Department of Extension Education and Services (DEEDS), Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Tirupattur organized the International Women’s Day Celebration on 7th March 2026 at 11.00 AM in Carreno Hall. The programme was conducted to honour the contributions of women and to promote empowerment initiatives for women, especially members of Self Help Groups (SHGs). The programme began with a prayer song by Bro. Firmin and team, invoking blessings for the success of the celebration. Ms. K. Tharageswari, Family Counselor, warmly welcomed the gathering and highlighted the importance of recognizing women’s achievements and supporting their socio-economic development.

The Chief Guest was honoured by Rev. Dr. Shanmugam SDB, Director – DEEDS, Sacred Heart College, Tirupattur. Cultural performances added vibrancy to the programme, with dance performances by Ms. Jansi and team from the Department of Commerce, followed by Ms. Pooja, Rasika and team, Mr. Vikash, Raj and team and Robin, Manova and team. The Guest of Honour Message was delivered by Mr. Wilson Anandaraj, General Manager – Competence, Tata Elxsi, Chennai. who spoke about the importance of women’s empowerment, education, and financial independence in building a progressive society.

The Chief Guest Address was delivered by Mr. S. S. Manian, Advocate, Tirupattur, who emphasized the need for legal awareness among women and encouraged them to make use of available financial and legal support systems.

A significant highlight of the programme was the distribution of loans to Self Help Groups (SHGs). During the Women’s Day celebration, a total loan amount of Rs. 73,30,000 was disbursed to SHG members, enabling them to strengthen their livelihoods and promote economic self-reliance.

The programme was also graced by several distinguished Guests of Honour, including Mr. Gurupatham, Manager – NABFINS Ltd., Mr. Dineshkumar, Microsite Manager, Indian Bank, Tirupattur and Mr. Krishnakumar, Manager, Indian Bank, Jolarpet, who appreciated the efforts of DEEDS in empowering rural women through financial inclusion and SHG activities. The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Mr. K. Karunakaran, SHG Coordinator, expressing gratitude to the chief guest, guests of honour, organizers, and participants for making the event successful. Gifts were also distributed to SHG members as a token of encouragement by Rev. Dr. Shanmugam SDB. The programme concluded with the National Anthem. The event was efficiently anchored by Ms. S. Kavitha, SHG Staff, who served as the Master of Ceremony.