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SIES COLLEGE OF ARTS, SCIENCE AND COMMERCE
SION (W), MUMBAI - 400022
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FORD FOUNDATION?S ?PATHWAYS TO HIGHER EDUCATION? PROGRAMME
(Supported by the Higher Education Cell, Centre for the Study of Culture and Society and Ford Foundation)
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Ford Pathways Regional Conference (supported by HEIRA ,CSCS Bangalore and Ford Foundation USA) 9th and 10th ?May 2013, SIES College of Arts, Science and Commerce Mumbai
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The Ford Pathways Regional Conference (supported by HEIRA ,CSCS Bangalore and Ford Foundation USA) was hosted by SIES College of Arts Science and Commerce, Mumbai on 8th and 9th May 2013. ?The 3 teams of Ford Pathways Maharashtra were present ? SIES College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Ahmednagar College and ?St ?Xaviers College.
Ford Pathways Regional Conference marked the end of the 3 year Ford Pathways Programme . ?After Registration and refreshments the Conference was inaugurated. The conference was inaugurated with an invocation to the Almighty followed by the lighting of the Lamp by the dignitaries, The Welcome Address was delivered by Ms. Asha Gala, coordinator of the programme of the conference),Mr. Tanveer Hasan (Research Coordinator, HEIRA,CSCS) and PP Sneha (Program ?Associate HEIRA,CSCS) ?representatives of HEIRA spoke on the collaboration of SIES, HEIRA,CSCS,
Dr. Harsha Mehta , Principal SIES College of Arts, Science and Commerce congratulated the Ford Pathways teams for the phenomenal success they achieved. She pointed out that the Programme has led to the holistic development of the student participants. She congratulated the team leaders for their genuine efforts to help bring ?the underprivileged to the mainstream. She acknowledged their commitment and hard work.
After the inauguration the Core students of Ford Pathways Cell, SIES College of Arts, Science and Commerce made presentations on the research output of Ford Pathways Programme. Sachita Setthi, Rajeshwari Balan, relived the moments of learning from the National Conference, photo exhibition, Food Diversity etc. Thomas Varghese, Karthik spoke about RTE Research Experiences. Vijaya L, Vidhya Bharadi and Tejas Nakhe shared their rich experiences of producing documentary films ?and overall personality development through FORD Pathways Program. Aniket Kale, Latika mentioned their experiences of conducting grass root research in Sindhudurg District Konkan. Emotions were very high as these students genuinely spoke their heart. Tanuja B expressed that her learning from Pathways Programme has been a lifelong experience and wishes that her younger brother gets admission and opportunity to be in the SIES Pathways ?Programme.
After the formal inauguration ice breaker group activities was conducted by Asha Gala and Tanveer Hasan ?it made participants very comfortable and facilitated knowing each other. In the post lunch technical session@- a team of 2 students of St. Xavier?s ?College Mumbai shared their experiences of the project- ?Mumbai Memoirs?- Oral narration style memory of the experiences of people during the riots in Mumbai. ?The details were enlightening for the audience. Prof. Sangeta Chavan, coordinator Ford Pathways and Prof Rashmi George, Assistant Program Coordinator St Xavier?s College were also present and supplemented the sharing

