"Celebrating Culture and Innovation at GIT: The Vision of Hon. Dr. Keki Gharda"

 Gharda Institute of Technology, where I began my career, is an engineering college that goes beyond academics by organizing numerous cultural events in addition to the annual social gathering. One such remarkable event is Shivjayanti. For the first time, I witnessed engineering students celebrating Shivjayanti with immense enthusiasm. Dressed in traditional attire, students would portray historical figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Rajmata Jijau, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, and others. The event was celebrated more like a festival, featuring various cultural performances. Students showcased their talent through powada (a traditional Marathi ballad) and dramas depicting the inspiring life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

They would also invite guest speakers to share insights about the grand life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Despite many of these students being from urban areas like Mumbai and Badlapur, they remained deeply connected to Indian culture and traditions. I also recall them celebrating the Maghi Ganesh Festival with great zeal. Sahdev Kolambkar, a Mechanical Engineering student, would take the initiative to organize the event.

Once, during the festival, he approached me and hesitantly asked, "Madam, will you do us a favor?" Initially, I thought he was seeking relaxation from lectures and practicals, so I suggested he get permission from the HoD first. However, he clarified, "No, madam. Actually, we need naivedya from your home. Could you prepare puran poli and other traditional dishes for the occasion?" I was delighted by the request and gladly agreed.

The next day, I brought all the items Sahdev had requested. He was thrilled to see the naivedya I had prepared. After the pooja, he approached me with prasad and said, “Madam, this is beyond my expectations; it tastes just like my mother’s cooking.” I could see the sense of fulfillment on his face, knowing that he had successfully organized everything with the proper rituals.

These students were not only adept at organizing cultural events but also excelled in managing technical events like Shodh. I was truly amazed by their meticulous planning and seamless execution. What makes their efforts even more commendable is the fact that the college is located in a remote area, requiring them to travel 15-20 kilometers to procure anything needed for such events. Yet, their creativity and resourcefulness ensured everything was managed smoothly.

The annual social gathering was equally vibrant, featuring a variety of events such as group discussions, debates, rangoli, painting, and mehendi competitions. They even planned a special event for the teachers, organizing activities like antakshari, musical chairs, and other group games, fostering a sense of joy and camaraderie. The students also organized and celebrated events like Krishna Janmashtami, Dahihandi, Navaratri, and many more with great enthusiasm, involving all the teachers as well. Since most of the students stayed in the hostel, these events gave them a sense of home and belonging. Coming from a traditional arts and commerce college, both Mahesh and I experienced what felt like a cultural shock witnessing this vibrant and dynamic environment.

Almost all these students have secured placements in renowned MNCs, with many of them now working abroad. I believe the values and principles they imbibed in the serene atmosphere of GIT played a significant role in propelling them to such remarkable heights. 

Mahesh and I were experiencing and witnessing many new incidents and events, unlike anything we had known before. We genuinely enjoyed that phase of life.

When Mahesh joined GIT, I found a companion not only in teaching but also in research. During our free time, we often dedicated ourselves to research. He had already submitted his synopsis and was meticulously planning his data collection. I was deeply impressed by his disciplined approach and spiritual nature. At times, I wondered if I would be able to complete my own M.Phil. dissertation.

While most of my friends were staying at Shivaji University, I was in urgent need of a job and a steady income, which led me to join GIT. When students finished their submissions, I had about one and a half months of free time. I made the most of it, dedicating every moment, day and night, to reading and writing. My M.Phil. research focused on Critical Studies of Manjula Padmanabhan's Plays. The author herself had kindly sent me copies of her out-of-print plays, a thoughtful gesture that motivated me even more to complete my work.

As for my M.Phil. guide, Dr. Jayprakash Shinde Sir, all I can say is that he is like a coconut—tough on the outside but incredibly kind and generous on the inside. When I presented my completed dissertation to him, he carefully reviewed the content and provided valuable suggestions. I was his last research student, as he was nearing retirement. Despite his age, he dedicated significant time to revising my work. He has always been like a father figure to me. After three or four rounds of revisions, I successfully submitted my dissertation.

I remember it was February when the advertisement for UGC interviews was published in the newspaper and updated on the website. From senior teachers, we had often heard about the rigorous process of UGC selection. When we saw the advertisement, to our surprise, only two posts were vacant for Communication Skills, and one of them was reserved for a specific category. Despite the odds, both of us applied.

The interviews were scheduled for May, and we began preparing diligently. Even though only one post was open for competition, we never saw each other as rivals. Instead, we supported one another throughout the process. Mahesh even helped me with my M.Phil dissertation. That same month, I completed my viva and was awarded my M.Phil degree, adding to the sense of accomplishment and excitement. 

The day of the interview was filled with excitement and nervous anticipation. Mahesh and I, both equally eager to secure the position, shared an unspoken bond of encouragement and support. There was no room for jealousy between us; instead, we motivated each other, reassuring ourselves that we would give our best. It was heartening to see how we celebrated each other’s strengths and focused on building confidence together. That mutual support turned what could have been a tense and competitive experience into a day marked by camaraderie and positivity.

The interview day was an unforgettable experience, especially since it was our first time facing a UGC interview. The expert on the panel was from one of the most reputed institutes in Mumbai, which added to our excitement and nervousness. The process began with a demo session, where we were asked to showcase our teaching skills. Both Mahesh and I gave it our all, preparing meticulously to ensure our presentations were clear, engaging, and professional.

After the demo, we faced the interview panel. It was a formal yet daunting setup, with the expert and other members evaluating every response carefully. They asked insightful questions about our subject knowledge, teaching methodologies, and even our future plans in academia. Despite the pressure, Mahesh and I stayed composed, drawing confidence from the encouragement we had given each other earlier.

The entire experience was a mix of anxiety and exhilaration. Knowing we had put in our best efforts gave us a sense of satisfaction, regardless of the outcome. That day marked the beginning of our journey into professional teaching, and we both felt proud to have faced such a significant milestone together.

The result of the UGC interview was declared almost a month later, but I remember the day as if it were yesterday. Principal Dr. A. B. Marathe called both Mahesh and me to his cabin, and the anticipation in the air was palpable. With a warm smile, he congratulated us on our excellent performance in both the demo and the interview. He went on to explain that I had scored higher in the demo, while Mahesh had excelled in the interview.

Ultimately, the panel’s decision favored me because I had an additional degree, which gave me a slight edge. While I felt immense joy at being selected, I was also deeply moved by Mahesh’s genuine happiness for me. That moment highlighted the true spirit of our friendship—rooted in mutual respect and devoid of jealousy. It was a day that not only marked the beginning of my professional journey but also reinforced the bond of trust  we shared.