune were the chief guests for the event. Celebrations began at the Senapati Bapat Road campus with international students from “A to Z” (Afghanistan to Zambia) from various Symbiosis cam- puses, unfurling their national flags and singing their national anthems. Symbiosis has students from across 85 nations. Of the 37,000 students in Symbi- Students presenting traditional South Korean dance. Apps curb profits and freedom, fear auto-rickshaw drivers Khushi Khurana ith cab service aggregators like Ola and Uber extending their online applications to Rhema Hans W include auto-rickshaw services, customers have benefitted by finding rides more conveniently. However, the auto-rickshaw drivers still have mixed feelings about joining the app-based service. “The apps have made our job easier. We don’t have to wait for hours at the auto-rickshaw stands to get a passenger. My target is to earn Rs 800- 1000 a day, and I reach my target easily and quickly,” says Vinod, an Uber auto-rickshaw driver in Viman Nagar. But there are other auto-rickshaw drivers who are not convinced. A part of their earnings have to be shared with the company, and this eats into their gross profits, they says. A majority of auto-rickshaw drivers are not In fact, even Vinod agrees. “For short distances convinced about the benefits of app-based the company charges us Rs 12 while for longer services and operate from stands. Cont’d on page 4 THE SCMC CHRONICLE VOL.12 2 ‘Entrepreneurship not a Workshop on career, but life time choice’ calligraphy held Mitali Dhar Artists use words and fonts to create SCEI conference focuses on start-ups aesthetic and literary pieces. Varnita Bose Mitali Dhar conducted a “calligraphy workshop” on he first ever conference on 27th July 2019 at Café Peter Donuts, Tentrepreneurship was held at Viman Nagar. The workshop mainly dealt Symbiosis Centre for Entrepreneurship with the Roman scripts and the workshop Last Night and Innovation (SCEI), Lavale on July was divided into four progressive units: In Nuuk 25. Theme of the one day conference Understanding the Tools, Learning Letter was to educate young minds on how Structure, Learning the Alphabet, and Sharwari Kale to conceptualize novel ideas, inform Developing a Style. This book follows the lives of five them about the government-based The workshop aims to introduce to young Greenlanders exploring schemes available for start-ups, and the art and craft of calligraphy. Like all their identities on the cusp of provide information on future industrial art forms, calligraphy or typography is a adulthood. It covers topics trends. form of self expression. Creativity lies all like homophobia, coming out, The conference consisted of talks, around us, and all it needs is a keen eye to millennial malaise, finding love, counseling, and advice offered by the seek it out says Varnita Bose while talking being cared about, and a lot more. speakers, with some panel discussion to The SCMC Chronicle. Life in modern day Greenland is and mentoring session. The purpose was introduced to the world, giving to educate and motivate young minds to a brand new experience from an explore the entrepreneurial career path Dolly Dhamodrawala (L) and unfamiliar shore. The writing over a traditional job-oriented career. Vishwas Mahajan is immature, but promising. “Entrepreneurship is not a career; Competition for business is fierce as it’s a life time choice. We need to boost the last few decades have brought new entrepreneurship with innovativeness challenges for manufacturing companies, ALL PICTURES BY MITALI DHAR MITALI PICTURES BY ALL among the youth which is necessary for believes Bharat Dhimate, Manager, attaining economic development of India d.Espart Pvt. Ltd while talking about the but sadly not sufficient. It’s high time to Design for Manufacturing & Assembly. promote social entrepreneurship which Industry 4.0 will make it possible to will not only create benefit for their venture gather and analyze data across machine, but also have a positive impact on society enabling faster, more flexible, and more by promoting innovation and sustainable efficient processes to produce higher- development,” said Vishwas Mahajan, quality goods at reduced costs said Dr. Social Entrepreneur while addressing the Abhay Kumar Kuthe, Professor, VNIT, conference at SCEI. Nagpur. Judgemental Entrepreneurship creates a roadmap SCEI serves as an opportunity to to regional development and promotes generate discussions on innovating Hai Kya innovation in rural areas, thereby and promoting competitive ideas, Adrija Saha contributing towards economic share contemporary knowledge and to development, said Dolly Dhamodrwala, bring forward a new insight into the Judgemental hai kya, written by CEO, Business Beacon Management entrepreneurship world. Some of the products on display at the Kanika Dhillon and directed by Consultants. calligraphy workshop Prakash Kovelamudi, is a story with a difference. The movie is based on the life of two individuals, Kangana Ranaut and Rajkumar Rao, who Nicola Sturgeon speaks her mind on are juggling between the reality and illusions. It is a psychological thriller with twists of dark Brexit, Boris Johnson and autonomy comedy, and satire.The suspense is kept alive until the end. Each frame is aesthetically appealing, The SCMC Chronicle staffer Gunjan Hariramani reports from Scotland with correct sound details. he First Minister of Scotland, Nicola country progress. While her enlightening candor, the First Minister initially TSturgeon graced the TED stage in words received the appreciation they expressed her dismay towards Boris Edinburgh in July with an immensely deserved in the form of a thunderous Johnson’s appointment, and how Scotland powerful talk. She spoke about why applause, her comments on Brexit and never had a choice in this situation or governments should prioritize well- Boris Johnson’s appointment as the Brexit. being, and aim for not just a wealthy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom She spoke about the possibilities nation, but a healthy one.Taking examples were noteworthy. of Johnson leading the UK out of the from Scotland’s own initiative along When asked what was really European Union with no deal, which in with countries such as Iceland and New happening with Brexit, she, like many her words would be “catastrophic.” She Zealand, she talked about how caring other citizens of the UK said that she speculated that a second referendum about a population’s well-being helps the really doesn’t know. With the utmost would be preferred by Johnson as opposed to the general election, because he has great chances of losing it. Cafe Goodluck Sturgeon spoke about her vision to Kavisha Manwani see Scotland as a nation led by self- governance, owing to how the country has Café Goodluck opens as early not been given a say to make decisions for as 7:00am and serves hundreds themselves, let alone speak on multiple of people throughout the day. crucial occasions. On being asked if she Known for its Keema Pav, the was conflicted about Scotland’s future cafe is also famous for Chicken with regard to Brexit, she agreed that Ra-ra and iconic dessert Fruit Brexit could lead the way for Scotland Funny. It’s situated in the vicinity towards independence. of Film & Television Institute of However, when she sees a larger picture India and has been a favourite of she believes that it is best for Brexit to not many icons including Dev Anand. take place as it is rather a catastrophe. At A hygienic place with affordable the end of the day, as the First Minister prices, what more can we ask for? and a citizen of Scotland herself, she The First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon speaking at the TED Summit wants what is best for her people. THE SCMC CHRONICLE VOL. 12 3 Pune’s jewish connection 1 2

