PADLET Now Showcases All Book Review Competition Entries!

We are delighted to announce that PADLET of SFIT LIRC now hosts all the book reviews submitted by participants of our recent Book Review Competition.

This initiative is not just about archiving entries — it is about celebrating voices.

Each review represents thoughtful reading, critical analysis, creativity, and the courage to express personal perspectives. By bringing all submissions together on a single digital platform, we have created a dynamic and accessible space where ideas can continue to inspire long after the competition has concluded.

Why This Matters

At SFIT LIRC, we believe a modern library goes beyond lending books. It nurtures dialogue, encourages reflection, and provides platforms where students can showcase their intellectual engagement.

PADLET of SFIT LIRC is one such innovative service. It ensures:

• 📖 Visibility for every participant’s effort

• 🌐 Easy digital access for the entire SFIT community

• 💡 Continued inspiration for future readers and reviewers

We don’t just speak about offering innovative library services — we actively design and deliver them. This digital showcase is a testament to our commitment to evolving with the needs of our academic community.

A Celebration of Reading Culture

The Book Review Competition demonstrated the vibrant reading culture at SFIT. The diversity of books reviewed and the depth of insights shared reflect a strong foundation of curiosity and learning.

We invite everyone to explore the reviews on PADLET of SFIT LIRC , appreciate the perspectives shared, and perhaps discover your next great read.

Let us continue transforming our library into not just a repository of books, but a thriving hub of ideas, expression, and innovation.

Happy Reading! 📚✨

Scopus added 27 new journals to its list: February 2026 Update

Scopus is owned by Elsevier B.V. and Elsevier is solely responsible for the content selection policy of Scopus. In order to come to a decision to accept or reject a title for Scopus, Elsevier follows the independent advice from the Scopus Content Selection & Advisory Board (CSAB). However, Elsevier in consultation with the CSAB reserve the right to change decisions, adjust the selection criteria, or re-evaluate titles that are accepted for Scopus without prior notice. Decisions made by the CSAB do not guarantee inclusion into Scopus due to not being able to come to terms with the publisher on a licensing agreement. In no event shall Elsevier be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential or punitive damages arising out of or in connection with any advice disclosed or any selection decision made.

Note: Accepted titles are in the process of being added to Scopus

Source: https://www.elsevier.com/products/scopus/content#4-titles-on-scopus

वाचन संकल्प महाराष्ट्र २०२६

 महाराष्ट्र शासनाच्या वाचन संकल्प महाराष्ट्र उपक्रमांतर्गत सेंट फ्रान्सिस इन्स्टिट्यूट ऑफ टेक्नॉलॉजी (ऑटोनॉमस), बोरीवली येथील Learning and Information Resource Centre (LIRC) मार्फत १ जानेवारी ते १५ जानेवारी २०२६ या कालावधीत विविध वाचनविषयक उपक्रमांचे आयोजन करण्यात आले.

या उपक्रमांचा उद्देश विद्यार्थ्यांमध्ये वाचन संस्कृतीचा विकास करणे, नियमित वाचनाची सवय निर्माण करणे तसेच बौद्धिक, सर्जनशील व संवाद कौशल्ये वृद्धिंगत करणे हा होता. विद्यार्थ्यांसह प्राध्यापकवर्ग व शिक्षकेतर कर्मचारीवर्गाचा या उपक्रमांना सकारात्मक प्रतिसाद मिळाला.

राबवलेले उपक्रम

वाचन संकल्पना महाराष्ट्र अंतर्गत खालील उपक्रम यशस्वीरीत्या राबवण्यात आले:

• वाचन प्रतिज्ञा

• बुकमार्क मेकिंग / सर्जनशील कॉर्नर

• ऑनलाइन ग्रंथालय व वाचन प्रश्नमंजुषा

• एक पुस्तक • एक आठवडा वाचन आव्हान

• पुस्तक परीक्षण फलक / अभिप्राय बोर्ड

• संस्थांतर्गत विशेष व दुर्मिळ पुस्तकांचे प्रदर्शन

• मोठ्याने वाचन सत्र

• गट वाचन सत्र व ग्रंथालय स्वच्छता

• पुस्तकदान सत्र

• लेखक भेट

  

 

  

उपक्रमांचे परिणाम

या उपक्रमांमुळे विद्यार्थ्यांमध्ये वाचनाविषयी सकारात्मक दृष्टिकोन निर्माण झाला आणि नियमित वाचनाची सवय अधिक दृढ झाली. पुस्तक परीक्षण फलकावरून मिळालेल्या अभिप्रायाच्या आधारे ग्रंथालयाचा पुस्तक निर्गमन कालावधी ७ दिवसांवरून १४ दिवस करण्यात आला, ज्यामुळे ग्रंथालयीन सेवांची कार्यक्षमता वाढली.

विशेष व दुर्मिळ पुस्तकांच्या प्रदर्शनामुळे विद्यार्थ्यांना उच्च दर्जाच्या संदर्भसाहित्याची ओळख झाली, तर लेखक भेट कार्यक्रमामुळे लेखन व सर्जनशीलतेबाबत मौल्यवान मार्गदर्शन मिळाले.

