Vishwakarma University, Pune proudly hosted Innovation Fest 2024, an exciting gathering of leaders from Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science, Binghamton University, New York , innovators and students at Building no 2, Vishwakarma University. This year’s event highlighted emerging technologies, sustainable solutions, creating a unique platform for showcasing groundbreaking ideas and fostering connections.

Event Overview

Innovation Fest 2024 was held on 24 th October 2024 at Building No -2, Vishwakarma University, Pune, bringing together students, faculties, leaders from Binghamton University, New York and professor from Kasetsart University, Sriracha, Thailand to celebrate innovation, creativity, and technological advancement. The event featured a series of activities, including Creative Design and UX, Technical Project Exhibition, Innovative Start Up Ideas, Web Designing and Blind Coding. 84 number of teams which includes 217 number of participants participated in Innovation Fest 2024.
The Innovation Fest 2024 was inaugurated on 24 th October 2024, marking the beginning of the event celebrating creativity, technology, and innovation. The inaugural ceremony was held at Auditorium, building no 1, Vishwakarma University attended by students, faculty, faculty from Kasetsart University, Sriracha, Thailand and special guests from Binghamton University, New York. The event's theme, “Igniting Ideas, Shaping Tomorrow, " set an inspirational tone, highlighting the power of innovation to address pressing global challenges.
The ceremony commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony symbolized the beginning of Innovation Fest 2024. The Chief Guest Dr. Peter Partell, Senior Assoc. Dean, Academic Affairs & Admin, Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering & Applied Science, Binghamton University, New York along with Prof. Michael Testani, Senior Director of Outreach and Engagement, Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science, Binghamton University, New York, Ms. Johanna Brozinsky, Graduate Recruiter at Binghamton University, New York Dr Kailas R Patil, Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology and Dr. Sandip Thite, Co-Convenor of the event &Associate Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology, Vishwakarma University inaugurated the event with lightening of the ceremonial lamp. This symbolic act marked the commitment to fostering a spirit of innovation and collaboration within the institution and beyond.
After lightening of the lamp, a warm welcome from Dr. Kailas Patil, Convenor of the event& Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology Dean’, who expressed gratitude to the organizing team, volunteers, and sponsors for their collective efforts in making the fest possible. The Dean emphasized the significance of Innovation Fest as a platform for students and professionals to collaborate, showcase ideas, and create solutions for the future.

The highlight of the inauguration was a thought-provoking keynote speech by Chief Guest Dr. Peter Partell, Senior Assoc. Dean, Academic Affairs & Admin, Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering & Applied Science, Binghamton University, New York. The chief guest shared insights into the transformative role of technology in shaping industries and encouraged participants to think beyond conventional boundaries. Addressing the young innovators, he emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, resilience, and a user-centered mindset in developing impactful solutions. The speech inspired attendees to leverage creativity for problem-solving, underscoring the potential for technology to drive positive change.
The ceremony concluded with a round of applause and excitement as participants looked forward to the scheduled events and activities. Attendees expressed enthusiasm for the fest’s opportunities to learn, network, and showcase their work. The opening set a positive and energizing tone, creating a buzz for the following sessions.
The event was coordinated by Prof. Sital Dash and Prof. Vivek Thorat, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Engineering, Vishwakarma University, Pune.

Event Name - "GARIMA" (3 Month Karate Training Program) 

Date - October 2024 to December 2024 

Report- 

The much-anticipated 3-month Karate Training Program, exclusively for women, was officially inaugurated on 14th October 2024 at the VU Auditorium. The event was organized by Physical Education & Sports and Centre for Women Empowerment. This initiative aims to empower women by equipping them with Karate / self - defence techniques and promoting physical fitness and mental strength.

The event began at 01:30 PM with a welcome speech by Vice President Sir, who highlighted the importance of self-defence training for women in today’s society. She also emphasized how martial arts like karate build confidence and provide a sense of security.

