International Women’s Day 2022

International Women’s Day was celebrated with enthusiasm and fervour at Pillai College of Engineering, New Panvel on 8th March, 2023. To acknowledge the achievements of women, the Soroptimist Excellence Award ceremony, was organized by Soroptimist International Bombay, Chembur. The theme of the event was “Embrace Equity.” The event aimed to recognize and honor the outstanding contributions of Mrs. Swathi Mukherjee, the managing trustee of Vatsalya Foundation, dedicated to the welfare and holistic development of children in need of care and protection. The program commenced with a warm welcome from Dr. Daphne Pillai, who introduced Mrs. Swathi Mukherjee to the audience. Mrs. Mukherjee’s notable background in psychology and social work, coupled with her commitment to education, made her a deserving recipient of the Soroptimist Excellence Award. She shared her inspiring journey, emphasizing the values of passion, observation skills, listening, innovation, training, and empathy, encapsulated in the acronym “POLITE,” which guides the foundation’s work. Mrs. Mukherjee recounted her challenges in ensuring moral values and quality education for the children under Vatsalya Foundation’s care. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, where attendees engaged with Mrs. Mukherjee, seeking insights into her experiences. The event reached its pinnacle as Namrata ma’am, Dr. Daphne Pillai, and other distinguished guests felicitated Mrs. Swathi Mukherjee with a trophy from the Soroptimist Foundation and a generous donation for Vatsalya Foundation. The ceremony concluded successfully, leaving a lasting impact on everyone present and reinforcing the importance of recognizing and celebrating individuals dedicated to social welfare.

Cooperative Learning Strategies for Understanding Gender-Based Legislation

Cooperative Learning Strategies for Understanding Gender-Based Legislation: Addressing the pressing gender-based challenges in India, particularly the declining number of girls, requires concerted efforts towards their survival, protection, and empowerment. To foster awareness and understanding among students, cooperative learning strategies were employed to delve into key legislative measures such as the Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act 2003 and the Domestic Violence Act 2005 within the course ‘Gender, School & Society’. Through collaborative learning, students gained insights into the gravity of these issues and the government’s initiatives to tackle them effectively.

Recognizing the critical need to rebalance skewed sex ratios and combat female foeticide and infant mortality rates, students engaged in cooperative learning activities to grasp the significance of these legislative frameworks. They collectively acknowledged the necessity for a paradigm shift in societal mindsets to ensure a healthy sex ratio and safeguard the rights of girls. Furthermore, students comprehensively explored strategies for combating domestic violence, understanding the pivotal role of proper law enforcement and comprehensive education in fostering a positive attitude towards the girl child. By utilizing cooperative learning methodologies, students not only enhanced their understanding of gender-based legislation but also internalized the importance of proactive participation in addressing these societal challenges. Through collaborative discussions and shared insights, they developed a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted approaches required to promote gender equality and ensure the well-being of girls. Such cooperative strategies not only facilitate learning but also empower students to become active agents of change in fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.