The Department of Extension and Continuing
Education was established on 11th 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:
-
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.
-
Study on the impact of socioeconomic changes
on the primitive tribals of Nilgiri district with the support of ICSSR.
-
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.