Department of Extension and Continuing Education (DECE)

The Department of Extension and Continuing Education was established on 11^th August, 2007 with the aim of transforming the youth into dynamic and socially responsible personalities and extending the knowledge, technologies  for the benefit of the society. The DECE has adopted three pronged approach involving i) conducting research to understand the need of the society in the vicinity of University iii) reaching out to the underprivileged in the society through student community and sensitizing students about their social responsibility; ii) providing opportunity to youth to acquire different skills which contribute to their overall personality development, through training, extension and co-curricular activities. Department tries to integrate academic, research and extension activities so as to benefit students of Karunya as well as neighbouring village communities. 

Research:
The research projects conducted in recent years are:

1. Project on the Conservation of the medicinal plants used by the Kurumba tribals of Nilgiri district, Tamil Nadu through survey, capacity building and documentation Supported by TNSCST.

2. Study on the impact of socioeconomic changes on the primitive tribals of Nilgiri district with the support of ICSSR.

3. Survey and documentation of the biodiversity of Karunya campus

Training, Extension and Co-curricular activities

• Fish farmers Training was organized for 38 farmers in freshwater fish farming with the support of TNSCST.

• Developing a model for solid waste management in Karunya Campus Township is underway.

• Project on livelihood security of Irula Tribal villages around University submitted to DST, Government of India by name, Eco-development programme for tribals of Siruvani forest area is under processing.

• Project for micro planning of Mathvarayapuram GP submitted to National Council of Rural Institutes, Hyderabad under Ministry of HRD, Government of India.

• The proposal submitted to SEED, Dept of Science & Technology on developing a Women Technology Park (WTP) in Siruvani hills focusing on transferring technology in four thrust areas ie sustainable livelihood (food), Water, Renewable Energy and Health care for benefit of tribal & rural communities is short listed by DST in first round. A detailed proposal is submitted to DST. Project would be carried out in partnership with SEESHA

 Extra-curricular activities

Sixteen student clubs function under the Department of Extension and Continuing Education to help students acquire different skills for their integrated personality development and inspire them to contribute to society through community services. Active participation in co-curricular activities conducted by Club helps students to acquire different qualities such as leadership, teambuilding, creative talent, presentation skill, communication skill, enhanced self confidence and emotional intelligence, interpersonal communication and social interaction etc. Through these activities students also get exposure to social realities which helps to build a link between the student community and the wider community and helps in developing a social commitment in them.  Students get non-academic credits after successfully completing the club activities and assignments.

Different clubs functioning under DE&CE  with brief description
 

• Nature Club provides opportunity to contribute to environment protection through activities such as nature trails, plantation programs, trekking in the forest, film screening on biodiversity and environmental related issues and various competitions and awareness campaigns.

• Youth Red Cross is closely associated with the activities of Indian Red Cross Society, Tamil Nadu branch. YRC is in the forefront in organizing blood donation camps, first aid training programs, rural literacy programs, old age home visits etc.

• Community Health Services focuses on health related  services such as conducting health check-up camps, eye camps, health awareness campaigns, seminars etc.

• Karunya Arts & Literary Association (KALA) major objective of this club is to sharpen dancing, singing, dramatics literary talents of students. Students get opportunity to participate in cultural events such as singing, dancing and state level competitions.

• Rotaract Club of Karunya University is affiliated to Rotary Club of Thondamuthur. Club conducts socially relevant activities such as AIDS awareness, Plastic eradication, leadership seminars etc.

• Leadership & Toast Master Club nurtures the students to be effective leaders and also fostering their public speaking and communication skills.

• Journalism Club provides opportunity to enhance the communication skill and  knowledge about the recent happenings in our country and around the world by investigating, analyzing and reporting.

• Astronomy Club  provides  an opportunity to learn view celestial objects such as stars, planets, comets, star clusters and galaxies etc through lectures by eminent professionals and sky watching.

• Food & Nutrition Club provides training on food & nutrition related issues enabling you to conduct training and awareness programs for the community.

• Photo & Video Club provides skills and creative training in photography and videography to the students and an opportunity to exhibit their photography skill through competitions.

• Music Club nurtures talented students and provide training and opportunity to showcase their talent through events and competitions

• Ys Youth Club undergo sensitization camps and competitions to create awareness on the rights and responsibilities of every student towards the society and nation.

• Software and Networking Club :  Students from all technical branches with non-IT background are given training in softwares useful in day-today applications, networking and safety.

• Bethesda Services : Through this avenue, students get opportunity to do voluntary services by involving in activities like ushering and assisting the visitors at Bethesda International Prayer centre.