KOCHI: With all its vitality and enthusiasm the young minds are trying to make a change. A positive change through their efforts, through art, through awareness and even through acts which we may have considered as trifles. The students from different colleges across Ernakulam are actively trying to do their best to spread awareness about social issues and to bring in change.
Students from different colleges are strumming up distinctive campaigns. Many of these projects undertaken by the students aim to help the needy. Projects like Paadheyam, Jaalakam, rice bucket challenge, TROP (Teresian Rural Outreach Programme), blood donation camps, rallies, seminars, debates and talks work towards helping the society either directly or indirectly.
K U Krishnakumar, a third year economics student of St Paul’s College, Kalamassery who wrote and directed a street play on road safety which was staged at different venues in Ernakulam last week, said, “I am not expecting a mass change at once. But I am sure that, at least one individual will think about initiating a change and that is where our victory lies.” This gives the evidence of their integrity and tolerance. No one expects a sudden change, they are optimistic about the gradual effect that their initiatives will set in motion.
“Paadheyam” is a program envisioned by the students of Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam. The students collect and distribute food under this project. Every Friday they collect over 200 food packets for the deprived. “Jaalakam” is another project as a part of which they collect dress for the orphans and through “Rice bucketing challenge” they collect rice and distribute it to the needy.
The “Teresian Rural Outreach Programme” is a social outreach program run by St Teresa’s college, since 2010. Noumin K N, NSS general secretary of the college says, “Organizations like NSS helps us to do things. They provide us with an opportunity to bring in change.” A street play against drug abuse, a skit that exhorts people to end violence against women, cleaning campaigns, several awareness classes and talks have been conducted by the Teresians.
Binil Yeldho Alackarayil, a student of UC College, Aluva, says, “We try to spread awareness through street plays since it captures the attention of a common man more than a seminar or a debate.” Students formulate new strategies to take these campaigns to people.