Orientation of Digital Resources @ SFIT LIRC for the Department of Computer Engineering

Participants with the Librarian and Asst. Librarian of the Session

Date: October 1, 2025

Conducted by: Ms. Chinmayee Bhange, Librarian, SFIT LIRC
Participants: 24

On October 1, 2025, the Department of Computer Engineering at SFIT hosted a comprehensive Orientation on Digital Resources, aimed at familiarizing faculty and staff members with the extensive digital collections and tools available for academic and research purposes.

The session, conducted by the Librarian, was attended by 24 enthusiastic participants eager to enhance their research capabilities through digital means.

Overview of Digital Resources Covered:

1. AICTE E-KUMBH e-Books
   The orientation began with an introduction to the AICTE E-KUMBH platform, a vast repository of e-books available in multiple languages. Participants learned how to access and utilize this resource to tap into diverse academic literature conveniently.

2. DSpace Institute Repository
   The Librarian then demonstrated the usage of the DSpace Institute Repository. This institutional repository provides access to theses, dissertations, research papers, and other scholarly works generated within SFIT, facilitating knowledge sharing and academic visibility.

3. IEEE ASPP (All Society Periodicals Package)
   Next, attendees explored the IEEE ASPP collection, which offers an extensive archive of journals and periodicals spanning multiple disciplines in engineering and technology, supporting cutting-edge research.

4. IEEE CSDL (Computer Society Digital Library)
   The session included detailed insights into the IEEE Computer Society Digital Library, a specialized collection focusing on computer science and related fields, providing access to conference proceedings, journals, and standards.

5. MAGZTER
   Participants were also introduced to MAGZTER, a digital magazine platform offering a wide array of magazines across varied topics, supporting both academic and general interests.

6. NDLI (National Digital Library of India)
   Finally, the Librarian showcased the NDLI platform, a flagship initiative providing access to millions of digital resources from Indian and international sources, including books, articles, audio-visual materials, and more.

Key Takeaways

The orientation successfully equipped participants with the knowledge to efficiently navigate and utilize these digital resources, significantly enhancing their research and learning experience. The Librarian emphasized the importance of integrating these digital tools into daily academic workflows to stay current and competitive.

Feedback and Future Plans

Participants expressed appreciation for the detailed walkthrough and practical tips provided during the session. Requests were made for more frequent workshops and hands-on training to deepen understanding of these valuable digital platforms.

The Orientation of Digital Resources at SFIT LIRC was an insightful initiative that bridged the gap between users and digital academic resources. Such efforts are vital in empowering the SFIT community to leverage technology effectively in their educational and research endeavors.

Many thanks to Dr. Dakshata Panchal, HOD, Department of Computer Engineering for this initiative and Ms. Rupali Sawant, Asst. Librarian for the constant help and support throughout the session!

Library Orientation and Information Literacy Sessions for First-Year Engineering Students

Introduction

To support the academic journey of our first-year engineering students, the Library Orientation and Information Literacy Sessions were conducted to familiarize them with library resources, research methodologies, and essential information skills needed for their coursework and projects.

Number of Participants

The sessions were attended by more than 300 first-year engineering students, who actively engaged in learning about the various resources and services offered by the library.

Key Areas Covered

The orientation focused on the following critical areas:

• Introduction to the Library: Overview of the library layout, borrowing policies, and available facilities tailored for engineering students.

• Accessing Engineering Resources: Guidance on finding textbooks, reference materials, and technical journals specific to engineering disciplines.

• Online Databases and E-Resources: Training on how to use digital libraries, engineering databases (such as IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect), and e-books effectively.

• Library Support Services: Information on getting help from librarians, interlibrary loans, and accessing study spaces.

Participant Feedback

Students expressed appreciation for the session’s practical approach and hands-on demonstrations, noting increased confidence in navigating both physical and digital resources. Many found the AICTE E KUMBH and Knimbus M Library portal to be very helpful for their academics.

