Orientation Programme 2026
The Sarla Anil Modi School of Economics (SAMSOE) at SVKM's NMIMS commenced its Orientation Programme for the incoming F.Y.B.Sc. (Hons.) Economics Batch of 2026-30 on 10th July 2026 at the Mukesh Patel Auditorium, Vile Parle West, Mumbai, marking the beginning of their academic journey. The inaugural ceremony commenced with the traditional Lamp Lighting Ceremony, Saraswati Vandana, and the NMIMS Anthem. Prof. Amita Vaidya, Director, SAMSOE, welcomed the new batch of students and their parents, highlighting the academic structure and processes of the programme, and emphasising student-centric learning, the expected code of conduct, academic rigour, and the industry and societal exposure offered under the B.Sc. Economics programme. She also introduced the faculty and staff of the School and encouraged students to actively engage in its vibrant academic and co-curricular environment. This was followed by an address by Prof. Nahid Fatema, Program Chairperson, B.Sc. Economics, who spoke about the various activities, fests, clubs, and avenues for student participation at the School. Senior students then shared their experiences of life at SAMSOE, including NGO and corporate internships, and co-curricular and extra-curricular engagements. The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Prof. Sneha Thayyil, Program Chairperson, M.Sc. Economics. The morning session closed with an interaction between students, parents, and the faculty members of SAMSOE over refreshments. The event was compered by Sargam Guleri and Yashita Dixit, senior students of the B.Sc. Economics programme.
As part of the Orientation Programme for students, an afternoon session introduced the incoming batch to life at NMIMS through a POSH Awareness Session, an Anti-Ragging Awareness Video, and an Ice-Breaker Session that included an introduction to the School's student clubs and festivals. Regular classes for the batch commenced on 13th July 2026. #Orientation
Following the orientation inaugural progrma, the School has lined up a series of workshops and training sessions for the batch, to be held on Saturdays. These include a Workshop on Expressive Arts Therapy on 11th July 2026, a Workshop on Communication by Prof. Poonam Ojha and a Workshop on Emotional Hygiene by Ms. Nazneen Raimalwala, both scheduled on 25th July 2026. Students will also undergo an Examination Session and a Student Portal Usage Training, and will be introduced to the AIC-NMIMS Launchpad Programme and Chancellor's Challenge.
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Degree Distribution Ceremony 2026
The Degree Distribution Ceremony 2026 of the Sarla Anil Modi School of Economics was held on August 28, 2026, at the Mukesh R. Patel Auditorium, SVKM’s NMIMS. The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Chief Guest, Mr Abhijay Thacker, Senior Vice President at Picus Capital (Mumbai), along with Prof. Amita Vaidya, Dean, SAMSOE, Prof Nahid Fatima, Assistant Professor & Program Chair B.Sc. Economics, Prof Sneha Thayyil, Assistant Professor and Program Chair M.Sc., Economics and Dr Pallavi Gupta, Assistant Professor and PhD Chairperson. The programme was beautifully compered by Dr Esha Khanna, Assistant Professor.
The formal proceedings commenced with Saraswati Vandana and the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the dignitaries on the dais. The Director, Prof Amita Vaidya welcomed the Chief Guest and delivered the School Report highlighting the academic, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities that had been held during the year. The achievements of faculty and students were also showcased.
The conferment of degrees was carried out by Chief Guest Mr Abhijay Thacker, accompanied by Prof Amita Vaidya. Subsequently, Sustainability oath was administered by Dr. Pallavi Gupta. This was followed by the declaration of awards by the Director, Prof Amita Vaidya.
The meritorious students of 2026 were:
M.Sc. Economics Program
B.Sc. Economics Program
Prof Sneha Thayyil
Purva Kudtarkar
The Chief Guest, Mr. Abhijay Thacker then addressed the students. His address drew on personal anecdotes from his own graduation and career experiences to urge the graduating batch to stay resilient through life's ups and downs, worry less about others' judgment, and remain open to serendipitous opportunities. He encouraged students to embrace uncertainty and calculated risk-taking, to treat every experience, academic and otherwise, as a learning opportunity rather than a means to an end, and to recognize that most professional roles ultimately hinge on the ability to listen, understand others' needs, and communicate solutions effectively. He closed by encouraging graduates to seek experiences beyond their comfort zones and to embrace the choices now available to them as they began the next phase of their lives.
The ceremony concluded with the Vote of Thanks by Prof Sneha Thayyil, followed by the formal closure of the degree distribution ceremony with the National Anthem followed by lunch.
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