he 156-year-old Ohel David synagogue in Pune, Tpopularly known as Lal Deval (red temple, be- cause of its colour), is the oldest Jewish structure in 3 the city. It was built by a philanthropist businessman David Sasoon who also built the Sasoon Hospital. The synagogue is testimony to the presence of a once flourishing Baghdadi Jewish community in Pune. Today, however, this community has very few mem- bers left if the city, most having migrated to Israel. But the synagogue remains an iconic building. Like most Jewish buildings in India, this too is protected by the police. MADHAVI JAIN takes a closer look at this beautiful building. 1.The spire is an imposing sight. 2. It has beautiful stained glass windows and oak wood furniture. 3. The Jewish holy book,Tanakh, is kept on a long-backed chair. 4. The building is a red-brick Gothic style architecture. Policemen sit on the porch, guarding the building. 5. A framed picture of the 7-branched ‘Memo- rah’ – a symbol of Judaism since ancient times.6. The caretaker who maintains the synagogue.7. The Star of David, the symbol of Jews and Israel.

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6 7 THE SCMC CHRONICLE VOL. 12 4 Aastha lifts badminton title Anmol, Dishan of SCMS Ishaan Bhattacharya will ultimately represent the university at he Inter- College Badminton tourna- regional and national level tournaments. bag SIU chess titles Tment was organized by Symbiosis This also serves the purpose of healthy Institute of International Business, Pune competition between SIU colleges which from the 30th of July to the 2nd of August promotes sportsmanship and a thriving 2019 at SIIB, Lavale Campus. This was competitive spirit to prove which college a part of the annual inter-SIU tournament has the best badminton players. which sees all partner colleges under the SIU banner send their best sports players WINNERS to compete for the pride of their college. Rank College (Women) The four days of the tournament saw multiple rounds of competition between 1 SID, Pune colleges, which culminated in the finals 2 SLS, Pune on day 4. The tournament saw participa- Rank College (Men) tion from 20 colleges across SIU partner 1 SIBM,Pune institutes. These tournaments are meant to help selections for the SIU team that 2 SSSS, Pune

