Gram Sabha Meetings UBA NSS Unit 55 Kamaraj College Promotes Rural Development and Community Engagement
Report on Gram Sabha Meetings UBA NSS Unit 55
The Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Cell and the National Service Scheme Unit Number 55 of Kamaraj College Autonomous Thoothukudi actively participated in the Gram Sabha Meetings UBA NSS Unit 55 held on 11 October 2025. The event took place between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm across three villages namely Sakkammalpuram, Servaikaranmadam, and Kulaiyankarisal in Thoothukudi district.
This community outreach activity reflected the commitment of Kamaraj College towards rural development, social responsibility, and participatory governance. The meeting was coordinated by Dr P Pounraj, Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Coordinator and NSS Programme Officer, who was accompanied by ten student volunteers representing the institution.
Objective of Gram Sabha Meetings UBA NSS Unit 55
The primary goal of the Gram Sabha Meetings UBA NSS Unit 55 was to foster collaboration between the college and local communities through open dialogue and interaction. The programme aimed to identify local challenges, discuss welfare schemes, and promote community participation in developmental activities.
By engaging with village residents, students were able to observe how Gram Sabha meetings serve as a transparent and democratic platform for decision-making at the grassroots level. The initiative aligned with the mission of both the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan and the National Service Scheme to connect institutions of higher education with rural realities.
Active Participation in the Villages
The Gram Sabha Meetings UBA NSS Unit 55 were held in three adopted villages of the college. At each venue, the villagers, Panchayat leaders, and local officials welcomed the college representatives with warmth and enthusiasm. The discussions centered on ongoing developmental schemes, sanitation drives, educational support, women empowerment, and livelihood improvement projects.
The NSS and UBA volunteers took note of the key concerns raised by the community members. They also shared insights about the college’s extension programmes that address issues such as digital literacy, environmental sustainability, and youth skill development. These interactions enhanced mutual understanding and encouraged cooperation between the institution and the villages.
Role of the College in Gram Sabha Meetings UBA NSS Unit 55
Under the able leadership of Dr K Bhanumathi, Principal of Kamaraj College Autonomous Thoothukudi, the institution has been actively contributing to rural welfare initiatives. During the Gram Sabha Meetings UBA NSS Unit 55, the college team discussed several outreach programmes implemented under Unnat Bharat Abhiyan and NSS, such as waste management awareness, health education, tree plantation, and sustainable livelihood projects.
Dr P Pounraj highlighted the importance of community-based learning and encouraged the villagers to participate in collaborative activities that improve their standard of living. The discussion also focused on how students can apply academic knowledge to practical social situations, thus creating a bridge between classroom learning and field experience.
Support and Appreciation from Local Administration
A key aspect of the Gram Sabha Meetings UBA NSS Unit 55 was the participation of the Panchayat Presidents and administrative officers who appreciated the continuous involvement of Kamaraj College in rural empowerment programmes. They expressed their willingness to partner with the institution for future projects in skill enhancement, environment conservation, and health education.
Mrs Govindamal, Clerk of Kulaiyankarisal village, addressed the gathering and emphasized the significance of the Gram Sabha as a pillar of rural democracy. She thanked Kamaraj College for their consistent engagement and praised the enthusiasm of the student volunteers. Her speech encouraged everyone to continue working collectively toward the vision of self-reliant villages.
Learning Experience for Student Volunteers
The participation in the Gram Sabha Meetings UBA NSS Unit 55 provided a transformative learning experience for the students. It gave them exposure to the functioning of local governance and allowed them to understand the importance of people’s participation in rural development.
Through observation and interaction, the students learned valuable lessons about empathy, social awareness, and leadership. They realized the need for active citizenship and the role of education in uplifting marginalized communities. Many students expressed their desire to take part in more such initiatives in the future.
Future Plans of the UBA and NSS Units
Following the success of the Gram Sabha Meetings UBA NSS Unit 55, the UBA and NSS units of Kamaraj College plan to organize more rural outreach activities in the upcoming months. These will include awareness campaigns on health and hygiene, education drives for school children, women empowerment workshops, and environmental sustainability programmes.
The team also intends to strengthen its collaboration with local administrative bodies for effective implementation of government schemes and community development projects. Such partnerships aim to achieve holistic growth and to promote the mission of the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan.
Conclusion
The Gram Sabha Meetings UBA NSS Unit 55 served as a successful example of how higher education institutions can contribute to rural progress and inclusive growth. The initiative reaffirmed Kamaraj College’s dedication to social engagement, democratic participation, and sustainable development.
Through the leadership of the Principal, the coordination of faculty members, and the dedication of students, the event bridged the gap between academic learning and social responsibility. The meeting not only strengthened the bond between the college and the rural community but also inspired everyone involved to continue their journey toward building a better and more self-reliant society.