In collaboration with the EEI (Western Region), Govt. of India, AAU, Anand; the Director of Extension Education and ASPEE Agribusiness Management Institute, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari jointly organized the 1st Ever pioneering 5-Days Faculty Development Programme on “Achieving Professional Excellence through Soft Skills Development” during October 5-9, 2-026. Aiming at assisting the newly appointed Asst. Professors for achieving pinnacle of professional success with insightful 25 training sessions from 9 handpicked facilitators including 2 Sr. Leaders, 2 Seasoned Master Trainers & FDP Directors, 2 Acclaimed Trainers & FDP Coordinators and 3 other Lead Resource Persons as well as 4 exposure visits; the Inaugural Ceremony of this FDP got to a flying start on Marvelous Monday morning on October 5, 2026. Principal of AABMI and FDP Convener Dr. Jayesh J. Pastagia delivered the welcome address; while DEE and another FDP Convener Dr. Hemant R. Sharma highlighted the need and significance of such HRD intervention. FDP Director & Master Trainer Dr. Mehul G. Thakkar  Professor & Head in HRM briefed about the outline of the programme and appraised all with the underlying objectives and modalities of this unique HRD intervention. Chief Guest & another FDP Director Dr. Arvind P. Ninama , Expert from EEI thanked the University for making wonderful arrangements and emphasized on the crucial role of the much-needed soft skills for professional excellence. Special Invitee Prof. Jaimin R. Naik dynamic Director of Students’ Welfare & Chairman of University Placement & Counselling Cell motivated the faculty delegates with his gracious presence.

Finally, as the President of the Inaugural Ceremony of this hitherto programme; Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Dr. Rajendra M. Naik led from the front and inspired the faculty delegates by congratulating them for appointment in the worthy University; which marks not merely the beginning of a new job, but the beginning of a new professional journey, a journey of learning, leadership, responsibility and nation building. He highlighted that now; you have entered a profession that is much more than teaching a subject. As teachers, you are going to influence minds, shape personalities, ignite aspirations and, in many cases, become lifelong role models for your students. He also noted that the modern age students  the Gen Z and Gen Alfa are different in terms of their awareness, expectations and outlook. Teaching them and making them understand the significance of a subject or a topic in terms of their career and life success demands a lot of efforts. Today’s students increasingly expect their teacher to be proficient in soft skills also; in addition to having subject expertise. Considering this, he appreciated the DEE Dr. Hemant R. Sharma, Principal-AABMI Dr. Jayesh J. Pastagia and HRD Man Dr. Mehul G. Thakkar for taking much personal pain and efforts for pioneering such a unique HRD intervention.

He also noted that all the Asst. Professors have undoubtedly entered this profession with strong academic credentials, subject knowledge, research competence and professional qualifications. But in today's rapidly changing educational environment, technical competence alone is not sufficient. A brilliant teacher may possess excellent subject knowledge, but a truly exceptional teacher knows how to communicate that knowledge, how to connect with students, how to inspire them, how to understand their aspirations and how to transform knowledge into meaningful learning experiences. That is where soft skills assume extraordinary importance. Considering this, he highlighted that the theme of this FDP is not only timely but also transformational. Lastly, he ended on a powerful note by stating that professional excellence is not achieved overnight. It is a continuous journey of self-discovery, self-improvement, self-discipline and self-transformation. His morale boosting presidential address literally gave the participants goose bumps and made them ready for the upcoming learning journey of 5-Days.