LIRC@SFIT

 When the Library Became More Than a Library There are two ways to enter a library: to look for a book, or to look for an answer. During 2025–26 , our students did both. But this time, they were not simply coming to the Library to read, borrow or prepare. They were coming to think, explore, connect and demonstrate what they had learned . The Library became the setting for a series of Open Book Tests (OBTs) conducted across a remarkable range of subjects. And somewhere between the bookshelves and the examination papers, something important happened—the Library began to look less like a support facility and more like an extension of the classroom . An Open Book Test is, after all, not a test of how much a student can remember. It is a test of how well a student can think with knowledge . Students had to locate relevant information, interpret it, connect concepts and apply what they found. The book was not a shortcut to the answer; it was a partner in the learning process . Across th...

  An experiential approach to understanding Universal Human Values through everyday interactions Universal Human Values (UHV) is most meaningful when it moves beyond the boundaries of a classroom and becomes connected with everyday life. Demonstrating this philosophy, an innovative and experiential UHV session was conducted for the students of SE EXTC A and SE EXTC B by Dr. Vaqar Ansari . Rather than following a conventional lecture-based approach, Dr. Ansari chose an environment familiar to every student—the library —and transformed it into a space for dialogue, reflection and value-based learning. From Classroom Lecture to Real-Life Conversation The session took an unconventional approach. Instead of simply explaining values through theoretical concepts, Dr. Ansari encouraged students to understand them through their interaction with the people and systems around them. A significant part of the session involved conversations and interviews with the library staff members . The in...

St. Francis Institute of Technology, Mumbai, marks a significant milestone with its designation as a Potential Nodal Centre for Universal Human Values (UHV) by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), New Delhi. This distinction was announced during the Vice Chancellor’s Conclave–2026 , held on 28th March. This development reflects the institute’s sustained commitment to value-based education , where technical learning is complemented by a strong emphasis on ethics, responsibility, and balanced living. By integrating Universal Human Values into its academic framework, SFIT continues to nurture individuals who are not only skilled engineers but also conscientious members of society. The honour was presented by Dr. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Hon’ble Chairman, NETF , in the presence of distinguished dignitaries including Prof. Yogesh Singh, Chairman, AICTE , Prof. Shyama Rath, Member Secretary, AICTE , and Prof. Rajneesh Arora, Chairman of AICTE’s National Coordination Committee ...