निष्कर्ष

वाचन संकल्प महाराष्ट्र २०२५ अंतर्गत राबवलेले उपक्रम संस्थेच्या गुणवत्ता वृद्धी, सहशैक्षणिक उपक्रम आणि वाचन संस्कृती जोपासण्याच्या धोरणाशी सुसंगत आहेत. या उपक्रमांमुळे ग्रंथालयीन सेवांबाबत सकारात्मक अभिप्राय प्राप्त झाला असून महाविद्यालयात वाचनाची प्रेरणादायी व शैक्षणिकदृष्ट्या समृद्ध वातावरण निर्माण झाले आहे.

First Inter-Collegiate Book Review Competition Held at SFIT LIRC

The Institution Innovation Council (IIC) in collaboration with the Learning and Information Resource Centre (LIRC), St. Francis Institute of Technology (Engineering College), successfully organized the First Inter-Collegiate Book Review Competition on 21 January 2026 at the SFIT LIRC (2nd Floor, B Wing).

The competition was conducted from 10.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. with the objective of promoting a reading culture, enhancing writing and critical thinking skills, and providing students with a platform to express their literary insights creatively.

The programme was graced by the presence of the Chief Guest, Mr. Albert W. D’Souza, Chairman, St. John College of Engineering and Management. His encouragement and motivational address inspired students to actively engage in reading, writing, and intellectual pursuits.

A total of 24 students from various institutes participated in the competition. Each participant submitted a written review of a book of their choice, showcasing diverse genres and perspectives.

The reviews were evaluated by an esteemed panel of judges:

• Mr. Praveen M. Kurien, Assistant Professor, Department of Basic Science and Humanities

• Dr. Vijaya Pable, Assistant Professor, Department of Basic Science and Humanities

The entries were assessed based on originality, creativity, depth of analysis, critical thinking, and clarity of expression.

Winners of the Competition

The winners were announced on the same day during a brief award ceremony:

• First Prize: Ms. Sarah Mendonca – St. Francis Institute of Technology

• Second Prize: Ms. Bidisha V. Mahapatra – St. Francis Institute of Technology

• Second Prize: Ms. Riya Dhanesh Rajput – St. Francis Institute of Technology

• Third Prize: Ms. Tejashri Anand Maske – A. P. Shah Institute of Technology, Thane

• Consolation Prize: Ms. Sharvari Ganesh Patil – Vidyavardhini’s College of Engineering and Technology

The winning reviews covered renowned literary works such as Pride and Prejudice, The Book Thief, Wings of Fire, Frankenstein, and The Fault in Our Stars. Participants demonstrated thoughtful interpretation of themes like social values, human empathy, perseverance, ethical responsibility, and emotional resilience.

All participants were awarded E-Certificates of Participation in recognition of their efforts.

The competition received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants and attendees. The judges appreciated the high quality, maturity, and originality of the submissions, noting that many reviews reflected deep engagement with literature. Students expressed enthusiasm for participating in similar literary initiatives in the future.

The First Inter-Collegiate Book Review Competition proved to be a resounding success, fostering a strong culture of reading, critical analysis, and creative expression among students. The event strengthened inter-collegiate academic collaboration and highlighted the role of reading as a vital tool for intellectual and personal growth.

Encouraged by the success of this initiative, SFIT, through IIC and LIRC, looks forward to organizing more such inter-collegiate literary and academic activities in the future.

📚 Knowledge Connect (38): Three Days National Workshop on Information & Cyber Security for Educational Institutions

The INFLIBNET Centre has announced Three Days National Workshop on Information & Cyber Security for Educational Institutions (offline mode) scheduled to be held at the Information and Library Network Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, during 16 -18 March 2026.

For Online Registration and more: https://lnkd.in/gHaTNxBR

📚 Knowledge Connect (37): Academic Roundtable titled “Reimagining English Studies in the Digital Age” on 31st January 2026 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Christ College, Pune.

Department of English and Cultural Studies- Christ University Lavasa CHRIST University, Pune - Lavasa – Hub of Analytics will be organising an Academic Roundtable titled “Reimagining English Studies in the Digital Age” on 31st January 2026 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Christ College, Pune.

The roundtable aims to provide a focused academic platform to explore how digital technologies, interdisciplinary approaches, and evolving research practices are reshaping English Studies. The session will feature an eminent panel and will include short position statements, moderated discussions, and audience interaction.

Who can attend:
Faculty members, research scholars, students and parents of prospective students.

Registration Fee: ₹120 (inclusive of GST)
Certificates: Provided
Lunch: Provided

 To register:
Please scan the QR code on the attached poster or click the link below:
Link: https://lnkd.in/d6cBvS4Z

📚 Knowledge Connect (36): Two-day workshop on “Generative Artificial Intelligence Research Projects Development Inspired from Indian Knowledge System” at SPIT, Mumbai

The Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Sardar Patel Institute of Technology (SPIT), Mumbai, is organizing a two-day workshop on “Generative Artificial Intelligence Research Projects Development Inspired from Indian Knowledge System.”

This workshop aims to explore how concepts from the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) can contribute to modern Generative AI research, and why this integration is increasingly relevant in 2025 and beyond.
Workshop Details:
Dates: 30th – 31th January 2026
Venue: Sardar Patel Institute of Technology, Andheri (W), Mumbai – 400058 or Online through Google meet
The sessions will be delivered by eminent academicians as well as researchers and are designed to benefit:
Participant Category: Students/Faculty/Researcher/Academicians

Participants will gain insights into interdisciplinary research ideas, emerging AI trends, and practical directions for research project development.

Registration Link: https://lnkd.in/dWx52qXq