BEST PRACTICE 1
Title of the Practice: YUVASPARSHAM
SANTHWANAM, SNEHOTSAVAM, SNEHAVEEDU
- Foster a sense of social responsibility, community engagement, and generosity among students, faculty, and staff, while promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) to create a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Promote the social inclusion of marginalized and disabled individuals within and beyond the college community by addressing barriers, reducing stigma, and ensuring equitable opportunities for all.
- Equip students with essential skills, leadership qualities, and motivation to undertake impactful community-based projects that address local and global challenges, while embracing diverse perspectives.
- Serve as a role model institution by demonstrating care, support, and advocacy to combat social stigma and exclusion.
YIMS is dedicated to setting a benchmark in higher education by integrating social responsibility, civic engagement, and experiential learning into its core values. By fostering service, volunteerism, and problem-solving, the institution empowers students, faculty, and staff to transcend materialistic pursuits and embrace a purpose-driven life rooted in integrity. Committed to holistic development, YIMS shapes socially conscious leaders equipped to address real-world challenges. Its flagship initiative, Yuvasparsham, exemplifies best practices in higher education through three transformative programs: Santhwanam (supporting HIV-positive individuals), Snehotsavam (nurturing compassionate leaders), and Snehaveedu (empowering students to lead social change). Over the past five years, these programs have seamlessly blended academic learning with community impact, equipping students with essential life skills, leadership qualities, and a deep commitment to social equity. The enthusiastic participation of students has been pivotal, positioning YIMS as a role model in higher education for driving meaningful, sustainable change in society.
Yuvasparsham: Where education meets action
Yuvasparsham aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by integrating service learning, community engagement, and experiential education into the curriculum. It fosters holistic development, civic responsibility, and leadership skills, creating socially conscious graduates. By engaging directly with communities, students gain hands-on experience, a deeper understanding of societal issues, and the skills to drive meaningful change.
Santhwanam: Breaking the stigma of HIV
- Provides extensive support to HIV-positive individuals in collaboration with non-governmental organizations/ local entities
- Conducted public awareness campaigns, workshops/ seminars to empower and integrate individuals into the community.
- Extends financial and holistic support to the HIV-positive community. Donates a sum every month to Palakkad District Network of Positive People, a charitable society, who work for the welfare of the HIV positive people.
- Hosted three-day Residential Capacity Building Programme and Life Skill Education Programme for Adolescent Children in collaboration with Kerala State AIDS Control Society, Trivandrum.
Snehotsavam: Where compassion encounters leadership
- Student-led initiative, conducted annually by YIMS, exemplifying the institution's commitment to service learning.
- Reflects a deep concern for the welfare of residents in orphanages, old-age homes, and special schools.
- Each department partners with a specific institution, with students visiting several times a year. These visits foster meaningful bonds, often maintained by students even after graduation.
- A wide range of awareness programmes/ classes are arranged to enhance the well-being of inmates.
- Culminates in a grand event held every second Saturday in November, inviting all the residents to YIMS for a day of shared memories. Provides a platform for the residents to showcase their talents/ creativity
- Communal lunch and the distribution of essentials as per their need, underscores YIMS' dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the community it serves.
- Financial assistance is offered to the institutions through the Department Charity Wing.
Snehaveedu: Building Homes of Love and Dignity
- A philanthropic commitment to community development, guided by principles of humanity, civic responsibility/ inclusivity.
- Identifies economically disadvantaged students/ staff members and provides housing assistance through the construction of homes.
- Fosters a sense of social responsibility among students, encouraging them to broaden their perspectives and address the needs of their community.
- A total amount of ₹31,28269 was spent for the construction of homes during the five academic years.
The Yuvasparsham initiative effectively embodies the NEP’s emphasis on fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), delivering meaningful and lasting social impact.
Common Outcomes:
- Over 30% of alumni have pursued higher studies in social work (e.g., MSW) and now contribute to NGOs, promoting equity and inclusion in underserved communities.