Teams from 24 colleges participated in the chess tournament

Mitali Dhar WINNERS he Inter- College Chess tournament Rank College Student Twas organized by Symbiosis Institute of Geoinformatics, Pune on the 1st and 1 SCMS, Pune Anmol Agarwal the 2nd of August, 2019 at SIMS, Kirkee 2 SCMS, Pune Dishan Porwal Campus. The tournament was organized with the aim of not only selecting the 3 SLS, Pune Soumiljit S Gill best chess players who would represent 4 SCMS, Noida Shirish Kumar Symbiosis International University at the All India Inter-University Chess Cham- which were conducted in 7 rounds. Day pionship, but also to develop a composite 2, on the other hand, included the team chess culture in the university. The tourna- championship events. All participants ment saw the enthusiastic participation of gave an extremely tough competition and a total of 24 colleges. proved their mettle in the game. Some Best player (girls) Aastha Chakrobarty (L) of SID seen with national badminton The first day of the tournament con- events were especially nerve wracking and player and SIU alumni Mansi Gadgil, chief guest for the event sisted of individual championship events had the audience on the edge of their seats. Symbi’s annual blood donation day held SID students display Mitali Dhar their signage projects ymbiosis International University Pratikshya Mishra Sorganized blood donation camps on he students of Symbiosis Institute of the 31st of July in all its campuses in as- TDesign (SID) put up their ‘signage’ sociation with the Symbiosis Center for projects for display at the institute's ex- Health and Care (SCHC) and the Acha- hibition hall on July 27. The display was rya Anandrishji Pune Blood Bank. part of SID's design seminar DISHA. The Symbiosis organises blood donation exhibition included projects executed by camps in all its campuses, as an annual the students of 4th Year Graphic Design event every 31st of July. as part of their 'Way-finding and Signage The camps commenced at 9 am and Designs for existing buildings and actual saw a steady stream of donors throughout topographies. the day. Donors were provided with milk, The project was headed by Prof. biscuits and bananas as refreshments af- Paresh Choudhury, who said that the ter they had donated blood. These are project was helpful to the students since necessary for the donors. it 'introduced them to the idea of signage The blood samples were carefully systems and way-finding. collected and sealed by trained personnel Blood donation drive in full swing at the Viman Nagar old campus of the SCHC who also maintained a high true embodiment of the motto of SCHC camp saw enthusiastic participation by degree of donor safety. and Acharya Anandrishji Pune Blood both students and faculty and proved to be The blood donation camp was the Bank – selfless service with a smile. The a huge success. Apps curb profits and freedom, fear auto-rickshaw drivers (Cont’d from page 1) Design experts Alpesh Gajjar (C), and distances it could be between Rs. 17 to 18 on every booking and take money from auto-rickshaw. Why should I be treated Sourajit Sengupta (R) giving feedback 18,” he disclosed.. passengers too. So, where is our profit in like a servant ?” he asks. Vishakha Ramchandani, a 4th year Raju, a private auto-rickshaw driver is of associating with them? We will get even There are times when despite wait- student, said that they learned about the the opinion that there is no space for pri- less than what our meter would reflect,” ing for hours at the auto-rickshaw stand, use of typography, mathematics, and basic vate auto rickshaws in the future. Yet, like he fears. Zakir doesn’t get a passenger. In the face design principles. many others from his profession, he does Another private auto-rickshaw driver of such difficulties, Zakir can’t help but A seminar on the subject of the not wish to join Ola or Uber services as an Zakir Sheikh also does not want to join admit Ola and Uber are more convenient exhibition,on the same day, was attended “employee”. either Ola or Uber. “The passengers who options. However, he still believes that it by speakers Mr. Sourajit Sengupta, the de- On the surface of the issue, the reason book through apps will not tolerate any would be unfair if he had to sacrifice his sign head for Leaf Design and Mr. Alpesh seems to be a lack of profit. “We have suf- delay on our part, even for genuine rea- freedom and a share of his profit after hav- Gajjar, ex-NIDan. Both expert speakers fered 80 per cent loss after they came in sons. They want instant service. I paid Rs ing purchased an auto-rickshaw with his then went through the project displays and the market. They charge us Rs.12 to Rs two lakhs from my own pocket to buy this own money. gave feedback to the students.

Printer Publisher: Dr Sreeram Gopalkrishnan A publication of Symbiosis Centre for Media and Editor: Amitabh Dasgupta Communication (for internal circulation only) Editorial Team: Batch of 2020 (Journalism) Write in to [email protected]