Sacred Heart College
Department of Extension Education and Services (DEEDS), Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Tirupattur, organized the Orientation and Planning of Outreach Programme (Shift–I) on 2nd July 2026 from 2.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. at Kamarajar Arangam. The programme was organized with the objective of orienting students and faculty members towards meaningful community engagement and preparing them for the outreach activities to be undertaken during the academic year. The programme commenced with a prayer through a video song, invoking God's blessings for the successful implementation of the outreach initiatives. Mr. K. Selvanathan, Outreach Coordinator, Department of Social Work (HRM), Shift–I, extended a warm welcome to the gathering and highlighted the importance of outreach programmes in nurturing social responsibility, leadership qualities, and compassion among students.
The Inaugural Address was delivered by Rev. Dr. Shanmugam, SDB, Director, Department of Extension Education and Services (DEEDS). In his inspiring address, he stressed that students are not merely learners but "social engineers" who possess the potential to transform society through dedicated service. He encouraged students to actively participate in community development initiatives and to approach outreach with commitment, empathy, and professionalism. The programme was presided over by Rev. Fr. Ignatius Stanley Lawrence, SDB, Rector and Secretary, Sacred Heart College, who delivered the Presidential Address. He appreciated the efforts of DEEDS in promoting extension education and motivated the participants to uphold the values of service, solidarity, and social justice while working in rural communities.
The gathering was further enriched by the Felicitation Address delivered by Rev. Dr. Praveen Peter, SDB, Principal, Sacred Heart College, who emphasized that outreach activities complement classroom learning by developing students' interpersonal skills, civic consciousness, and commitment towards nation-building. The highlight of the programme was Session I, handled by Dr. K. Arockiaraj, Assistant Professor, PG Department of Social Work, on the topic "Projects and Programmes in Rural Areas." He provided valuable insights into rural development initiatives, participatory approaches, community needs assessment, government welfare schemes, and the role of educational institutions in empowering rural communities. His session enabled participants to understand the practical aspects of planning and implementing community-based projects.
Following the technical session, Session II focused on Planning and Preparation by the Core Group of Departments. Representatives from various departments actively discussed their outreach plans, identified target villages, proposed community-based interventions, and prepared action plans for effective implementation during the academic year. The interactive planning session encouraged collaboration and coordination among departments. The programme concluded with the Vote of Thanks proposed by Mrs. J. Reshma, Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, who expressed gratitude to the management, resource person, dignitaries, faculty members, organizers, and students for their wholehearted support and active participation. The event came to a close with the College Anthem. The master of the ceremony was done by Mr. Santhoshkumar, PG Department of Management Studies.