Mumbai Heritage Tour

Mumbai Heritage Tour was conducted for the student participants as post lunch session on the first day of the seminar. The participants visited Gateway of India, Tajmahal Hotel, Times of India, Prince of Wales Museum, Victoria Terminus, Mani Bhavan , Queen?s Necklace etc.
The aim of the tour was multifold. Not only did it provide the participants a chance to unwind after a tiring day, interact with others and see the heritage sites of Mumbai and reflect on the socio ?cultural sites of Mumbai ?but it was an innovative teaching method of teaching history and geography and cultural diversity of Mumbai. The participants were given an assignment to capture the life of Mumbai on photographs, choose 10 best photographs of the group and make a presentation.
Second Day of Conference
On the second day after the refreshments, a team of Ford Pathways Ahmednagar College- 7 students led by Prof. Raidwad , Assistant Program Coordinator made a presentation about the activities conducted by them, primarily a survey of the marginalized communities and challenges faced by them during data analysis.
After ?this session all the groups which had cross section and participants from all 3 colleges made audio visual presentations based on their photographic assignment of Mumbai Heritage tour They had to explain the background ?behind this photo and the reason for the ?choice of the photos and the socio- economic ?issues emerging based on them.
Asha Gala, Coordinator, Coordination SIES Pathways Cell made a participatory presentation on the theme ?Learning by Doing- Introspective Analysis of Ford Pathways to Higher Education as innovative Research Application?. She also highlighted challenges faced during the program and areas and scope of improvement.
Films like Yuva Asha by SIES students based on the issues and challenges of Higher Education, Youth Aspirations ?and migration in Sindhudurg District were screened and discussed as learning output.
Documentary Films by SIES team
As a part of the Ford Pathways Programme the participants of the SIES College were trained to make short documentary films on socially relevant topics.
The audience was mesmerized by the professionalism displayed by the films. Each student director spoke on the reasons for the choice of the topic , method of execution and problems faced while filming.
The films were an eye opener for the audience. The documentary ?I Am Money? cleared the misconception about Dharavi being an economically backward area. The student director of the documentary ITEM on Eve Teasing expressed the difficulties she faced to motivate victims to talk about their experience in front of the camera. Des Mein Pardesi gave expression to the discrimination and harassments personally experienced by the family of the student director.
The resource person Ms. ?Megha Subramanium who guided the students in the art of film making explained her methodology of teaching, highlighted the problems she faced while teaching the art to the students.
Group Exercise by Mr. Tanveer Hasan and PP Sneha
Participants were divided into 6 groups, given a chart paper, resource material and asked to draw a socially relevant message on the chart paper without the use of letters. Each group was given 10 minutes after which the group moved to the next groups chart and continued working on it after trying to understand the theme. After 10 minutes they were asked to move to the next chart. This continued till the groups were back to the original chart. The aim of the exercise was to experience group dynamics, team spirit and SWOT of the groups, while working in the community.
Exhibition :?The SIES team displayed ?photographic exhibition of the activities undertaken for the past three years under the Ford Pathways Programme.
Valedictory
At the valedictory function the organizers thanked all the stakeholders of the program like Ms. Raveena ?Agarwal., Ford Foundation USA, Dr. Tejaswini Niranjana, Lead Researcher , HEIRA,CSCS, Dr. Milind Wakankar, Coordinator, Social Justice Initiative, Dr. Sunil Abraham , Director, CIS, Bangalore; Dr. Nishant Shah, Director research CIS; Mr. Tanveer Hasan, research Coordinator; Ms. P P Sneha ?Programme ?Associate, HEIRA,CSCS. All the resource persons of the National Conference, Seminars and Workshops, members of SIES Management, Principal Dr. Harsha Mehta, Vice Principals of Degree and Junior College, Organizing Committee members of the college, Organizing committee members of the Conference of the previous y ears , judges , parents ,core volunteers, teachers and non- teaching staff, Technical support staff , student committee at large and respondents from the community at large as the participants of the research output .Representatives of all 3 colleges gave feedback of the conference which was all appreciation for food for thought, food for stomach{hospitality} and efficient organizing abilities expressed in the shortest possible time
Principal Harsha Mehta awarded certificates to the delegates. The participants were happy to receive the conference bag made by Woman?s Social welfare Organization, and T shirts as mementos.
The cultural programme presented by SIES students included Classical dance depicting cultural heritage of South India,?Lavani ?a heart beating happening performance presenting popular folk culture of Maharashtra, poetry recitation and a special performance by a visually challenged student JALDEEPAASAN which received enormous appreciation from one and all. Spontaneous participation by all the participants gave the conference the spirit of a grand finale!
On 11th May 2013 the organizers said bye to the guest teams with a personal touch and wished them happy journey. Formal and informal feedback reflected end of the conference.
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ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2011-2012
FORD PATHWAYS TO HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAMME
The Ford Foundation supported PATHWAYS to Higher Education Programme designed and implemented by Higher Education Innovations & Research Activities (HEIRA) of CSCS; Bangalore seeks to develop a campus diversity model in nine undergraduate colleges across the 3 states (Maharashtra, Karnataka & Kerala) to enhance the quality of access to higher education for disadvantaged students. This four year programme focuses on skill building for socially disadvantaged students by Teacher Training in curricular and pedagogic reform so as to ease the integration of these students into the mainsteam.
WORKSHOP ON SOCIAL JUSTICE AND DIVERSITY
As a part of this program, HEIRA in collaboration with the Centre for Internet and Society Bangalore conducted a 3 days workshop in July 2011for students of SIES College. About 25 socially disadvantaged students participated. The objective of the workshop was to produce contextual, local and multiple interpretations and engagements with the notion of social justice, drawing from the participants experiences and imaginations.
