Portray the performance of the Institution in one area distinctive to its priority and thrust within 1000 words
Response:
Empowerment of Tribal community in the neighborhood
MES Kalladi College is situated in the Western Ghats, in the vicinity of Attappadi, where a substantial tribal population resides. Our college has a significantly higher number of tribal students enrolled compared to other colleges in the district. A key characteristic of our institution is its commitment to empower Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes from the rural areas of the hilly Attappadi region.
We provide assistance to these students in overcoming their adversities, achieving their objectives, and transforming them into ideal members of society, as they come from economically and socially poor backgrounds. To ensure their holistic development, we conduct a range of curricular and co-curricular activities aimed at enhancing their social, academic, economic, artistic, spiritual, and emotional well-being.
Academic Mentoring
Students from Attappadi often find it challenging to adapt to the campus environment. In response, the college takes a proactive approach to support them in improving their social and cultural integration. Through a dedicated tutorial and mentoring system, teachers identify their needs during their first year. Special tutorial and mentoring sessions are then provided to address these needs. By assessing their aptitudes in various areas, the college encourages these students to participate in different clubs and activities, fostering their overall development.
Centre for Tribal Studies and Research (CTSR)
The NAAC peer team for third cycle of accreditation has recommended for a research centre specialized in tribal studies. The tribes, as indigenous communities, have resided in the forested highlands of Attappadi since time immemorial. Numerous tribal groups inhabit this region, and their nature-cantered way of life has given rise to a rich cultural heritage and social order. However, external interference by people from outside tribal areas has disrupted various aspects of tribal life and cultural heritage. In response to these challenges, the Centre for Tribal Studies and Research was established in 2016. This research centre plays a vital role in understanding and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the tribes. Student projects are often focused on tribal research, and doctoral studies also concentrate on this field. Faculty members have contributed significantly by publishing numerous research papers addressing tribal issues.
MES Medical Centre for Tribes at Attappadi
The college has extended its services to the tribal community by establishing a health centre in Attappadi, located at Kakkupadi. This centre was inaugurated on November 14, 2016, with the goal of providing care and support to both tribal students and their community. Initially, treatment at the centre was offered free of charge to the tribal population. However, a nominal fee of Rs. 20 is now charged as consultation fee.
The health centre addresses prevalent health issues among the tribal female population, including malnutrition, drug addiction, and maternal mortality, through awareness programs, appropriate medication, and nutrition plans. Additionally, ambulance service was introduced on April 18, 2018, further enhancing the centre’s capacity to respond to medical emergencies. The MES Dental Health Care Centre was also established to serve the tribal community.
Facilitation centre for Tribal Students (FCTS)
FCTS launched with the goal of providing tribal students with career guidance, coaching for competitive examinations, and skill training. In order to develop employment opportunities among ST students, FCTS started PSC registration and provides other information about job openings in career magazines.
Archery Range: The college has constructed an archery range using the funding from Parent Teacher Association (PTA). The objective is to bring up talented students in archery which is a game traditionally attached with the lifestyle of tribes. Proper training in archery is being given to equip the students to participate in university and state level championships.
The community outreach programme
The extension wing of the college launched a programme where different departments and clubs organized outreach programmes in the Attappadi area.
- Exhibition of forest products: Department of Botany organized an exhibition on forest products. The exhibition was mainly focused to familiarize the products used by the tribal people.
- Nutritional Awareness Programme: Department of Food Technology conducted a nutritional awareness programme at TRIBAL HSS Sholayur, Attappadi. The main objective of the programme was to provide awareness about nutritional security to Tribal population.
- Career Development: Department of Commerce conducted career development programme for higher secondary students at GVHSS Agaly, Attappadi
- Anti-drug campaign: Department of Commerce and Management Studies conducted a programme on “Anti-Narcotics” at GVHSS Agaly, Attappadi.
- Tourism and Hospitality: Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management conducted an awareness session at Kottathara about responsible tourism and potentials for tourism activity to earn income.
Day Observations and Celebrations
Days of national and international importance having attachment with tribal issues are being observed or celebrated.
- Bamboo Day Celebration
In connection with World Bamboo Day,Department of Botany organized an exhibition on Bamboo products. As part of this programme, students prepared “Mulayari payasam” a dish made with bamboo seeds. Bamboo seeds are rich with nutrients and are mainly used by the tribes of Attapapdi.
- Millet Year Celebertion
In connection with Millet year celebration, Department of Botany organized Millet Exhibition and sale of millets used food items to give awareness about the importance of these grains. The programme also aimed to make the public aware about the use of millets by the tribes of Attappadi. The programme highlighted the importance of food items mainly ragi used by the tribal people.
- International World Tribal Day Celebration
Department of History observed the International Day of the World’s Indigenous people or World Tribal Day in order to promote and protect the rights of Tribal community.
- Folk lore day celebration
Department of History in association with National Service Scheme units of MES Kalladi college and OTTA Folklore Patana Gaveshana Kendram, Mannarkkad organized a vibrant and culturally enriching event to celebrate International Folklore Day. The primary objective of the event was to raise awareness about the importance of folklore in preserving cultural identity, fostering intercultural dialogue, and promoting mutual understanding among communities.
- SC/ST Cell
It focuses on enhancing the welfare of SC/ST students by providing help and support in accessing various financial aids and scholarships available from both Government and Non-government sources.