Department of Extension Education and Services (DEEDS) of Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Tirupattur, in collaboration with NSIC Technical Service Centre, Chennai, and the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development and Research Studies (CSRD&RS), VIT Vellore, organized a One-Day Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme exclusively meant for Scheduled Tribe (ST) students on 17th September 2025 at Mother Teresa Hall, Sacred Heart College. The programme was designed to nurture entrepreneurial skills and provide guidance for students from marginalized communities to pursue self-reliant career paths.

The event commenced with the Tamil Thai Vazhthu, followed by a welcome address by Mr. S. Babu, Project Associate (Sr.), VIT–CSRD&RS, Jawadhu Hills, who highlighted the objectives of the training. Rev. Dr. Praveen Peter, SDB, Rector and Secretary of Sacred Heart College, felicitated the gathering and emphasized the institution’s role in empowering tribal youth. This was followed by felicitation addresses from Rev. Dr. Maria Antonyraj, SDB, Principal, Rev. Dr. Theophil Anand, SDB, Additional Principal, and Rev. Dr. Shanmugam, SDB, Vice-Principal (Admin), who restated the college’s commitment to community extension work.

Adding further momentum, Dr. Parthiban N.K, Project Officer, CSRD&RS, VIT Vellore, appreciated the initiative as a meaningful step toward inclusive development. The Presidential Address was delivered by Dr. C.R. Sundara Rajan, Deputy Director, CSRD&RS, VIT Vellore, who underlined the importance of entrepreneurship in tribal development and sustainability. The Chief Guest Address was delivered by Mr. Arul Prabhakar, Deputy Manager (Training), NSIC, Guindy, Chennai, who elaborated on various government schemes and training modules available for budding entrepreneurs, particularly from Scheduled Tribe communities. The formal proceedings concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Mr. R. Ranjith Kumar, Accountant, DEEDS, Sacred Heart College, who acknowledged the collaboration of NSIC and VIT in providing such a platform. The session ended with the National Anthem, instilling a spirit of pride and unity among participants. Following the formal inauguration, a group photo session was arranged, after which students participated in the Entrepreneurship Awareness Training Programme.