The participants produced stories around social justice, identified issues and themes and built initial ideas for a short term campus project, addressing problems related to social justice and diversity on campus and or in the in the community. Dr. Nishant Shah, Director, CIS, Bangalore along with Mr. Chetan Chauhan, a facilitator conducted the workshop. Dr. Tejaswini Niranjana, Lead researcher HEIRA and Dr. Milind Wakankar, Coordinator Social justice initiative, HEIRA guided the workshop. Asha Gala, Coordinator of Ford Pathways Programme of SIES College assisted by Mr. Abuzer Ansari Asst Coordinator organised the workshop.
STUDENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
Campus project for 2011-12 were developed during a series of student workshops and were finalized with mentoring and assistance from the HEIRA regional facilitator Mr. Srikant Bhoite from, Pune University.
The students finalised the project as the Analysis of the problem of social discrimination caused by the urban rural divide.
Key activities include a) visits to Dhobighat, Kumbharwada, Kala Killaa of Dharavi for interviews, b) workshops on Ethnography, video making and writing skills c) screening of short videos produced by students and group discussion with community interviewed and on campus d) visit to Gogate Walke College, Sant Raul Maharaj Collge, and share learnings of the programme.
WORKSHOP ON ETHNOGRAPHY
In January, 2012 Workshop on Ethnography was conducted by George Jose a Sociologist, from Mumbai University. The workshop aimed to introduce students to the idea of research its objectives and basic research methods such as surveys and interviews. The attempt was to get the students to think critically about the issues which were identified in the project development workshops prior to the fieldwork. Mr. Tanveer Hasan, Coordinator HEIRA & Mr. Srikant Bhoite, regional coordinator were facilitators. Mrs. Asha Gala organised the workshop. Ms. Rupal Vora, attended the workshop.
FACULTY DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP
Ms. Rupal Vora and Ms. Archana Sanil attended a faculty development workshop conducted by HEIRA and CIS, Bangalore in December2011. The workshop focused on developing new curricula and pedagogic strategies to address issues of social justice and diversity in class room. The teachers developed sample course modules and discussed problems related to curricular reform.
FIELD WORK FOR RESEARCH:-
In the month of February, 2012 and March, 2012 the core group of Pathways explored various areas of Dharavi like Dhobighat, Kumbharwada, 90 Feet Road, Kala Killa led by Mrs Asha Gala. The participants interacted with the locals, discussed various issues and social justice like caste discrimination, racial and linguistics differences, health and hygiene issues, challenges of higher education etc. For most of them, though they lived in Dharavi, it was an eye opener to visit the other unknown local areas and experience the diversity.
WORKSHOP ON WRITTING SKILLS:-
The workshop was conducted from 26th March 2012 to 29th March, 2012. The Resource Persons Ms. Usha Raghavan, Ms Rajkumari Kaul, Ms. Chitra Iyer and Ms Renuka Krishnamoorthy the experts in English language engaged students in creative unity, report writing, Literary reading habits, correct English, abstract writing, picture stories, copy writing etc. in the most participatory manner. Interactive sessions like role plays, narratives, ad making, and interview techniques were very much appreciated by the participants.
WORKSHOP ON ETHNOGRAPHY AND MEDIA:-
Was conducted by Ms Megha Subramanian, a renowned script writer and film maker from 28th to 30th March 2012 and 16th & 17th April, 2012. She explored the possibilities of various ethnographic aspects of culture, caste, language, historic roles to be prescribed in the narrative style. The comfort level of the participants was very high as the resource person being multilingual could interact very easily with participants in their mother tongue (mostly Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu or Marathi) and English. It was in a true sense an icebreaker, where the participants narrated their own experiences of being negatively discriminated by the society or exploited. It helped tremendously in going to the depth of the issues and visualising plots for the documentary films as well as clarity on barefoot research for the script of the films. This workshop also gave them skill building exercise on scripting ethnographic aspects in the story line and the use of appropriate media and the instruments like Camera and PowerPoint Presentations.
WORKSHOP ON VIDEO MAKING:-
Was conducted by Ms Megha Subramanian, a noted media professional. It was conducted in the 2nd & 3rd week of May 2012 at the UStudios and Post Productions Pvt. Ltd. The hands on experiences of shooting, collecting raw footage, editing, handling camera, subtitling, voice over, directing and final production with the credits, light and sound effects was of immense importance to the Core students of Pathways Programme, coordinated by Asha Gala. As the outcome of this workshop 12 short documentary films are produced, each of 5 to 7 minutes duration on the themes like linguistic discrimination, challenges of higher education, migration, health and hygiene, women empowerment, superstitions etc.
FEEDBACK AND IMPACT EVALUATION:-
Was conducted on 22nd June 2012 by Dr Anand and External impact evaluator, Dr Tejaswini Niranja and Dr Milind Wakankar from HEIRA, CSCS, Bangalore. Very positive feedbacks encourage all the participants of the programme.
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Visit to Sant Raul Maharaj College, Kudal, Gogate, Walke College of Arts and Commerce, Panval Banda, Sawantwadi, Amboli and Goa.
A core Group of 17 persons lead by Mrs Asha Gala Coordinator, SIES Ford Pathways to Higher Education Programme visited a number of educational institutions and places of historic, political and religious significance in and near Sawantwadi, Kudal, Banda, Amboli & Goa.
The purpose of the visit was to spread awareness related to the issues of Social Justice and Diversity. This was done through screening of 12 short documentary films produced under the SIES Ford Pathways to Higher Education Programme by the core team of Pathways undergraduate students under the guidance of Ms Megha Subramanium, a noted film maker, script writer, media personality and an alumnus of the College and Coordinated by Asha Gala, Head of the Economics Department and Coordinator of the programme. Details of the films are as follows:-
Sr.No. Title of the film Theme
?1. Main Paisa Hoon
(I am Money)		 Dharavi as a producer of wealth of small scale industries in Dharavi
