Best Practices

VISMAY (Vidyarthi Seva Evam Marganirdharan Yojana)

Context

Vidyarthi Seva Evam Marganirdharan Yojana (विद्यार्थी सेवा एवं मार्गनिधारण योजना), or VISMAY, is a comprehensive initiative at Farook College (Autonomous) dedicated to nurturing and empowering students for academic and personal success. This program reflects a commitment to holistic support across all facets of student life, equipping them to meet future challenges with confidence. The essence of VISMAY is embodied in its core pillars: Support, Accessibility, Empowerment, Sustainable Development, Environmental Awareness, Intellectual Growth, Leadership Development, and Encouragement.

Objectives of VISMAY

• To provide all the students with access to higher education through financial support.

• To support female students with young children in balancing academic goals and family responsibilities.

• To engage students in early civil service training, fostering long-term public service careers.

• To equip students with sustainable farming skills and eco-friendly cultivation practices.

• To develop public speaking and leadership skills, fostering confidence among students.

• To honour top-performing students with awards that encourage academic excellence.

Practice 

The various objectives of VISMAY are achieved through a range of targeted programs, each designed with specific practices to address different aspects of student development and support.

1. Edu-Support Program: Students apply by submitting a form detailing their financial and academic circumstances, with applications evaluated based on income, performance, and faculty recommendations. Funds are allocated to cover essential needs such as tuition, hostel fees, books, transportation, and medical expenses, with priority given to low-income students, orphans, and those facing family crises. 
2. FCDCC Operates with a no-profit motive, offering state-of-the-art facilities and focusing on the development and well-being of children. The centre provides nutritious meals, interactive learning opportunities, and recreational activities. It hosts regular events and prioritizes students and faculty for enrolment.
3. PMICSE: Offers various programs, including a comprehensive three-year Civil Services Foundation Course for Farook College students. These students participate in UPSC IAS model exams, assessments, and seminars on competitive exams. Scholarships are available based on merit and financial need, with free training provided for SC, ST, and physically challenged students
4. Farook Integrated Farming: Implemented in multiple phases, the project involves planting and harvesting various crops. Students participate in activities such as planting vegetables, bananas, yams, and preparing tapioca beds. The project culminates in events like auctions and sales, fostering hands-on learning.
5. FEDs Talk: The Fed Talk series invites students to share their ideas through presentations, with a selection process to ensure quality. The college also hosts an annual TEDx event, offering students an opportunity to engage with globally recognized public speaking standards. 
6. Awards and Endowment: awards prizes to students with exceptional academic performance, funded by benefactors such as alumni and families of former educators. The awards, based on CGPA scores, are presented during events like Annual Merit Day or Department Association Day. The list of awards and sponsors is published in the College Handbook, with amounts varying based on contributions.

Evidence of Success and problem encountered

Conclusion

VISMAY at Farook College is a comprehensive approach to student support, addressing financial, academic, and personal needs through targeted programs. With initiatives in financial aid, educational accessibility, leadership development, and sustainable practices, VISMAY empowers students for academic and personal growth. The program’s impact is evident: significant financial support, successful child-care and training initiatives, and hands-on agricultural projects promoting self-sufficiency. Despite challenges such as resource limitations and logistical issues, VISMAY remains committed to fostering a resilient, well-rounded, and community-oriented generation, serving as a model for holistic student support in educational institutions.

 SPARSH

Introduction

SPARSH, a student initiative for palliative care (SIPC), provides continuous care and support to terminally ill patients within Ferok and Ramanatukara Municipalities, as well as part of the Cherukavu Panchayat region, aiming to alleviate pain, manage symptoms, and improve overall quality of life. As the first program of its kind established on an arts and science college, it sets an inspiring example for other institutions. SPARSH reflects the institution's dedication to fostering a supportive environment for vulnerable individuals, demonstrating how educational institutions can contribute meaningfully to community welfare.

Objectives

• To deliver compassionate, comprehensive care to terminally ill patients
• To cultivate a practical learning environment for students, enabling them to gain hands-on experience in healthcare, empathy, and social service.
• To promote community engagement by encouraging volunteer involvement and contributions from diverse sectors.

Context

• The program was established to address an urgent need for local palliative care support
• Nearby palliative care units were struggling to accommodate a growing number of patients and faced challenges in providing adequate care.
• The Institute of Palliative Medicine recommended setting up an additional unit on the college campus.
• This recommendation led to the founding of SIPS, which later evolved into a registered society.
• The program includes participation from students, faculty, retired teachers, and the local community.
• It addresses a critical healthcare gap in the region.
• The program empowers students with hands-on experience in patient care and community service.

Practice

• The SIPC operates with a structured team of selected students, faculty members, and community volunteers.
• The Governing Body is chaired by the principal, with a Convenor who is typically a faculty member.Conduct: 

(1) Home visits (2) Medical consultations (3) Nursing care (4) Financial assistance

• Specialized services include weekly outpatient clinics and nurse-led home care.
• Community involvement enhances support and resources for patients.
• Financial aid assists with medical expenses and provides mobility aids and food support.
• The major sources of funding are contributions from students (monthly donations and mass collections), voluntary salary reductions from faculty, as well as support from alumni and the community.
• Annual Get together of patients "SPARSHAM" foster community and togetherness.

 Evidence of Success

• Served 635 patients, including 151 cancer patients, across two municipalities and one panchayat in the last five years (2019–2024) through Doctor's Home Care (DHC), Nurse's Home Care (NHC), and Volunteer Home Visits.
• Trained and certified 232 student palliative care volunteers in collaboration with the Institute of Palliative Medicine (IPM), the first World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Community Participation in Palliative Care and Long-Term Care (WHOCC) in developing countries.
• Launched the COVID Task Force, the first in a college, to combat the pandemic by forming six wings—Ambulance and Vehicle Services, Telemedicine, Counselling, Disinfection, Nursing, and Cremation—providing essential medical, emotional, and logistical support to affected individuals, particularly in Malappuram and Kozhikode districts.
• Won Pallium India’s Best Institution for Social Commitment award in 2022 and 2023.
• From 2019 to 2024, SIPC conducted eight health awareness programs, five social engagement and entertainment activities for patients, ten clothing distribution drives for patients, three annual gatherings titled ‘SPARSHAM,’ five fundraising initiatives from the public, one blood donation drive, one stem cell donation campaign, and a mass medical camp.
• Raised a total fund of ₹ 14430007.9, during 2019-2024 (5 years) which was dedicated to patient care.

Problems Encountered

• SIPC needed extensive resources, including trained staff and suitable facilities, to maintain high-quality childcare and palliative care.
• SIPC faced funding challenges for medical care, patient support, volunteer training, and equipment, limiting its ability to expand services.
• Student volunteers struggled to balance their academic responsibilities with the emotional demands of palliative care in SIPC.
• Limited community awareness occasionally hindered SIPC's efforts to gain additional support and grow its volunteer base.

Resources Required:

• SIPC needed more trained staff to ensure effective service delivery and maintain quality standards.
• Reliable financial support was essential to maintain operations, support and expand SIPC services.
• The initiatives required more dedicated spaces, medical supplies, equipment, and infrastructure

Conclusion

The SPARSH initiative, through the Student Initiative for Palliative Care (SIPC), has significantly impacted the surrounding areas by extending compassionate care to terminally ill patients. It provides essential medical and emotional support while fostering empathy and social responsibility in student volunteers. Together, these programs reflect Farook College’s commitment to community welfare and serve as a model for holistic education and social engagement, raising awareness of the challenges faced by individuals with debilitating diseases.