Extension Activities

About

Learning activities have a visible element for developing sensitivities towards community issues, gender disparities, social inequity etc. and in inculcating values and commitment to society. Affiliation and interaction with groups or individuals who have an interest in the activities of the institution and the ability to influence the actions, decisions, policies, practices or goals of the organization leads to mutual benefit to both the parties. The processes and strategies inherent in such activities relevantly sensitize students to the social issues and contexts. Sustainable practices of the institution leading to superior performance results in successful outcomes in terms of generating knowledge useful for the learner as well as the community. Extension also is the aspect of education which emphasizes community services. These are often integrated with curricula as extended opportunities, intended to help, serve, reflect and learn. The curriculum-extension interface has an educational value, especially in rural India.

1. Post-Graduate Department of Physics.

Title of the extension activity: “Energy Conservation”
Aim/objectives:

Creating an awareness in the layman regarding the gravity of energy concerns to be faced in near future.
Educating them on the sensible and minimal use of electricity with the cooperation of KSEB, Govt. of Kerala
Encouraging their contribution towards energy management and saving the green environment of our planet

Target group/Beneficiary: The family members of 40 residences of Thirumangadu Welfare Residence Association, Puthuval, Pathanapuram

As part of the annual activities of the Department of Physics, the faculty of the department reached on a consensus to initiate an activity focused on energy saving, environment protection and safety with active participation of the local inhabitants in the premises of the college.The department adopted the Thirumangadu Welfare Residence Association, Puthuval, Pathanapuram for executing this extension activity. The activity initially commenced on the academic year 2015-2016 and has been continuing ever since.

In association with Kerala State Electricity Board, an awareness program was conducted focusing on the effective and diligent use of electricity for domestic or household purposes. The members from 40 residences actively participated in this interaction session. Thereafter, the department collected the monthly electricity bills of these members and recorded their consumption units. At the end of an academic year, the member who consumed lowest power was identified. The winner was given a special prize as a token of our encouragement towards energy saving, besides, rest of the participants were given consolation prizes for their active participation in our activity. This activity is still being pursued by the department every academic year.

2. Post-Graduate and Research Department of Botany.

Title of the extension activity: “Training on Mushroom Cultivation”
Aim/objectives:

Employment
Economic support
Re-cycling of organic wastes
Minimizing environmental hazards

Target group/Beneficiary: Students ,housemaids, Kudumbasree members, Self-made groups, laymen etc.

Edible mushrooms are the fleshy and edible fruit bodies of several species of macrofungi. They are consumed for their nutritional value and for their culinary value. Edible mushrooms include many fungal species that are either harvested wild or cultivated. Practicing mushroom cultivation is easy and it will provide economic support to the family.

Mushroom cultivation has become a very profitable pursuit in recent years, with more and more people turning to it and striking gold. In addition to that, understanding its potential, the centre and state agricultural departments have also been vociferously endorsing mushroom farming. Department of Botany provide mushroom cultivation training programme yearly, withthe aim to motivate youngsters and local people to start their own farm.

The cultivation practice of common oyster mushroom- Pleurotus sajor-caju and Milkymushroom- Calocybe indica. A number of lignocellulosic substances like paddy straw, sugarcane bagasse, water hyacinth, banana pseudostem were used for the production of mushrooms. Production of edible mushroom is a positive step towards not only minimising the environmental hazards which will lead to considerable re-cycling of these wastes, but also convert directly the lignocellulosic wastes to human food which may be an alternate to meet the continuously rising food demand.

This programme will include students, housemaids, laymen etc. of various sectors. Hands on training programme of mushroom cultivation includes various steps of spawn production, bed making, seeding, mushroom shed making, pest management, post-harvest maintenance, neutrasuticals and marketing.

3. Post-Graduate and Research Department of Zoology.

Title of the extension activity: “Apiculture”
Aim/objectives:

To promote an additional skill development among the students and the local public so that they can generate income to improve their living standards and to become self-reliant.

Target group/Beneficiary: Students and the neighboring community .

The department of Zoology conducts an apiculture training programme to the students as well as the public as part of the extension activity . This activity was initiated in the department from the year 2016 onward and hand-on training was given to handle bee hives and for the scientific management of them. The department also distribute bee hives to the neighbors who have undergone training. They are given awareness about the role of these insects in nature. The value added products of apiculture is definitely income generating and the bees indirectly help to enhance the yield of crop by their natural instinct of pollination.

4. Department of Economics.

Title of the extension activity: “Financial Literacy Programme”
Aim/objectives:

Familiarize the financial instruments to the society.
Helping the community learn the use of gadgets and digital transfer.
Building a relation between the students and the community.

Target group/Beneficiary:The programme targets to make the people of Pattazhy Panchayath more aware about the various financial instruments available.
The Department of Economics plans to conduct a Financial Literacy Programme during the month of February, The programme intends to familiarise the financial instruments for the rural population through the collective efforts of the students and faculty members from the department.

The programme will be implemented in various stages.

The students learn about the financial instruments and the concepts of digital transactions from the experts.
The students transfer the knowledge to the society with the support of classes and palm lets.

5. Department of Commerce.

Title of the extension activity: “Ward Adoption Scheme”
Aim/objectives:

Identify the problem and prospects of all the member families of the ward.

