SPICE Mumbai witnessed a unique celebration of achievements and recognition of young professionals at its 6th Convocation ceremony held on Friday, April 27, at 5 pm. As many as 37 students of the Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism, Advertising and Public Relations were awarded their degrees at the function which was benchmarked by smooth functioning, from opening to singing of the National Anthem. This year, four students were singled out for special awards and mention. Shannon Tellis (Journalism batch) and Trishala Sanzgiri (Advertising batch) both received Best Student Titles as well as cash prizes. Journalism's Sangram Gunderwar and Advertising's Vedika Modi were adjudged Best Class Representatives, and received Certificates of Merit respectively. “Henceforth, its your moment, to bring about the change to enhance human life and to safeguard the highest sacredness of media industry,” challenged the students Fr Dominic, the Director, in his address. He also highlighted the importance of Being Changemakers, Fostering Culture of Dialogue and Doing Research. Delivering the keynote address on the occasion, Agnello Dias, co-founder and chairman of Taproot Dentsu, urged students to "get ready for rejections" for this would be a measure of their resilience and ability to face the harsh realities of a career in the media. He struck an especially sombre note when he declared, "Whatever you do, ensure that you are physically fit. With ill health, there is always an inability to function at the creative level, so take care of yourselves in this regard". While Fr Sebastian Thomas, the DGA, encouraged the students to foster learning and creativity in their professions. Carol Andrade, the Dean, and Margaret da Costa, the Course Director, Advertising & Integrated Marketing Communication and Public Relations, also addressed the convocation gathering. Fr Francis Xavier, the Asst. Director and coordinator of Convocation 2018, expressed profound gratitude to Faculty, non-teaching staff, students and collaborators who always, one way or the other, contribute to the steady growth of SPICE.
