Best Practice No:1

Vidhyanidhi

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”–
 Mahatma Gandhi

At NSS College, Pandalam, we have long held the belief that the aid extended to those in need should be received with pride and dignity, not with bowed heads and humbled arms. This philosophy underpins our initiative, “Vidhyanidhi,” which aims to empower students from less privileged backgrounds. “Vidhyanidhi” is an exclusive program dedicated to providing medical assistance, addressing emergency needs, and recognizing academic merit among our disadvantaged students. Uniquely, the program is funded through contributions made by the students themselves, fostering a sense of worth and self-reliance among recipients.

The program was conceived by Dr. G. Madhukumar, former principal of our college, and is sustained through collective contributions from both faculty and students. Each student pays thirty rupees for every university exam they undertake, amounting to a total of one hundred eighty rupees over three years for undergraduates and one hundred twenty rupees for postgraduates. Given the large student body, these contributions aggregate into a substantial fund. Faculty members also contribute a fixed annual sum. The funds are utilized to support various needs, including uniforms for economically disadvantaged students, annual scholarships of three thousand rupees for meritorious students facing financial difficulties, medical expenses for accidents or critical illnesses, and hostel fees for students struggling with accommodation costs. Starting from 2019, a dedicated lump sum amount has been allocated within the “Vidhyanidhi” scholarship scheme specifically for the purchase of uniforms for two female students. This initiative underscores the programme’s commitment to addressing the needs of economically disadvantaged students, ensuring they have access to essential academic resources while preserving their dignity and self-worth. Beginning with 2023, the scholarship has been extended to include two economically disadvantaged female students. This expansion highlights the program’s continued dedication to supporting underprivileged students by providing them with financial assistance to further their education.

An annual meeting organized by “Vidhyanidhi” serves as a platform to present the program’s activities, review the financial statements, and honour scholarship recipients. This initiative has been highly praised by both students and faculty, transforming the concept of charity into one of empowerment and dignity. Students appreciate the program for its role in enabling them to contribute meaningfully to their peers’ well-being, enhancing their academic motivation, and enriching their college experience. The programme’s success has reaffirmed the notion that charity, when executed with respect and mutual participation, fosters a profound sense of community and purpose.

Mission

• To support economically disadvantaged yet meritorious students
• To provide medical aid in emergency situations within the college
• To offer financial assistance for critical medical treatments
• To cover hostel fees for students in dire financial need
• To engage students in charitable activities

Implementation Strategy

The funding for the “Vidhyanidhi” program is sourced from regular contributions by both teachers and students. Selection for financial assistance is based on merit and attendance, with an initial distribution of three thousand rupees to deserving students. Future plans include doubling the instalments and extending support to emergency cases.

Goals Achieved

• Enabled economically disadvantaged meritorious students to achieve their academic aspirations
• Provided financial support to students with critical medical conditions
• Cultivated a humanitarian attitude among students by involving them in charitable activities

Problems Faced

• Insufficient funds
• Challenges in selecting deserving students due to high demand

---

Best Practice No:2

Hridayapoorvam: The Social Service Cell

“Be the change you want to see in the world”- Mahatma Gandhi

Mission & Vision

Hridayapoorvam, the Social Service cell of N.S.S College Pandalam, was established to support the weaker sections of society. The college takes a special interest in facilitating financial support to institutions such as orphanages, old age homes, leprosy sanatoriums, hospitals, palliative care facilities, etc. The cell aspires to build a society rooted in social justice and human dignity. The college has been successfully conducting this initiative for more than 2 decades. Initially, the program began as a food donation initiative aimed at providing meals for caretakers at hospitals. The program’s most significant outcome has been an improvement we brought into the lives of those living in and around the area. It makes a difference in the lives of children, the elderly, palliative patients, and other weaker sections by offering financial and material support. All the departments of the college get actively involved in the cell’s various programs throughout the year. The active involvement of the students and their changing perspective toward increasing their level of volunteer work are regarded as the greatest positive outcomes. 

Implementation Strategy

The "Hridayapoorvam" program is a noble initiative funded by regular contributions from both teachers and students. These contributions help to bring about positive change through social service activities. With the collected funds, essential items such as books, snacks, sanitary products, wheelchairs, clothes, and other necessities are provided to those in need, including old age homes, orphanages, and charity organizations. Additionally, the program extends its reach to support palliative care patients, ensuring that the most vulnerable in society receive the care and attention they deserve.

Goals Achieved

• The active involvement of students and teachers in the outreach programme
• The programme not only supports these social causes but also fosters a sense of responsibility and compassion within the educational community.
•  The program builds a bridge between education and humanitarian service, creating a lasting impact on both the givers and the recipients.
• Inspires future generations to consistently adopt social service values in their own lives and continue similar initiatives beyond their time in the institution. 

Problems Faced

• Insufficient Funds: Regular contributions from teachers and students are often limited, which restricts the scale and reach of the social service activities.
• Limited Resources: The program often faces challenges in gathering enough items such as clothes, sanitary products, and wheelchairs to meet the growing needs of beneficiaries.
• Difficulty in Logistics: Coordinating deliveries of donations to multiple locations like old age homes, orphanages, and palliative care centers poses logistical challenges, especially when transportation resources are scarce.

---