Mr. Rajesh Solanki, the head instructor for the program provided an overview of the course structure, which spans over three months. The training will cover basic and advanced karate techniques, including self-defence strategies, combat drills, and physical conditioning. He also mentioned that the classes will be held three days a week, with an assessment at the end of the program to evaluate participants' progress.

The ceremony witnessed a large turnout of enthusiastic women from different departments. Many participants expressed their excitement about learning karate, with several attendees citing personal reasons related to safety and fitness as their motivation for joining the program.

The karate training program was officially declared open, and participants were invited to the first session immediately after the ceremony.

The inaugural event marked the beginning of an empowering journey for the women of the community, fostering both physical and mental strength through martial arts.

The overall event which lasts for 3 months will be coordinate by the following faculty coordinator-

Prof. Prajakta Kapadnis

Dr. Amrita Thakur

Prof. Aarti Sardhara

Dr. Vijaya Hake.

Conveners –

1.     Dr. Chetan Chouhan                                             

Director, Physical Education & Sports               

2.     Dr. Pashmina Doshi

Director, Center for Women Empowerment 

Title: Universal Opportunity: The Bedrock of Inclusivity

Prof. Noshir Tarapore provided the expert session which shed light on why equal access to opportunities is the foundation of an inclusive society. Our expert today will explore how institutions can build frameworks that ensure everyone has the chance to succeed—whether it’s in education, employment, or broader social participation. By fostering such environments, we not only promote equality but also create a culture where every individual can flourish, bringing their unique strengths and perspectives to the forefront. Students across all disciples attended the session.

A visit to a local community pharmacy was scheduled to gain insight into pharmacy operations. Prof. Kirti Deshpande organized a visit for second-year D. Pharm students on October 8th at 11 a.m., to Payal Medifast Medical, located in the Kondhawa area of Pune. The purpose of the visit was to understand various aspects of pharmaceutical management, including software usage, inventory methods, medication storage patterns, and the handling of narcotic medicines.
The pharmacist welcomed the students and provided a detailed overview of the software system used for managing inventory and prescriptions. The pharmacy utilizes a specialized software program that helps track stock levels; prescription histories etc. the software helps in automation of reordering processes. This system ensures that medications are available when needed and prevents stock-outs or overstocking.
Regarding inventory management, the pharmacist explained the method of stock rotation, emphasizing the importance of the 'first in, first out' (FIFO) principle. This approach helps in minimizing wastage due to the expiration of drugs. Medications were systematically organized according to their type, with prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and other health products stored separately to maintain accessibility and efficiency.
Special attention was given to the storage of narcotic medicines. The pharmacist explained that these controlled substances are stored in a secure, locked cabinet, in compliance with legal requirements. Detailed records are maintained for every narcotic medicine dispensed, ensuring strict regulation and accountability.
The visit concluded with an interactive discussion, where the pharmacist encouraged the students to ask questions. This opportunity allowed the students to deepen their understanding of the responsibilities involved in pharmacy practice, and the pharmacist provided practical insights into day-to-day operations.
Overall, the visit was an informative and valuable learning experience for the students, enhancing their understanding of community pharmacy management.

The Inter-Department Basketball Tournament was held on the 24th and 25th of September, bringing together teams from various departments for a highly competitive and entertaining event. The tournament showcased the exceptional athleticism, teamwork, and sportsmanship of all 130 participating students including Men & Women. The first day of the tournament saw an impressive turnout of supporters from different departments, cheering their teams on. The initial rounds featured several intense matches. The second day of the tournament was even more intense, as the semifinals and finals were held, with the excitement in the air palpable. Overall 27 matches were played throughout the tournament. Dr. Chetan Kapadnis, Director, IQAC and Prof. Nishant Khamboj, Dean, Art & Design were the chief Guests of Final Matches. The event coordinators were Prof. Remi Thomas and Dr. Nazia Wahid.