Know your ward – Pankaj Chavan

This is to appraise all of you through this platform about Pankaj Chavan, my ward who is originally from Khed, was then with Manashakti Kendra, Lonavala (Kamva & Shika Yojna) and later came to VSM, Thane, out of dire wish to study in Arts in good college. He is studying in First year of Arts in Joshi & Bedekar College, Thane. Thanks to VSM, who could help him at the right time when his career was at stake. I would also like to thank Thane hostel students and Hostel in charge Sandeep Bhagwat for giving him excellent environment where his art could really prosper !

It is matter of proud that in a very small tenure of just 8 months (June 2014 till date), he could achieve below - 

· He got total 14 prizes in different prestigious competitions. He has been awarded and rewarded on many occasions and has presented variety of subjects.

· He also  participated in Pathnatya and other competitions where he couldn't get the prize but performed well.

· He acted in Ekankika spardha of college

· He has participated  in MANASHAKTI  Kendra's  " Vidhayak 31st Dec programme "

· He is very effective anchor and done anchoring  of our "Vividh Gundarshan Prog" on 28.12.2014 along-with our Vanashree  Bhalke. He attended 4 Be Frank prog. Vedh Parishad, Goal setting meet too. For his academic interest, he attended, VAKTA SAHASTRESHU programe in Thane where Dhanashree Lele was chief guest and guided the students for Communication.

· He is very active student of college. He has worked for social cause like  Pulse Polio Mohim , Blood donation camp etc

· In college  he has got NSS BEST CAMPER AWARD. He is a enthusiastic  member of Student Forum, Speakers academy,Natyamandal, Marathi Wangmay Mandal, student's council in his Joshi Bedekar College.

I am very happy to share that recently Pankaj got 3rd prize in state leval elocution competition at Joshi Bedekar College and that news is flashed in Loksatta with photo of Pankaj Attaching the same for you. I have marked Pankaj snap in the news.  

As per Pankaj, he can get such recognition & big platform only because of VSM and also got a chance to prove himself which helps him to build confidence. 

The purpose of sharing this email is to spread the fragrance of a flower to the other plants and flowers in the same garden.

Many thanks to VSM to give me opportunity to work as his KP.

Many thanks & Regards,

Vandana Shirke,

Thane

+91 99207 48322

email id - vndn.shirke@gmail.com

FIRST “BE FRANK” (PUNE)

The first “BE FRANK” (Pune) was held at the renowned and magnificent  Ferguson College campus on  February 22, 2015.

Total 13 students attended the event (Pune: 7 & Thane/Mumbai: 6). Ms. Shilpa Newase (an IT professional) dropped in for short time along with her sister and interacted with the students.

Pune co-ordinators were Vijayalashmi Pattewar & Jaikishan Patil and co-ordinating Palak-Karyakarta was Dr. Archana Damle. . The programme was superbly conducted and moderated by Karan Pardeshi.

The programme comprised of three major sessions as follows:

·       Self Introduction

·       Be Inspire

·       Group Discussion: 'Social Media Positive and Negative Impact'

In the first session, the students introduced themselves and got acquainted with each others. They belong to different streams like Arts, Medicine, Engineering etc.  As most of them were meeting for the first time, this round helped the students to feel comfortable and relaxed along with setting the stage for the subsequent sessions.

 In the second session students spoke in details about their source of inspiration be it from different persons, books, incidents and situations. Most of the students are clear about their goal and career path. They discussed about preparation for competitive exams and group study. For eg. Aruna and Vijayalaksami Pattewar, Suraj Telange will be appearing for UPSC exam. Digambar Kale  wants to be an English professor and he shared his amazing journey with all. Jaikishan Patil, a medical student told that he is inspired by various situations and persons. Gayatri Asawe (first girl in her village to study after 10^th std & at present 11^th std Arts student of Fergusson College) and Suraj Patil are very new to VSM. Suraj Patil spoke effectively having very precise, clear views and all were very much impressed with him. Suraj Telange suggested various books worth reading like Still Frame, Makers of Modern India, The world is flat etc.