Provide all support (non-financial) to the family members ,like financial awareness,opportunity awareness to students and job seekers, self employment plans etc at the time they needed .
Uplift all the families to the main stream of the economy

Target group/Beneficiary: Ward Number- V I , of Pattazhi Vadakkekkara Panchayath.

The Department of Commerce has introduced a Ward Adoption Scheme in 2017-18 as an extension of the Homestead Farming, the extension activity of the department already started in 2015-16. Ward Adoption Scheme focuses on the basic needs of all families in the ward and decided to commence its operations in the succeeding years.

In 2018-19, the department has adopted the ward in which the college is situated and decided to provide all types of information which they need according to their family condition.

As the initial step of the ward adoption programme the department collected the details of member families of the ward and identified the specific needs of each families and also provided fertilizers as the continuation of extension activity for promotion of vegetable gardens in the ward.

6. Post-Graduate and Research Department of Chemistry

1. TITLE OF THE EXTENSION ACTIVITY: “EXPLORING THE ART AND SCIENCE OF SOAP MAKING”

Aim/objectives:

To provide practical experience in formulating and creating their own handmade soaps, detergent powder, liquid soap and floor cleaning solution.
To foster creativity and experimentation in soap design, including color, scent, and texture variations.
To explore the potential entrepreneurial opportunities within the soap making industry.
To promote sustainability by discussing eco-friendly ingredients and packaging options.

Target group/Beneficiary: The family members of 19 residences of Maloor ward, Pattazhi Vadakkekara, Pathanapuram.

The faculty of the Department of Chemistry arranged an initiative for an extension activity, which focused mainly on cleanliness that includes the preparation of soap, detergent powder, liquid soap and floor cleaning solution.

Soap making is an ancient craft that combines artistry with chemistry, offering a blend of creativity and scientific understanding. As a college extension activity, delving into the world of soap making can provide local public with hands-on experience in chemistry, entrepreneurship, and artistic expression. Soap is important in preventing the spread of disease by helping people keep themselves, their clothes and their surroundings clean. Our training section gives some practical guidelines on a cheap, easy way to make soap on a small scale, using ingredients which are available locally.

Expected Outcomes:

Understanding of the chemical process involved in soap making.
Ability to formulate and customize soap recipes.
Enhanced creativity through the design and presentation of handmade soaps.
Insight into the potential business opportunities in the soap making industry.
Appreciation for sustainable practices in product development and packaging.

A soap making extension activity offers local public a unique blend of science, creativity, and entrepreneurship. By engaging in hands-on experimentation, participants can gain valuable skills and insights that extend beyond the trainings. Whether pursuing soap making as a hobby or exploring entrepreneurial ventures, this activity provides a platform for exploration, innovation, and personal expression.

2. TITLE OF THE EXTENSION ACTIVITY: “PAPER BAG MAKING”

Extension activities are crucial for fostering creativity, practical skills, and environmental consciousness among the local society. One such engaging activity is paper bag making, which not only enhances manual dexterity but also promotes sustainability by reducing the use of plastic bags. Our extension activity includes the discussions about the significance of paper bag making and outlines its benefits.

Target group/Beneficiary: The family members of 30 residences of Maloor ward, Pattazhi Vadakkekara, Pathanapuram.

The faculty of the Department of Chemistry arranged an initiative for an extension activity, which focused mainly on the training of different types of “Paper bag making”.

Importance of Paper Bag Making:

Environmental Awareness: With growing concerns about environmental degradation, promoting eco-friendly alternatives like paper bags is essential. Paper bag making allows people to understand the impact of plastic pollution and the importance of sustainable practices.
Skill Development: Paper bag making involves various skills such as measuring, cutting, folding, and gluing. Engaging in such activities enhances human’s manual dexterity and attention to detail, which are valuable in both academic and professional settings.
Creativity and Innovation: Designing and decorating paper bags provide people with a platform to unleash their creativity. From simple designs to intricate artwork, students can explore different techniques and materials, fostering innovation and originality.
Entrepreneurial Opportunities: Learning to make paper bags can also open doors to entrepreneurial ventures. Local people can explore the market demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions and even start their own small-scale businesses.

Benefits of Implementing Paper Bag Making as an Extension Activity:

Hands-on Learning: Unlike traditional classroom lectures, paper bag making offers a hands-on learning experience that actively engages people. This practical approach enhances understanding and retention of concepts related to sustainability and craftsmanship.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Group projects are an integral part of paper bag making activities, encouraging teamwork and collaboration. People learn to communicate effectively, delegate tasks, and work towards a common goal, mirroring real-world scenarios.
Community Engagement: Paper bag making was extended beyond the classroom to involve the local community. The local community can organize workshops or awareness campaigns to promote the use of eco-friendly alternatives, thereby contributing positively to society.
Promotion of Sustainable Practices: By actively participating in paper bag making, people become advocates for sustainable practices. They not only adopt eco-friendly habits themselves but also influence others to make environmentally conscious choices.

Incorporating paper bag making as an extension activity in college offers multifaceted benefits, ranging from skill development to environmental stewardship. By empowering local public to create sustainable solutions, colleges contribute to shaping responsible society who are capable of addressing real-world challenges. Thus, paper bag making stands as a valuable addition to college extension programs, fostering a culture of creativity, innovation, and environmental consciousness.