Department of Extension Education and Services (DEEDS – DB Centre), Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Tirupattur, in collaboration with NSIC Technical Service Centre, Chennai, and the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development & Research Studies (CSRD&RS), VIT Vellore, organized a One Day Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme on 18th February 2026. The programme was specially designed for the ST Narikuravar and Irulas community with the objective of promoting entrepreneurial skills and self-employment opportunities.

The programme commenced with the Tamilthai Vazthu, setting a respectful and patriotic tone for the gathering. Mr. S. Babu, Project Associate (Sr.), VIT – CSRD&RS – VRC, Jawadhu Hills, delivered the Welcome Address and highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic empowerment for marginalized communities. The felicitation addresses were delivered by Rev. Dr. Praveen Peter SDB, Rector & Secretary, SHC, Tirupattur; Rev. Dr. Maria Antonyraj SDB, Principal, SHC, Tirupattur; and Rev. Dr. G. Theophil Anand SDB, Additional Principal, SHC, Tirupattur.

Rev. Dr. Shanmugam SDB, Director -DEEDS &Vice-Principal (Admin), SHC, Tirupattur, also addressed the gathering and encouraged participants to make effective use of government schemes and training opportunities. Thiru. P. Velu, Panchayat President of A.K. Mottur Panchayat, Tirupattur District, motivated the participants to initiate small-scale ventures in their localities.

The Presidential Address was delivered by Dr. C.R. Sundara Rajan, Deputy Director, CSRD&RS, VIT Vellore, who underscored the role of education and institutional collaboration in uplifting tribal communities. The Chief Guest, Mr. Arul Prabhakar, Deputy Manager (Training), NSIC, Guindy, Chennai, elaborated on various schemes and financial assistance provided by NSIC for budding entrepreneurs. The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Mr. R. Ranjith Kumar, Accountant, DEEDS, SHC, Tirupattur, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries and participants. The programme concluded with the National Anthem, followed by a Group Photo Session.