CENTRE FOR WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

One of the innovations during the academic year was the founding of a Centre for Women Empowerment which aims at the overall development of the girl students of our college. It takes great care in providing them with the necessary awareness for leading a fruitful life in the modern times. CWE is functioning well in this college under the able guidance of Prof. Marykutty John, Dept. of Physics and Prof. V.D. Mary, Dept. of Botany. 

GENDER AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

By inaugurating  the activities of  Gender And Women Empowerment (CWE) for the year 2009-2010  on 15th September 2009  Smt. Lida Jacob IAS, Advisor to the Govt. of Kerala, delivered a lecture  on “Gender and Women Empower ment”.  In her address she emphasized the fact that lack of awareness and proper education among women is the stumbling block in women empowerment initiatives. Quoting the report of National Family Health Survey 2005-06 she explained the reasons for the backwardness of women and emphasized the need for the empowerment of them in the present society.  She depicted the pathetic condition of women in the present society, and said that the situation is not improving much despite all out efforts for it. In many households women are still being subjected to atrocities. In many cases, she opined that, ignorance about laws in this regard will escalate the problem. The discrimination in  social, political and employment fields, shortage of educated women, lack of lady leaders, lack of nutritious food etc cause insecurity among women. The positive role played by Kudumbashree and the efforts for the induction of women in Panchayathi raj Institutions was cited as two examples which provide solution to the situation to some extent. The fact that more than sixty percent of the beneficiaries of National Employment Guarantee scheme are women gives solace to us, but is also a cause of worry since many of these jobs are in the agricultural  sector which requires no education. The major cause of backwardness and the despicable conditions of women in India is that  41 % of the women are illiterate. She expressed her view that by giving proper education to women we can improve the present situation of the society and our country to a certain extent. She opined that a national focus on this theme with well defined and effectively implemented programmes will go a long way in uplifting the social, economic and intellectual conditions, which in turn will lead to the proper empowerment of women in our society.

LIFE GUIDANCE CAMP

To create an awareness among students regarding the increasing demorality, injustice and anarchy in our society and to instill moral values in them, a two day life guidance programme was organized on December 4th and 5th ,2009. Classes led by Sri. Benny Kurian, JCI and Rev. Fr. Joseph Puthenpura proved to be much beneficial for the students.

 MANUSCRIPT MAGAZINE

The CWE has also published a manuscript magazine ‘Manaswini’ to encourage the literary aptitude  of   girl students.

FOOD FESTIVAL

CWE also conducted a “Food Festival” on October 15th 2009, which was the first one of its kind in the history of Newman College. It was a grand success. The aim of this festival was to create awareness about   food processing, hospitality industry  and entrepreneurship skills   among youth. It created  a rare experience of unity and sharing among the various sections of the college community.  More than 20 stalls were arranged by the students and various clubs.

NEWMAN AMATEUR RADIO CLUB (NARC)

COMPUTER HARDWARE WORKSHOP    
     
Newman Amateur Radio Club (NARC) under the leadership of Prof. M.T. John  Department of Chemistry, organized a Computer Hardware workshop for its members on 25th July and 1st August 2009. The Participants got training in computer assembling, installation of operating system and software, troubleshooting etc. Objectives of the workshop was 1) to give coaching for the ASOC examination to get ham radio license 2) to impart  training in amateur wireless communication 3) to organize seminars, workshops etc., on topics related to electronics     and communication. The resource persons were Sri. K.C. Mathew (Kottavathuckal Electronics, Pala) and Sri. Rony Kurien. There were 20 participants including college students and school teachers. The participants got training in computer assembling, installation of operating system and other softwares, troubleshooting etc. They got hands on experience by servicing several damaged computers.

COACHING FOR HAM RADIO LICENCE TEST

The club conducted an extension programme titled 'Coaching For Ham Radio Licence Test', with a duration of about 6 months. This was open to the public as well. The topics covered  basic electronics, rules and regulations, Morse Code etc. 34 candidates appeared for the ASOC examination conducted at Newman College on 6-6-2009, by the Ministry of Communications and IT, Govt. of India, and 10 of them passed in the examination. Two of the faculty members  of the club also passed the  examination. In order to create awareness about ham radio, the Director of the Club. Prof. John, gave talks- cum- demonstration at various institutions such as Govt. College, Manimala kunnu, VJCET, Vazhakulam, Govt. Vocational HSS,  Poomala. 
Entrepreneurship Development Club

The inaugural function of E.D. club was held on 14th January 2009. Sri. Joseph Cyriac, President, Small Scale Industries, Idukki District, inaugurated the activities and spoke on the importance of entrepreneurship and various problems faced by the present day entrepreneurs in the industrial sector. The club is meant to promote an entrepreneurship drive among the young graduates. Prof. K.A. Thomas and Prof. K.P. Benny of Commerce Department are in charge of the Club.  Twenty nine members  paid a visit to the Nadukkara Agro Processing Company Ltd., near Vazhakulam on 3rd February, 2009. The club also organized a seminar on “Entrepreneurship Development” on 22nd January 2010. The Club members also undertook visits to various industrial establishments.