2.? Aisa Kya Superstitions as obstacles to sustainable development & scientific base of research on the theme
3.? Nanhi Nigahein Diverse perception of the children regarding urban life ? children from Dharavi versus children from Thane & Sion
4.? Perspectives Differences in attitude of the people looking at slums especially Dharavi
5.? Stree Shakti Women Empowerment
6.? ?Item? Eve Teasing and Sexual Harassment
7.? Phas Gaya Tejas Kumbharwada Me Pottery as the livelihood in Kumbharwada area of Dharavi
8.? Gharonda Issue of dwellings of homes in urban slums
9.? Des Me Pardesi Challenges of Migration, Urban Rural Divide & Linguistic Divide
10.? Shiksha Inke Najariya Se? Attitude Towards Education
11.? Classroom Beyond Walls Challenges of Higher Education & Learning for Life
12.? Swaprayaas? Self initiative as the agents of change in social & economic upliftment. ?
The journey began on 8th August 2012. On 9th August 2012 (August Kranti Din), the group was welcomed by Dr Zodage, IIC Principal of Sant Raul Maharaj College, Kudal, Taluka Sawantwadi. Around 200 students of B.M.S. and other undergraduate courses viewed the above films. Each of the student filmmaker was introduced to the audience and shared their experiences during the process of film making. Mr. Kulkarni, B.M.S. Coordinator, Mr. Avate (Senior Faculty from Hindi Dept), Vice Principal Pawar appreciated the efforts of the students. Asha Gala, Coordinator of the Programme explained the objectives, activities and outcomes of the Ford Pathways Programme. Students? views from SRM College expressed their curiosity about knowing where about Mumbai, especially Dharavi. It was an eye opener to Mumbaiwalas when they were told that the local students of Kudal had not heard of Dharavi and there was a myth that Dharavi was some activity or function. Raksha Patel of SRM College, Kudal expressed that she had never seen Mumbai and after seeing these films, she would be very eager to visit Dharavi at first instance or opportunity available to her.
Stay at Subedar Farm House, Banda made the participants familiar with rural glimpses and greenery of Kokan area. ?Sharing and Caring? was mantra of the participants during whole visit. On 9th evening, the group visited historic Palace of Sawantwadi ? Rajwada, beautiful Motisagar Lake and a Factory workshop manufacturing the wooden toys as well as local market of Sawantwadi,flooded with Kokam and Cashew nuts. The artisan making wooden handicrafts patiently demonstrated the craft of wooden carving and painting ? indeed and inspiring episode of promoting self employment among youth! ?Mr Parulekar, a retired IPS Officer, gave ethnographic details and nostalgic memories of life and culture of Sawantwadi.
On 10th August, in the morning, the pathways group saw the premises of Shree Pancham Khemraj Vidyalaya (Junior College) and proceeded to Gogate Walke College of Arts & Commerce Panval, Banda (of Shikshan Prasarak Mandal, Banda). Principal Dr Shrikant Sawant, the pioneering personality of this visit was readily present of the gate at the College to receive & extend warm welcome to SIES team. Prof. Velhal, Vice Principal and Coordinator took keen interest in ensuring comfort to the guests. NSS Programme Officers and faculty of the Dept of Economics as well as Hindi were present in the midst of 150 NSS volunteers. It was overwhelming response from the audience. Each SIES team member of the film shared their experiences including themes of research, challenges, interesting anecdotes etc. For better interaction, an innovative game was played ? ?Jodi Tujhee Majhee?-12 groups of a mixed team of Bombay and Banda students. It gave them opportunity to interact with each other and know in detail about their lives, issues and challenges. They shared knowledge about their guest / host team member in public. Some of them declared that this friendship will last for the lifelong. The issues of inferiority complex among students regarding not knowing English, local issues of mining and migration, inadequate transport facilities were also discussed.
SIES students were shocked to know that in this remotest college, students travelled on an average distance of 30 to 40 Kms to reach to College and did not have transport for 3 to 4 hours if they missed a bus at the scheduled time. Sentiments were at the peak when about 40 people from Bombay and Banda shared their solitary of everlasting friendship by holding hands and singing away with claps ?Honge Kamyab? to the glory.
Evening of 10th August was a unique lifelong adventure for the group ? a visit to Amboli hills, lush green, forest, stormy weather, deep valley, roaring waterfall, unique each point of ?Kaavlesaad?, foggy sky and clouds at the distance of a handshake ?mind blowing? was the scream heard all over. The excited group danced in the rain without any inhibitions and declared their freedom and unity with nature. Environmental diversity energising the youth! ?Garam cutting chai? coffee served by Sawantwadi local on the hill was most welcome.
11th August 2012 was a visit to experience ethnographic, social, religious and linguistics diversity of Goa with beaches, temples, churches bars and traditional market of MAPUSA.
The return journey on 12th August 2012 by Mumbai Express taught lessons of Consumer Rights to the students when they had to handle passengers without reserved tickets encroaching their seats and any efforts of pulling the Alarm chain to stop the train or complaint to the T.C. were useless because no T.C. has seen till the end of the journey and the chain was rusted. The group identified one theme for the next film on Social Justice ? ?Indian Railway- plight of the passengers!?. Assistance by Mr A. Ansari as Assistant Programme Coordinator was welcome to Mrs Asha Gala, Coordinator of the Ford Pathways Programme in making this visit meaningful.
COMMUNITY EVENTS, SCREENING OF FILMS, SHARING OUTPUT AND DISCUSSIONS:-
The Output of the programme i.e. the 12 short video documentary films were screened and discussed in the college for larger student community of different classes, and the people of Dharavi. It was also organized at the Institute of Technology and Management Matunga, for the Executive MBA students. The barefoot researchers from PUKAR (Partness for Urban Knowledge Action and Research) from Chembur and Govandi also discussed the issues. It generated keen interest, awareness and appreciation related to social diversity and justice. It created the classroom beyond the campus. The experience of Pathways Programme brought the core students into the main stream.
ASHA GALA
Coordinator, Ford Pathways
Head Economics Dept.		 PRINCIPAL
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MID TERM NARRATIVE REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2011-2012