- 85% of students reported that the initiative inspired them to adopt a socially responsible and inclusive mindset.
- More than 50 social impact research projects and outreach programs have addressed the needs of marginalized groups, promoting equity and social responsibility.
Santhwanam:
- Recognized by the Palakkad District Network of Positive People and the Kerala State AIDS Control Society for fostering compassion and inclusivity toward individuals living with HIV.
- Over 500 students have participated in programs challenging stigma and promoting acceptance of diverse identities.
Snehotsavam:
- Partner institutions report a 40% improvement in residents’ skills through inclusive extension programs.
- Mental health awareness sessions empowered marginalized residents, with a 25% increase in those seeking support.
Snehaveedu:
- Provided housing assistance for nine unprivileged families, addressing housing inequities and ensuring safety for vulnerable children.
- Raised ₹31,28,269 through student-led fundraisers, cultivating leadership and empathy.
- Balancing rigorous academic commitments with outreach programs and innovative campaigns was challenging for both students and faculty.
- Limited financial resources created obstacles, complicating the implementation of various initiatives.
- Difficulties in gathering and analysing data hindered efforts to track progress and demonstrate program effectiveness.
- Building partnerships with local organizations to identify community needs, provide guidance, and create meaningful learning experiences required considerable effort.
- Ensuring consistent participation and enthusiasm amidst academic pressures remained a persistent challenge.
- Coordinating schedules, transportation, and resources for outreach activities often posed logistical challenges, impacting the smooth execution of programs.
BEST PRACTICE 2
Title of the Practice: PARAMPARA UNNATI
- Promote the appreciation and safeguarding of indigenous art forms, including those at risk of extinction, by fostering awareness and active engagement.
- Ensure the continuity of traditional skills and knowledge by connecting experienced artists with younger generations through mentorship, workshops, and hands-on training.
- Address academic challenges, promote digital empowerment, and foster social, economic, and cultural development through inclusive programs and outreach initiatives.
- Celebrate the diversity of Indian art forms through collaborative projects, while positioning the institution as a hub for research, education, and the preservation of indigenous traditions.
Parampara Unnati is a transformative initiative dedicated to preserving and empowering India’s indigenous communities, with a special focus on the Irular tribe in the Pudur Panchayath of Attappadi, Kerala. Rooted in the mission of holistic development, the practice integrates education, skill-building, and cultural preservation to uplift marginalized communities. Recognizing the invaluable heritage of indigenous traditions, Parampara Unnati emphasizes the revitalization of folk arts, literature, and knowledge systems that are at risk of fading in the face of globalization.
Through collaborative projects, intergenerational learning, and workshops, the initiative fosters the transmission of traditional skills while equipping tribal youth with modern tools for self-reliance. By bridging the gap between tradition and progress, Parampara Unnati ensures that development does not erode cultural identity. It creates a sustainable future where the Irular community thrives with dignity, celebrating their heritage while embracing new opportunities in an inclusive and empowered society.
Parampara Unnati: Empowering Tribal Communities and Preserving Indigenous Heritage
Yuvakshetra’s Parampara Unnati exemplifies its commitment to institutional social responsibility by empowering tribal communities through education, cultural preservation, and sustainable development. Focused on the Irular community in Attappadi, Kerala, the initiative addresses academic challenges, fosters cultural enrichment, and bridges the gap between tradition and progress. The Folklore Club serves as a vibrant hub for cultural exploration, ensuring that future generations remain connected to their heritage.
Educational Transformation Initiatives
Government Tribal Higher Secondary School, Pudur, Attappadi (2019-20)
- Launched an educational assistance program to address academic challenges faced by tribal students.
- A formal MoU enabled targeted support in English, Business Studies, Accountancy, and Mathematics.
- Five faculty members and five postgraduate students conducted structured classes from September 2019 to January 2020.
- Resulted in improved academic performance, confidence, and motivation among students.
Government Tribal Welfare High School, Anakkal (2022)
- Adopted the school on July 11, 2022, introducing impactful programs for academic and personal growth:
- Mathematics Department distributed 120 notebooks and pens to support learning.