In Conclusion...

The Library Orientation and Information Literacy Sessions successfully introduced first-year engineering students to essential academic resources and research practices. These sessions are a vital step toward fostering independent learning and research excellence within the engineering faculty.

Book Review: Tata Log by Harish Bhat

 As I settled into my favorite reading nook with a cup of chai, I opened Tata Log by Harish Bhat, eager to delve into the stories behind one of India's most iconic institutions. Little did I know, this book would not only offer insights into the Tata Group's journey but also inspire a deep appreciation for values like integrity, innovation, and resilience.

🌟 A Glimpse into the Tata World

Tata Log presents eight compelling stories that shed light on the challenges and triumphs of Tata companies. From the inception of Tata Indica, India's first indigenously manufactured car, to the transformative journey of Tanishq in the jewelry industry, Bhat masterfully narrates how these ventures overcame obstacles and set new benchmarks in their respective fields. Penguin Random House India

🧠 The Tata Way: Principles in Action

What sets this book apart is its emphasis on the "Tata Way"—a philosophy rooted in four core principles: pioneering, purposive, principled, and perfect. Bhat illustrates how these values guided Tata companies through periods of uncertainty and change, ensuring they remained steadfast in their commitment to excellence and ethical practices. Daily Indian

📚 A Personal Reflection

Reading Tata Log felt like embarking on a journey through time, witnessing firsthand accounts of visionaries who dared to dream and build. Bhat's narrative is both engaging and enlightening, making complex business strategies accessible to readers from all walks of life. His storytelling prowess brings to life the essence of the Tata Group's legacy. Tata

✅ Final Thoughts

Tata Log is more than just a collection of business stories; it's a testament to the power of values-driven leadership and the impact of purpose-led enterprises. Whether you're a business enthusiast, a student of corporate ethics, or someone seeking inspiration, this book offers valuable lessons that resonate beyond the corporate world.

Book Review: The Career Gene by Dr. Bhushan Kelkar & Dr. Madhura Kelkar

The Career Gene is an insightful and inspiring guide that helps readers discover their ideal career paths by understanding the unique combination of their innate abilities, interests, and external opportunities. Written by Dr. Bhushan Kelkar and Dr. Madhura Kelkar, this book blends science, psychology, and practical advice to offer a fresh perspective on career planning.

The authors introduce the intriguing concept of a “career gene,” suggesting that certain talents and inclinations may be deeply embedded in our genetic makeup. Through real-life examples, self-assessment exercises, and thoughtful tips, they guide readers to explore their strengths and align them with meaningful career choices.

What makes this book especially valuable is its approachable style—complex ideas are presented clearly, making it accessible to students, fresh graduates, and professionals alike. The balance between understanding one’s inner traits and considering market trends makes the guidance practical and relevant.

Overall, The Career Gene serves as a motivational and useful resource for anyone seeking clarity in their professional journey. Whether you’re starting out or contemplating a change, this book offers tools and insights that can help you build a future-proof career with confidence.

Celebrating Engineers Day: 15th September 2025

On September 15, we celebrated Engineers Day in honor of the great visionary Dr. Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya—a pioneer who shaped modern India with his engineering genius.

To mark the day, our library along with the NDLI Club hosted an Essay Writing Contest for First-Year Engineering students around themes such as “What does Engineering mean to me?” and “How I envision my role as an Engineer in shaping India's future.” 4 enthusiastic students participated, sharing creative ideas and fresh perspectives.

Why does this matter? The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 encourages activities like these to boost creativity, critical thinking, and mindfulness—skills every engineer needs. Writing essays helps students express their thoughts clearly, reduce stress, and reflect on their future impact.

Here’s what some participants said:
✨ “This contest made me think about how engineers can change the world.”
✨ “It helped me connect my passion with real-world problems.”

Engineers Day was more than a celebration—it was a spark to ignite the innovative spirit in our young engineers. Here’s to building a smarter, sustainable tomorrow!