The Ford Foundation supported PATHWAYS to Higher Education Programme designed and implemented by Higher Education Innovations & Research Activities (HEIRA) of CSCS, Bengaluru seeks to develop a campus diversity model in 9 undergraduate colleges across the 3 states (Maharashtra, Karnataka & Kerala ) to enhance the quality of access to higher education for disadvantaged students. This four year programme focuses on skill building for socially disadvantaged students by Teacher Training in curricular and pedagogic reform so as to ease the integration of these students into the main steam.
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WORKSHOP ON SOCIAL JUSTICE AND DIVERSITY
As a part of this program HEIRA in collaboration with the Centre for Internet and Society Bengaluru conducted a 3 days workshop in July 2011for students of SIES College. About 25 socially disadvantaged students participated. The objective of the workshop was to produce contextual, local and multiple interpretations and engagements with the notion of social justice, drawing from the participant?s experiences and imaginations.
The participants produced stories around social justice, identified issues and themes and built initial ideas for a short term campus project, addressing problems related to social justice and diversity on campus and or in the community. Dr. Nishant Shah, Director, CIS, Bengaluru along with Mr. Chetan Chauhan, a facilitator conducted the workshop. Dr. Tejaswini Niranjana, Lead reseacher HEIRA and Dr. Milind Wakankar, Coordinator Social justice initiative, HEIRA guided the workshop. Mrs. Asha Gala, Coordinator of Ford Pathways Programme of SIES College assisted by Mr. Abuzer Ansari Asst Coordinator organised the workshop.
STUDENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
Campus projects for 2011-12 were developed during a series of student workshops and were finalized with mentoring and assistance from the HEIRA regional facilitator Mr. Srikant Bhoite from Pune University.
The students finalised the project as the Analysis of the problem of social discrimination caused by the urban rural divide.
Key activities include:
  1. Visits to Dhobighat, Kumbharwada, Kala Killaa of Dharavi for interviews
  2. Workshops on Ethnography, video making? and writing skills
  3. Screening of short videos produced by students and group discussion with community interviewed and on campus
  4. Visit to Ahmednagar College and share leanings of the programme.
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WORKSHOP ON ETHNOGRAPHY
In January 2012, Workshop on Ethnography was conducted by Mr. George Jose a Sociologist, from Mumbai University. The workshop aimed to introduce students to the idea of research, its objectives and basic research methods such as surveys and interviews. The attempt was to get the students to think critically about the issues which were identified in the project development workshops prior to the fieldwork. Mr. Tanveer Hasan, Coordinator HEIRA & Mr. Srikant Bhoite, regional coordinator were the facilitators. Mrs. Asha Gala organised the workshop. Ms. Rupal Vora, attended the workshop.
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FACULTY DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP
Ms. Rupal Vora and Ms. Archana Sanil attended a faculty development workshop conducted by? HEIRA and CIS, Bengaluru in December 2011. The workshop focused on developing new curricula and pedagogic strategies to address issues of social justice and diversity in class room. The teachers developed sample course modules and discussed problems related to curricular reform.
? ASHA GALA
Head, Economics Dept.
and Coordinator Ford Pathways to Higher Education programme
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MID-TERM NARRATIVE REPORT
15th February, 2011
CAMPUS INITIATIVES 2010 ? 11
WORKSHOP ON NEW TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL MEDIA
A two day workshop on New Technology and Social Media was conducted in the Information technology Laboratory of SIES College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Sion (W), Mumbai ? 400022 on 6th and 7th September, 2010. 20 students from socially and economically disadvantaged class were selected from first year undergraduate courses. Out of these 20 students, 18 attended the workshop along with one student from SY class. Principal Dr. Harsha Mehta welcomed and felicitated Dr. Tejaswini Niranajana ? Lead Researcher oh HEC, CSCS, Bangalore along with Dr. Milind Wakankar, Coordinator of Social Justice Initiative at HEC, CSCS, Bangalore. Dr. Sunil Abraham, Director of the Centre for Internet and Society, Bangalore, Ms. Kothai ? a resource person, Mr. Arun (Consultant for impact assessment) and Mr. Rajesh, Technical Assistant. Dr. Tejaswini Niranjana explained the aims, objectives and details of the programme. Mrs. Asha Gala, Coordinator of SIES Pathways Programme gave details of the campus initiatives under the programme.
Dr Sunil, Ms. Kothai and Mr. Rajesh in a very innovative and participatory manner introduced the participants to the concepts related to technology like film editing, internet, email, use of search engines, editing SMS, youtube, facebook, sound mixing, documenting. Within the group, the mentors were created from those who were familiar with technology. Mentors Anjali, Srilata, Pushpa assisted other participants who were using the computer almost for the first time. Participants were given the camera and they clicked the stills and did video recording themselves. One of the participants Ms.Vidya described it as an ?exciting experience?. Debate generating opinions on issues like ethics was interestingly handled by Dr. Sunil. Statements like ?It is alright to copy from any source? or ?Terrorists should be hanged in public? generated brainstorming session in the group debate. Video clippings from youtube related to innovative ways of human rights activists and liberation movement in the dance and drama form were enjoyed by the audience and were repeated by the participants in FYBA class for the benefit of other students.
The oral and written feedback from the students was very encouraging for such initiatives. Ms. Gala expressed gratitude to the organisers of the workshop ? the Higher Education Cell, Centre for the Study of Culture supported by Society and Ford Foundation, the Centre for Internet and the Society, Bangalore for conducting such a useful workshop and also thanked the IT Department of the College led by Ms. Sudha B (Head of the IT Dept) and her colleagues especially Ms. Sarita B (Asst. Coordinator) and Mr. Sagar for facilitating the use of IT laboratory as the venue of the workshop.
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WATCH AND VIEW (FILM SCREENING AND APPRECIATION)
Realising film as an important medium to sensitise the social issues, Pathways Programme covered screening of the following films