- Computer Literacy and Cyber Safety Workshops conducted by the Computer Science Department for 50 students (Grades 8-10), covering online safety, social media use, and computer hardware.
- Distributed umbrellas and raincoats to ensure uninterrupted attendance during the rainy season.
- Hindi classes on Munshi Premchand’s birth anniversary (August 1, 2022).
- Academic guidance sessions by Mathematics and English postgraduate students.
- Counseling sessions by the Psychology Department on life skills, health awareness, and social issues (December 2, 2023).
Digital Empowerment: Pragati Initiative (2024)
- Launched on April 19, 2024, in the tribal colony of Vettiyoo, Attappadi, with special permission from the Palakkad District Collector.
- Focused on bridging the digital divide by teaching safe mobile and internet usage, accessing online government services, and effective communication tools.
- Empowered participants with essential digital skills, fostering self-reliance and access to modern opportunities.
Cultural Preservation through the Folklore Club
- Conducted workshop sessions on indigenous folk arts and bamboo handicrafts, fostering artistic development.
- Partnered with local artisans for workshops, performances (e.g., Tira, Yakshaganam), and exhibitions.
- Actively showcased talent at local festivals, promoting cultural awareness.
- Curated documentaries and films on folklore and cultural heritage.
- Hosted scholars and experts in folklore studies.
- Organized trips to museums and heritage sites for hands-on learning.
- Provided opportunities to learn and perform traditional dances, music, and instruments.
- Created platforms for sharing folktales, myths, and legends.
- Conducted field trips to collect and archive folklore through interviews and recordings.
- Organized workshops and seminars on folklore studies with expert speakers.
The initiative adopts a structured, evidence-based approach to empower and preserve the Attappadi tribal community. With a focus on cultural preservation, academic support, digital literacy, and holistic well-being, the initiative has consistently delivered impactful results.
- Yuvakshetra became the first self-financing college in Kerala to establish a Folklore Club, approved by the Kerala Folklore Academy.
- The institution hosted a fully-funded international conference under the Folklore Club, with proceedings set for publication.
- The U-certified documentary "Kettiyattam Thirayozhukum Vazhi" has been pivotal in preserving Kerala’s cultural heritage. It received the Best Documentary Award at the Bharathan Smaraka Hraswa Cinema Puraskaram, a top-ten ranking at the Kaani Film Festival, and international recognition with its selection for the 8th International Folklore Film Festival (IFFF) 2025.
- Pre- and post-program assessments at the Government Tribal Welfare High School, Anakkal, showed improved grades and digital literacy among students.
- The Pragati Digital Empowerment Initiative bridged the digital divide by teaching safe internet usage, online service access, and effective communication skills.
- Students participated in bamboo handicraft training, creating traditional artefacts like winnowers, ladles, and baskets, preserving endangered skills. Through the 'Earn While You Learn' scheme, they sold their creations at the Monday Market, achieving financial autonomy while promoting traditional craftsmanship.
Despite its successes, Parampara Unnati faces several challenges that limit its full potential. Financial constraints restrict the expansion of programs, provision of resources, and transportation services crucial for increasing community participation. Poor internet connectivity and limited technological infrastructure in Attappadi hinder the effective implementation of digital literacy programs. Additionally, balancing the academic responsibilities of student volunteers with their involvement in the initiative requires careful coordination.
Establishing the Folklore Club without Malayalam as a mainstream course posed unique obstacles, requiring innovative approaches to sustain its activities. The Club encounters further challenges, such as limited budgets for activities, travel, and guest speakers, along with difficulties in identifying and securing experienced folk artists and mentors.
To address these issues, Parampara Unnati is actively securing funding through grants, sponsorships, and crowdfunding while forming partnerships with government agencies and local organizations. Mobile technology, offline tools, and preloaded content are being utilized to overcome connectivity challenges, ensuring the initiative continues to empower communities and preserve cultural heritage effectively.