Pune Annual Day - 2026

A Report - Written by Sakshi Sabnis, GEF Student, 3rd Year, BA+LLB, and Arpana Jadhav, GEF Volunteer

Cyber Security, Social Welfare, and Artificial intelligence were the highlights of the first Guruji Education Foundation Pune Annual Day, held on February 8, 2026. The inspiring event was held at the Anantrao Pawar College of Engineering, Shahu Campus, Parvati, Pune and was attended by over 75 GEF supporters, mentors, alumni and students. Dr. Sanjay Shinde, Retired IGP, Mrs Veena Gokhale, Social worker, and Mr Shantnoo Patil, Head of Programme Management KOKO Networks, were the chief guests who graced the occasion.

Dr. Sanjay Shinde shared his journey from the time he joined the police forces, his experiences of dealing with organised crime during his Mumbai posting and most importantly he spoke about the threat of cyber frauds. He spoke about how citizens could stay alert and prevent becoming victims of such crimes. He also addressed the queries posed by the audience regarding cyber security.

Dr. Sanjay Shinde, retired IGP makes a point during his interaction which was moderated by GEF students Prachi Tari and Janhavi Botalji

Mrs. Veena Gokhale, who is known for her philanthropic work, spoke about her role as a co-ordinator between deserving social organisations and prospective donors for the upliftment of the society. Her experiences of overcoming her personal setbacks to pursue social work were particularly inspiring.

GEF students Janhavi Gundawar and Akanksha Karve interviewing Ms. Veena Gokhale

Mr. Shantanoo Patil held an interesting interactive session on Artificial Intelligence which was well received by the audience.

Mr. Shantanoo Patil during his session on Artificial Intelligence

A dance performance by Ms Shravani Deshmukh and a Quiz conducted by Mr. Pranav Nikam and Mr. Niraj Kumbhar were other interesting events of the day. The Annual Day event was effectively anchored by Ms. Vaibhavi Bavkar, Mr. Sandesh Tayade, Mr. Vishal Nikam and Mr. Pratik Khot.

The success of the Annual Day was a combined effort of the GEF supporters, alumni and students. Mr. Avinash Surve, Ms. Jyoti Sulakhe, Mr. Sarang Sulakhe and Mr Saurabh Raut were the mentors who guided the students in organising the programme. Mr. Pranav Nikam and Ms. Sakshi Sabnis were the heads of the student management team. Mr. Niraj Kumbhar, Ms. Gayatri Jadhav and Mr. Rajat Pujari were actively involved in the alumni management. Student Ms. Siddhi Manjrekar and alumnus Ms Dhanashri Bhovar were the school student coordinators. The entire photography for the event was done by GEF alumnus Ms. Gayatri Phatak.