Film

Theme/ Issues
Do Aankhen Barah Haath

Innovative way of Rehabilitation of prisoners and human development
Swadesh
  1. Brain drain
  2. Rural development through education and infrastructural development like power generation
Naya Daur

?Man versus Machine? ? issues related to mechanisation, rural unemployment and impact of urbanisation and globalisation on rural India
Caste Out

Status and life of socially disadvantaged class ? Harijans of Gujarat
Every film was viewed and discussed by the audience of around 70 to 80 (staff and students) who expressed their opinions about the film and the related issues.
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VIVIDHA ANNA
An exhibition showcasing India?s diversity through Indian vegetarian food was organised on 21st December, 2010 in the quadrangle of the college. Enthusiastic participation from different classes across the college brought in 77 entries for the competition. Devendra N. Pushpa, Yoshita Shah, Sachita Sethi and Larissa Namdar coordinated the event. Prof. Ashalata Bhatt (Politics Dept, Jr. College) and Prof. Anuya Dharap (Marathi Dept, Jr. College) judged the competition patiently and used the evaluative criteria like Nutrition Value, taste, variety and innovative style of presentation along with the questions answered by the participants. Five students won the Best Recipe Prize. They are as follows:

Name

Recipe

Bhayani Darshika

Khasta Kachori

Jain Neelam

Gujarati Meal

Gala Rahi

Layered Shahi Biryani

Mhatre Arshata

Bhakri Chutney

Priyansh Shah

Indian Pasta
30 students were awarded Outstanding recipe prize as an encouraging gesture and all the participants were given a Certificate of Participation.
Principal Dr. Harsha Mehta, Vice ? Principal Dr. Smita Durve, Vice ? Principal Gayatri Narayan, Prof. A. B. Mujumdar along with dozens of teachers, parents and hundreds of students enjoyed this Indian dhamaka of food festival and India?s diversity. The visitors requested a copy of the recipe book which is proposed to be printed.
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PATHWAYS PATHNATYASHALA
Seeing streetplay as a very powerful medium of awareness and sensitivity, under Pathways Pathnatyashala ? 2 sessions were conducted as the Workshop.
  • On 20th December, 2010 the workshop? was conducted by Mr. Vijendra Kadam (Marathi Theatre Personality) and Mr. Nagvekar (Scriptwriter) on ?Issues of justice in higher education?.
  • On 14th January, 2011 the workshop was conducted by Ms. Asha Gala on ?Use of voice modulation and voice culture in the streetplays?.
Around 25 students participated in the above workshops. A series of sessions are proposed to be held in the month of April and May 2011 with the expected output of production of a streetplay.
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VIVIDHA ? PHOTO EXHIBITION ON THE DIVERSITY OF SION AND DHARAVI (MUMBAI)
Very artistic photo exhibition depicting diversity of Sion and Dharavi was presented in the college quadrangle on 18th and 19th January, 2011. The students explored diversity of this local area through barefoot research. Around 1000 photographs were captured by the students, out of which around 600 photographs were creatively presented with the themes demarcated in separate sections as Education, Health, Public Administration and Governance, Infrastructure, Livelihood Habitat, Streetlife, Transport, Roads, Eateries, Markets, Recreation, Place of Faith, Environment, etc. Catchy captions of each section like JAGO, RISE WITH EDUCATION, HOPE? OF HABITAT, HEALTH in whose hands?, etc. and each chart attracted attention of hundreds of visitors everyday. On the eve of the exhibition visitors like Principal Dr. Pradhan (Ex- Pro Vice ? Chancellor of Mumbai University) and Dr. Sonavane, Babasaheb Ambedkar University (team members for selecting Best College of Mumbai University) carefully watched each chart and caption as well as interacted with the students about their learning from the exhibition. The exhibition was widely appreciated and was extended for 2 days due to public demand. A special Thermocol model of Sion was the centre of attraction and the T-Shirts and rangoli depicting the logo of SIES Pathways Programme were especially noticed by one and all for their precision, concept and design. The logo was conceived by Ms. Asha Gala, computerised art work was done by Ms. Praneeta A. assisted by Mr.M. Haroon and put in rangoli by Ms. Kavita Bhopatkar. Eco- friendly handmade paper was used for the exhibition. The exhibition became mobile exhibition when Mahatma Education Trust?s M. J. College, Dharavi put up the same exhibition in the premises of their college on the Republic Day, 26th January, 2011. Arshata, Vidya, Gayatri, Sharanya, Thomas, Rajeshwari, Nishant, Ganga, Amar, Varun, Pushpa, Vinoth, Sneha, Priskilla put in special efforts for the exhibition. No wonder, even some grandparents were the enthusiastic visitors for this fantastic effort. The Exhibition Committee of Staff and Student volunteers deserve kudos. The presence of Ms. Pratibha Pai (Physics), Ms. Kavita Bhopatkar (Vocational Electronics), Ms. Aarati Suryavanshi (Psychology) and Ms. Sarita B (IT) during the exhibition was motivating for the students. The College wishes to give this exhibition a long life by laminating and preserving it as a cherishable archive.
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TWO-DAY NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SOCIAL JUSTICE ? ISSUES AND INITIATIVES
SIES College of Arts, Science and Commerce was selected to be part of institutional network for the Ford Foundation supported prestigious Programme ?Pathways to Higher Education?. This unique three year programme is being conducted as a part of Social Justice Initiative of the Higher Education Cell at the Centre for the Study of Culture and Society, Bangalore in nine undergraduate colleges across three states in India (Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala). SIES Ford Pathways Cell, coordinated by Ms. Asha Gala, Associate Professor and Head of Economics Department, had organised a two ? day National Conference on the theme of ?Social Justice ? Issues and Initiatives ? on the 18th and 19th of January, 2011. The conference primarily focused on issues with social justice vis-?-vis education, media, art and culture, the legal system, etc. and the initiatives taken by various NGOs and institutions in their bid to achieve the same. A photo exhibition, ?Vividha? was also put up on the above two days, which depicted the social diversity in Sion and Dharavi areas of Mumbai.
The conference was well-attended by various dignitaries, resource people, teachers and above all enthusiastic students. The first day of the conference began on time with the inaugural session. Mr. Mohammad Haroon Shah rendered the invocation song and was accompanied by visually challenged students Ms. Radha Bakle (Tabla) and Mr. Prakash Yadav (Harmonium). The Chief Guest Dr. R. K. Hebsur former Pro?Vice Chancellor and Deputy Director of Tata Institute of Social Sciences was welcomed by the Principal of the college, Dr. Harsha Mehta, who in her welcome-speech thanked Dr. Hebsur for agreeing to be part of such a ?spontaneous cause?. The conference was formally inaugurated by Dr. Hebsur, who with the Principal and the Vice ? Principals, Dr. Smita Durve and Ms. Gayatri Narayan lit the auspicious lamp. Ms. Asha Gala, coordinator of the Programme gave details of the Pathways to Higher Education Programme and the theme of the conference. The guests, resource persons, office bearers of the college, parents and students who had put in special efforts for the programme were felicitated.