Final session wasGroup Discussion on 'Social Media Positive and Negative Impact' conducted by Prathamesh Tayade. Two groups were made & they discussed and debated for and against the topic. All students spoke frankly, enthusiastically and tried to impress upon their points.

Karan Pardeshi, Kavita Bidawe ,Pankaj Chavan, Bharat Kadam, Aniket Raut and Prathamesh Tayade (all had come from Thane) got a chance to interact and communicate freely with Pune students.   Feedback forms were collected which helps to further improve on the content/format of the program.  

Students initial reaction was that they got a chance to speak openly in front of others which help to improve their communication skills. Pune students Diksha Dinde ,Harshada Chaudary and Vaibhav Sonone’s presence was missed. However, all the 13 participants had fruitful and open interactions and bonded very  well and made new friends. They enjoyed each others company as well as the serene surroundings (as it was 1^st Be Frank held in open, under the trees).

The event was conducted successfully and was culmination of the sincere efforts put in by all the VSM students and volunteers.

Thanks and Regards,

Archana Damle

(With inputs from Karan Pardesi)

BE FRANK program held at thane hostel.

Total 15 students attended this program. One of them was Rajita Mam's cousin, Aniket Raut. Two KPs , Abhay Sir and Swati Khare madam participated in this program. Below is detail report on the event.

Be Active -
The session started with a formal introduction of each student. The students were then asked to give information on any activity that they have participated or any event attended.
I initiated the talks and spoke about attending Mantarang IPH program and also shared experience of watching ‘Turtles Can Fly’ Iranian movie.
Vaibhav Kashivale told about his participation in Gram Swachata Abhiyaan.
Anand Sapate spoke about the discussion program held on 30th January of Dr. Anand Nadkarni with Ganesh Matkari on the subject ‘Impact of PK movie’.
Vishal Raikar, Tushar Khaire & Sujit Santra had participated in the Tech Fest college activity. Vishal won lots of prices in this festival.
Tushar attended Maths exhibition & gained interesting insight.

Vrushali Pingale visited Malvan & spoke about bird watching experience.

Kavita Bidave told about Swayam program & gave information about various guest speakers there.

Vrushali Kokate participated in college dance & act competition.

Pankaj Chavan won various allocation prizes with first rank. We applauded for him.

Sharadda Gosalkar helped her grandmother for housework. Abhay sir told she is very proactive.

Menka Sonawane - We decided that she will conduct 15th August Be Frank Program on stage and we all will support her.

Abhijit kadam spoke about his science project & exhibition activity.

Subham Sakpal recently read Swami Vivekanand story book.

Be Expert-
In this session students gave information & presented on a topic of expertise or specialization.
Anand Sapate wrote new poem for -VSM in Hindi & recited the poem. We all appreciated his efforts.
Kirti said she is popular in her school & college for leadership quality & Kho-Kho player.
Vishal is expert in mobile & technology field.
Menka sung a song & Abhijit performed slow motion dance.
Overall it was a very entertaining session. We got to know each other’s strengths.

We The Nation -
We know India's youth population is highest in the world.
These students are also part of India's youth. If we want to build strong society, it should start with our own selves. We are not different from the nation.
In this session each student shared his/her opinion on how to strengthen our country, society & ourselves.
Anand declared 'Lenge nahi aur denge nahi' approach to prevent corruption
Aniket will encourage his relatives & friends to take admissions in open category if they are financially stable. 
Bharat wants to join politics for social cause.
Vrushali Kokate already works for women empowerment & safety devices.
We are happy to mention that Abhay sir & Swati Khare madam provided their valuable guidance all the students. Students were impressed by Abhay sir’s one minute introduction techniques.
Swati Khare madam inspired students & spoke about importance of skill development among the students.
Finally students gave their views & suggestions on how to improve ‘Be Frank program’.

Thanks and Regards,

Karan Pardeshi