Commendable Convocation Ceremony

Graduates from 2017-19 Batch of Christ Institute of Management, Lavasa gathered on Saturday, 8th June 2019 in the Auditorium, Central Block, CHRIST (Deemed to be University) Lavasa for the Convocation Ceremony. It was a proud moment for the students to assemble for the much awaited day.

Convocation is a time of endings and beginnings; of looking to the future with hope while saying farewell with both joy and nostalgia. It is a time to recall all those feelings, even though it is hard to imagine if one will ever have such an experience again.

The procession began from Central Block entrance when PGDM (A) students were led by Assistant Professor Sanjay Sahai and PGDM (B) students were led by Assistant Professor Jobin Jacob with the class representative carrying the placard. The students bore a scholarly look when they wore a robe and hood. The band played 'Ke Sera Sera' as the students entered the auditorium.

 

The procession of dignitaries was led by Head of Academics, Dr Binu P Paul holding the national flag and Academic Coordinator, Fr Arun Anthony holding Christ University flag. They were accompanied by Director, Fr Jossy P George, with convocation torch, President of Ceremony; Dr. Anil Joseph Pinto, Registrar, Christ (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, Chief Guest, Mr Raghu G S, Vice President, Hindustan Coca Cola Beverages and Guest of Honour, Mr Clifford Mohan Pai - GPHR, ACC, Vice President HR, Infosys, Pune. National Anthem was played by the band at that time.

CHRIST advocates Blended Learning and asserts that the students learn best through blended approach to education. CIM, Lavasa assimilates this approach to education by leveraging the digital and online capabilities to engage students outside the classroom. The excellent infrastructure in the form of beautiful computer centre, spacious and digitally rich library and learning lab at CIM are used to extend the learning space outside the four walls of classrooms and provide opportunity for seamless learning and research.

The formal part of the ceremony began when invocation song was played in the background while the dignitaries lighted the lamp. Then Academic Coordinator, Dr Fr Arun Antony read out a prayer. Director, Fr Jossy P George addressed the august gathering after the welcome address given by Ms Arpita Ghosh. In his poignant speech Fr Jossy emphasized that one feels overwhelmed by the injustices that can be seen all around. He motivated the students to be like people who make a difference in the world by actually doing something.

Fr Jossy reiterated that at Christ Institute of Management the students have learnt to imagine and create. They have studied and explored new ideas, done many projects inside and outside classroom; excelled in arts and games and launched many new initiatives. The graduates have created a vibrant, diverse, and exciting community in Lavasa.

The Director's message was clearly conveyed when he said that Christites believe that facts and expertise applied with creativity and wisdom, can transform the world. The college emphasizes that education and research can make life more meaningful. Fr Jossy expressed his belief that diversity of thought and action are essential to human progress.



Dr. Anil Joseph Pinto, Registrar, Christ (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru and Associate Professor in Theatre and Performing Arts declared the Convocation Ceremony open. 

Graduate degrees were presented to all the students by Fr Arun Anthony. It was a moment to behold when the graduates received graduation certificates from Dr Anil, President of Ceremony as he conferred admission of degrees. Dr. Binu P Paul, Head of Academics took the Convocation Pledge with aplomb.

In his Convocation Address the Chief Guest, Mr Raghu G S, Vice President, Hindustan Coca Cola Beverages, Supply Chain Change Management & Transformation Expert, Bengaluru inspired the students. He has over 31 years' industry experience extensively in food and beverages. Mr Raghu felt privileged to be among the graduates on this momentous occasion and told them to cherish the day. In the age of information and inspirational messages he felt prudent to share learning from his thirty five years in the industry. He told the students to remember what is expected from them by the corporate sector in this age of augmented and virtual reality.

Mr Raghu asserted that undoubtedly sincerity and hard work is the only key to success. He also said that their basics should be strong as it is the core of their strength. According to Mr Raghu aptitude and attitude is the need of the hour. He motivated the students to be curious enough to learn. He coined a term 'TDS' which should be followed in work ethics. TDS represents truth, discipline and sincerity while maintaining consistency at their work place.



Then Registrar, Dr. Anil Joseph Pinto, Christ (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru addressed the gathering eloquently. Dr. Anil teaches English Language, Translation Studies, Linguistics, Cultural Studies, Literary Theory, American Literature, Media Theory, Research Methods in English, and Media Studies for BA, MA English, MS Communication, MPhil in English Studies, and MPhil in Media Studies programmes. Dr Anil Joseph Pinto has experimented integrating digital technologies into higher education classrooms with the help of his students. He is also the coordinator of Centre for Publications, and Managing Editor of University Journals.

The Registrar shared words of wisdom with the graduating batch as he congratulated them for being persistent in their journey. He urged them to thank their parents, guardians, teachers and peers for their indelible impact during the course of their journey. He could see a moment of relief in Fr Jossy's eyes as his vision and mission was realized when the students walked with their certificates.

Dr Anil Pinto keenly observed the tune, 'Ke Sera Sera'; 'What Will Be Will Be', played by the band and found it extremely suitable for the occasion. He expressed his apprehension about future when their will be scarcity of jobs. He inspired the graduates to continue the legacy of their parents as they 'March On' with optimism. Dr Pinto inspired them to be grateful and thankful to all those who have helped them in life and make efforts to teach someone something.

It was followed by address by Guest of Honour, Mr Clifford Mohan Pai - GPHR, ACC, Vice President HR, Infosys, Pune Beverages. Guest of Honor, Clifford Mohan Pai - GPHR, ACC, Vice President HR, Business Leader & Head Employee Relations at Infosys, Pune.

 

Mr Pai focused on prioritizing the Heart Quotient and advised the students to remember that each institution has great values and every student must get greater satisfaction to carry on these values in life and career. He analyzed the current scenario intelligently and came to the conclusion that as an employee the students must make value based decisions.

Mr Clifford Mohan Pai reiterated that the students must pursue an intrinsic purpose which is critical for long term success. The students must do the right thing as a leader by living up to the trust which the employees, clients and stakeholders have on them. Mr Pai urged them to seek greatness in small things. He felt that many small things, done in symphony, will have a huge effect on their personal and professional life.



At the end Academic Excellence Awards were given to toppers in each specialization for their excellence and performance. Totawar Abhinay Kishore was the topper in Finance, Ashish Chacko topped in Marketing and Aryakrishna U was the topper in HR. The Best Outgoing Student award in female category was given to Deepshikha Sinha whereas Jinto Kurian got it in the male category and then they shared their experience at CIML.

The ceremony ended with a vote of thanks. The management, faculty, staff and family members congratulated the students on their graduation. The event was coordinated by Assistant Professor Soumya V.