Celebrating Hindi Bhasha Diwas: 14th September 2025

On September 15, our library joyfully celebrated Hindi Bhasha Diwas (which falls on September 14 every year), a day that honors the rich heritage of Hindi—the language that binds millions across India. This date holds special significance as it marks the day in 1949 when Hindi was officially adopted as one of the country’s official languages by the Constituent Assembly. The event was celebrated as part of the NDLI Club.

To commemorate this important day, we organized a Hindi Handwriting Contest that attracted an enthusiastic crowd. A total of 44 students from different departments participated, bringing their unique styles and heartfelt efforts to the art of Hindi handwriting.

The contest was more than just a competition; it was a moment for students to pause, slow down, and reconnect with their mother tongue in a meaningful way—away from the constant buzz of screens and keyboards.

Hindi is not just a language; it is a cultural treasure that reflects our history, values, and diversity. Celebrating Hindi Bhasha Diwas reminds us of the power of language in shaping identity and unity. It encourages everyone to cherish and promote Hindi, both spoken and written, as a vital part of our everyday lives.

Handwriting in a Tech-Driven Era: More Relevant Than Ever

In the age of smartphones, smartboards, and digitization, handwriting might seem like a lost art. However, scientific studies reveal that handwriting remains essential for brain development, memory, and creativity. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 also highlights handwriting as a tool for holistic learning, encouraging:

• Creativity and Critical Thinking: Handwriting fosters original thought and better organization of ideas.

• Mindfulness and Stress Relief: The deliberate act of writing calms the mind and enhances focus.

• Stronger Language Skills: Writing by hand helps improve spelling, grammar, and overall literacy, especially in one’s mother tongue.

---

Voices from Our Participants

The feedback from students was inspiring and insightful:

• “Writing Hindi by hand helped me appreciate the beauty of the script more deeply. It was refreshing to disconnect from screens and focus.” — FE Student

• “The contest made me realize how important handwriting still is, especially for creativity and memory.” — FE Student

• “Participating in this event reminded me of the cultural significance of Hindi and the joy of expressing myself through writing.” — FE Student

Few Participants of Hindi Bhasha Diwas Hand Writing Contest:

Total Number of Participants: 44

Winners:

1st Winner: Ms. Krunali Koli, Student, FE CMPN

2nd Winner: Ms. Jenisha Parayer, Student, FE CMPN

Hindi Bhasha Diwas in our library was not just a celebration—it was a journey back to our roots, a reminder of the power and beauty of Hindi handwriting, and a way to embrace learning as NEP 2020 envisions: creative, mindful, and holistic.

As technology continues to shape our lives, nurturing the art of handwriting ensures that we keep alive a vital connection to our culture and ourselves.

Book Recommendation: Small is Big: The Source Code for Fulfilment, Productivity, and Extraordinary Results by Amit Agarwal

 

What if the key to success, happiness, and productivity wasn’t in doing more, but in doing less — better?

In Small is Big, author and leadership coach Amit Agarwal shares a powerful insight: we’re not fulfilled because we lack effort — but because we often chase too many things, too fast, and with too little clarity. This book decodes the real drivers of personal excellence through simplicity, focus, and small, intentional actions.

“You don’t need to do everything. You just need to do the right things — consistently.”

Through relatable stories, psychological insights, and a highly actionable “source code,” Amit shows how to:

• Align your actions with your values and purpose

• Prioritize what truly matters in a distraction-heavy world

• Build a system for high-impact results without burnout

• Replace the constant hustle with calm, focused progress

For engineering students juggling exams, projects, internships, and ambition — this book is a breath of fresh air. It gives you a simple but powerful toolkit to work smarter, live deeper, and find fulfilment in the journey — not just the outcome.

If you're ready to stop running in circles and start moving with purpose, this book is your guide. Borrow it from our library and take the first small step toward something big.