Spandanaṃ - An initiative of social welfare to strengthen the foundation of the society
Objectives of the Center:
- Develop a sense of belongingness and promote good citizenship among the student community
- Strengthen qualities such as compassion, empathy, love, social responsibility, leadership traits, etc. among students
- Foster team spirit and cultivate a sense of VTB being a family among all stakeholders, including management, staff, students, alumni and parents
- Establish a distinctive brand for VTB college as a socially responsible institution
- Contribute to rural development by implementing changes in the lives of the local community through initiatives in rural education, housing, health care, livelihood, infrastructure development and watershed management
- Assist the society in rebuilding after disasters and pandemics
The Context:
SPANDANAM is the social welfare programme organized by Sreekrishnapuram V T Bhattathiripad College in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The programmes are meticulously planned to adhere to the Sustainable Development Goals and are executed through various projects. These initiatives range from aiding in disaster relief efforts to providing healthcare services for underprivileged segments of society. Situated in a rural part of Palakkad district, the institution aims to extend educational opportunities to the rural populace. A dedicated policy for the social welfare programme has been formulated in accordance with the decision of the College Council. The National Service Scheme (NSS) units of the college spearhead this programme, offering both financial assistance and manpower for diverse initiatives. Students partake in charitable activities such as fundraising events, collecting essential supplies for disaster-stricken areas like floods and the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, our students engage in physical aid for charitable causes like blood donation drives, palliative care programs, and the construction of homes for impoverished families in need.
The Practice:
Suvasam :- Home for homeless
The college planned and executed a social security program for housing construction, encompassing various activities such as strategic development, fundraising, site selection, foundation laying, construction, roofing, plumbing, painting, and final handover to the beneficiaries. Two National Service Scheme (NSS) units at the college collaborated to build homes for underprivileged individuals - one for a student ( Maithreebhavan) and the other for a woman from an economically disadvantaged background( Abhayam). The NSS volunteers energetically participated in the construction projects facilitated by the joint efforts of Mathrubhumi and Chittilapally Foundation.
* To get the Report of Suvasam, Click Here 
Athijeevanam :- Disaster management programme
The college actively participated in the disaster management programme during floods and COVID pandemic.
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Sahayahastham :- Sustenance for deprived
The impoverished individuals in the adopted village receive assistance in the form of monetary donations and supplies such as essential goods kits during festive periods, clothing, educational materials for students, and medical aid for patients.
* To get the Report of Sahayahastham, Click Here
Jeevamritham :- Blood Donation camps
Students of our college regularly conducts blood donation camps and awareness programmes on blood donation in association with the health department.
* To get the Report of Jeevamritham, Click Here
Sparsham :- Palliative care programme
NSS volunteers of our college regularly participate in the palliative care programmes organized by panchayat palliative units. The activities include cultural programmes with palliative patients, tour with wheel chair patients, regular visits to bed ridden patients, and supply cloths for them.
* To get the Report of Sparsham, Click Here
Vikas :- Extension on education
The college has introduced Digital Financial Literacy programs (VIKAS) to adapt to the digital era, benefiting students, local residents, households in the adopted village, and Kudumbasree members. Additionally, the institution has launched the Gothrayan project to support tribal education and the Mashithand programme to enhance the educational environment at the Anganwadi centre in the adopted village.
* To get the Report of Vikas, Click Here
Urava :- Watershed management programme
The college is engaged in a watershed management programme and water conservation initiatives within the community. This program encompasses activities such as pond, stream, and river clean-up, as well as the construction of bunds and rainwater pits in the selected village.
* To get the Report of Urava, Click Here
Oppam :- Empowerment of Divyangjan
Empowerment programs have been established by the college for individuals with physical disabilities in the village, along with various activities in schools catering to disabled individuals within the surrounding area.
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Mukthi :- Anti-narcotic programme
NSS units and Anti- Narcotic Cell of our college jointly conducts anti-narcotic programmes regularly on campus and in the community.
* To get the Report of Mukthi, Click Here
Food Forest :- Planting fruit trees and promoting organic farming
A very innovative and robust project of the college successfully implemented the first-ever project in Kerala in association with the Kerala Bio-diversity Board. In this project, over a 175 varieties of fruit trees and more than 450 trees in an area of 1.25 acres of land inside the college campus.
* To get the Report of Food Forest, Click Here
Mithravanam :-
Green initiatives beyond the campus like engaging in the process of paddy field cultivation, plantation of bamboo (Vamsha).
* To get the Report of Mithravanam, Click Here
Nirmal Project :-
Ensuring a clean and hygienic environment.
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Narmada :- Transforming the campus into a green space
There are projects like:
- Shalabhodyanam: Creating a butterfly garden in the Campus
- Amravadika: Planting mango trees in the Campus.
- Ardrakam: cashew saplings
- Sahayahastham: Sustenance for deprived individuals
- Biodiversity Survey: The campus biodiversity survey was conducted and identified more than forty type of trees, around two fifty plants and some rare species.
Evidence of Success:
- The housing project has been completed successfully and has been handed over to the family. The family members are now happily residing in their new home.
- Through engaging in welfare activities, our students showcase a commendable commitment to fulfilling their social responsibilities.
- Team spirit among members of the college community is exemplified.
- Participation in palliative care services and Medicaid programs has facilitated the students in cultivating a sense of belongingness and empathy.
- Local Self Government Institutions express their appreciation for the students' dedication to social activities..
- The NSS unit of our college, the programme officer, and the volunteers have received the NSS award for the year 2021-22 as part of this welfare program.
Problems Encountered and Resources Required:-
Challenges encountered include difficulties in identifying individuals in need who may be hesitant to disclose their circumstances. Strategies such as regular visits, informal communication, and consistent engagement are employed to identify potential beneficiaries.
The mobilization of financial resources for housing projects, medical assistance, and disaster relief poses a significant obstacle for the college. Students have raised funds through coupon books, notices, and contributions from the Parent-Teacher Association, staff, and management.
Time constraints also present a challenge for the welfare program, as college hours cannot be used for these activities. Therefore, initiatives are typically carried out during holidays or after regular working hours.
* To get the Report of Best Practice 2, Click Here