Ms. Arshata Mhatre (FYBA) shared her experiences in Marathi and expressed her joy of learning new things from Technology Workshop, Vividhanna, Food Festival and Exhibition under Pathways programmes. Ms. Sachita Sethi a student assistant placed in the Pathways Cell was full of emotions about her rich experience while working in the Pathways Cell. Dr. Hebsur, in his inaugural speech discussed about various aspects of injustice and the ?interventionist? role that education has to play in changing the same. The Programme was attended and appreciated by
Vice ? Principal Ms. Saraswati R of SIES College of Commerce and Economics,
Mrs. Aarati Prasad, a Senate Member of Mumbai University and Associate Professor of Economics, SIWS College, Dr. Suniti Nagpurkar Head, Economics, Vivekanand College, Prof. C. Joshi, Kirti College. The post-inaugural session was a talk by
Dr. Rajam Natarajan Pillai- Publisher and Editor of Kutubnuma on ?Language as a tool of social discrimination/ justice?. Dr. Pillai regaled everybody present with her anecdotes and cited that empowerment was not just for women but for all and that the only means of achieving it was through knowledge. The session was conducted by Mrs. Lakshmi Muthukumar, Head of English Department. Ms. Gayatri Gulvadi (FYBA) proposed formal vote of thanks.
The post-lunch session was chaired by Ms. Meenakshi Venkatesh, Associate Professor and Head of Commerce Department. Ms. Nandini Krishna, a PG student from Bangalore gave a touching account of her personal experience in overcoming a physical disability in her efforts to get educated and meet challenges of competitive world of higher education. The next speaker was Dr. Vibhuti Patel, Director, Centre for Post Graduate Studies and Research, Head of Economics, SNDT University. She traced the development of various laws passed in favour of women in India over the years and the role of NGOs in achieving social justice for women. She also spoke about different forums in Mumbai like Dilasa, Abhivyakti, Anusandhan, SNEHA, SAKHYA, etc., who work for empowerment of women. Ms. Sameera Khan, Journalist, Writer and Researcher, was the next speaker and she spoke knowledgeably on ?Going beyond the 5Ws and 1H: Role of the Indian Media in promoting Social Justice?. She pointed out how the Press ?pumps up? certain issues to gain visibility and the important role media has to play in social justice.
The last session of the day was a talk on ?Social Justice for women in unorganised sector in waste management? by Ms. Jyoti Mhapsekar, President, Stree Mukti Sanghatana. Her talk was supplemented by the dynamic impactful performance of a play, ?Samte kade vatchal? by volunteers of the Stree Mukti Sanghatana. The play took account of journey of 150 years of women?s struggle ? a movement towards social justice and equality. Ms. Chaya Datar, a renowned social activist?s special presence for the play was motivating for the participants. Mr. Bhaurao Mane, Chairman of Mahatma Education Trust Dharavi and Principal Ms. Vidya J. of M. J. College Dharavi spontaneously appreciated the programme.
The first session of the second day of the seminar was chaired by Vice ? Principal Gayatri Narayan, Associate Professor, Department of Politics.
Ms. Simantini Dhuru, Director AVEHI, ABACUS Project was the first speaker and spoke on how education has not been accessible to all the classes of the society and how the Right to Education Act is still an ?unfulfilled promise?. The second talk was delivered by Dr. Sarika Kulkarni, Trustee, Lok Kalyan Shikshan Sanstha (LKSS) on ?Enhancing quality education through Save Our School (SOS) Project?. Dr. Kulkarni spoke about the challenges faced by students of rural areas in procuring education and their endeavours to bridge the urban ? rural divide. Students were inspired to join such initiatives. The Convenor of the conference Ms. Asha Gala had an interactive session with the students on decision making and the necessity to engage and empower skill development in the globalised world. She shared primary research based data on Skill Development Index. The session also included demonstration of the skills developed by students engaged in Haath Mein Sehat (HMS) Programme, which empowered students while creating awareness related to safe drinking water and sanitation among the students of Bombay Municipal Schools of Dharavi, Bandra, Lower Parel, etc. A film ?Caste Out? based on the life of Harijans of Gujarat was an eye opener to the audience.
The post-lunch session which was chaired by Ms. Leela Subramanian, Associate Professor, Department of Statistics, began with a talk by Ms. Vidya Satish, Director, SIES Institute of Comprehensive Education on ?Puppetry as an educational aid for promoting social justice?. She also gave a practical demonstration by putting up an innovative puppet show based on social issues like discrimination in education and caste system with the help of her students. The next speaker, Mr. Rajeev Panday, Advocate, Director, International Human Rights Foundation spoke on ?Role of judiciary in social justice?. He revealed the appalling fact that judiciary had very little role to play in social justice and that change can only be brought about by the common man who has to take an active part in policy making. His views initiated brainstorming discussion and opinions of the audience. Ms. Sureka Joshi, Kirtankar and Sanskrit scholar, President, Sanskrit Bhasha Sansthan spoke on the contribution of Maharashtra?s saints in educating the marginalised through traditions of kirtan and abhangas. Ms. Joshi also involved the entire audience in kirtan singing.
The conference came to an end with valedictory function. The Chief Guest for the occasion was Dr. G. G. Wankhede, Professor and Chairman, Centre for Studies in Sociology of Education, School of Social Sciences, Tata Institute of Social Sciences. Dr. Wankhede summed up the entire spirit of the conference. He spoke on ?Higher Education and Social Justice? and pointed out how the choice of higher education in India was very random and casual, the need to revise the same and stressed on how human resources can be channelized only through education. His thoughts ignited minds of many young student participants who sought the guest speaker?s views on Brain drain, desirability of reservation policy, quality of education, competition in the globalised world and corruption in education.
Ms. Asha Gala then delivered the thank-you note. She thanked Ford Foundation, Higher Education Cell of CSCS, Bangalore, Dr. Tejaswini Niranjana, Lead Researcher, CSCS, Dr. Milind Wakankar, Ms. P P Sneha of CSCS, Bangalore, Dr. Sunil Abraham and Ms. Kothai? of the Centre for Internet and Society, Bangalore, SIES Management, Principal and other office-bearers of the College, the participants, the resource panel, the chairpersons, the organising committee, Ms. Pallavi Rege (Stats), Mr. Abuzer Ansari (IT) and Ms. Shruti Panday (Economics) for coordinating with resource persons, the volunteers, teaching & non-teaching staff as well as the greatest strength of the institution, the students, for having made the two-day conference a grand success. She also pointed out that the conference has thrown open doors of opportunity and thought for all present which will be documented in the magazine of the Pathways Programme. Ms. Gala distributed mementos and had a pat for every back that had helped in the organisation of the conference. The conference ended on a sweet note with everybody relishing some delicious ice-cream.
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PATH-AAROHAN : PATHWAYS INTER COLLEGE COMPETITIONS
The invitations for the above competitions are being sent to Colleges of Mumbai and SNDT University as per the following details

EVENTS:
Essay Competition: Maximum 1000 words in English/Hindi/Marathi (Handwritten)
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TOPICS:?
  • Justice to Bhopal gas tragedy victims
  • Right to information
  • Unity through sports
Cartoon Making:
TOPICS:
  • Social justice
  • Social diversity
Card Making :
TOPICS:
  • Child labour
  • Untouchability
Slogan Competition:
TOPIC:
  • Curbing corruption

The last date of submission is 25th February 2011.
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SHIKSHA HAKKA
A research project on Right to Education would be undertaken during the period March to June 2011.
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INTERACTIVE SESSION WITH DR. MILIND WAKANKAR
  • Coordinator of Social Justice Initiative of HE Cell, CSCS, Bangalore was held on Monday, 31st January, 2011 between 10:30am and 12:30pm in the Multi-Media Room where participants shared their experiences and opinions in a very free environment and felt encouraged by his words of appreciation.
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INTERACTIVE SESSION FOR IMPACT ASSESSMENT
was held on 3rd February, 2011 from 10:00am to 12:30pm in Room No. 16. Ms. Kothai and Mr. Arun from the HE Cell, CSCS, Bangalore conducted the session and sought feedback.
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Click here for photos
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Asha Gala
(Co-ordinator)
Ford Pathways to Higher Education Programme
Associate Professor and Head Economics Dept.		 Dr. Harsha Mehta
Principal
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