ALTIUS - YOUTH TRAINING PROGRAMME  OF WORLD MALAYALEE COUNCIL

World Malayalee Council (WMC) is an organization to provide a non-political forum to bring together the widely scattered community of the people of Kerala origin to strengthen the common bonds of culture, tradition and way of life. The charter of the organization recognizes the revolutionary transformation taking place at global levels as a result of quantum leaps in technology. WMC works towards an international brotherhood of Malayalees to bolster their cultural, artistic and social uniqueness and give resilience and understanding towards other cultures with which they have to co-exist and interact. ALTIUS, is an initiative by World Malayalee Council to create a globally competent and socially committed younger generation. The 'Altius'  organized a face-to-face  programme with former president of India His Excellency APJ Abdul Kalam, at Hotel Mascot in Thiruvananthapuram on January 4th 2009. In Newman College, we have a wing of ALTIUS with 20 members and  participated in it.

CATHOLIC STUDENTS MOVEMENT

The spiritual activities in the college are organized under the auspices of the Catholic Student movement (CSM). They are:

• Core team gathering on Mondays.
• Weekly prayer meetings on Wednesdays.
• Fellowship assemblies on Fridays.
• Half an hour adoration at noon interval on Fridays.
• The ten day rosary devotion in October. 
• The annual retreat for the students of the college was preached by Rev. Fr. Kurian Thattarkunnel O.S.H on July 10-11, 2009.
• 40 CSM members participated in the campus meet held at Nirmala College, Muvattupuzha from September. 10-14, 2009..
• On October 2, 2009, 35 CSM members visited an old age home at Bethlehem. The students brought food items for the inmates, entertained them with various cultural programmes and spent two hours with them radiating their youthful love and exuberance and thus alleviating their lonely and depressed feelings.
• Three of our students Gipsa Elizabeth George, Sajitha N.S and Ronia Salas- participated in the inter-collegiate camp held at St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Vadavathoor from October  9-11, 2009.
• The CSM asserted its identity in the food fest 2009 held in the college on October 15. The members set up a tender coconut stall and learned new lessons in entrepreneurship.
• 23 of our members participated in the CSM regional Kalotsav held at S.B. College, Changanachery on Decmber12, 2009. The following students won prizes in various items:
          1.   Jolsana George              -           Elocution (Girls) -1AGr.
          2.   Noble Mathew                -           Elocution (Boys)- 1AGr .
          3.   Ronia Salas                    -           Bible Quiz-1AGr
          4.   Sr. Kochurani T. Jose      -           Bible Quiz - 1AGr
          5.   Sr. Anu Jose                   -           Essay Writing- 11AGr .
          6.   Subin Scaria                   -           Poetry  Writing- 111B.Gr .
          7.   Angel Ponnu Baby          -           Short Story Writing- 111B.Gr .
          8.   Franklin Jacob & Team    -           Group Song-111A.Gr . 
          
  

They also came up IInd  in overall performance.

• Ankitha Joshy of B.Sc (Physics) was elected the CSM regional Vice- President.
• John George (H1), Resmy Paul (L2), And Shalu M. Thomas (L1) have successfully completed the junior evangelization training (JET) programme organized by Emmaus, Kalamassery.
• To ensure their solidarity with the poor, this year the CSM members started providing mid-day meal once a week to the destitutes in Ossanam Home, Thodupuzha.
• Some of the committed members of CSM made visits to the nearby govt. Hospital and found time to offer love and consolation to the sick.
• Eighteen of our students participated in the csm annual meet held at B.C.M.College, Kottayam in December . 2009.
• In the Bible Quiz held at St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Vadavathoor, on 26th January 2009, Ms. Ronia Salas, Betcy Thomas, Laticia K. Roy and Merlin Mary Xavier have participated

NATIONAL CADET CORPS

The NCC company in Newman College led by Capt. (Dr.) K.J.John, Reader in Statistics  consists of 108 including 79 boys and 29 girls.  Their  achievements during the current academic year  are the following;

• Six girl cadets and ten boy cadets from our college have participated in        the Annual Training Camp conducted from 25th April 2009 to 04 May 2009 at St. Joseph H.S. Piravom.
• The College has won the trophy for the best parade in Idukki District on Independence day (15-08-2009) conducted at Vazhathopu.
• Nine girl cadets (SW) and 18 boys cadets (SD) have participated in the      Annual Training camp (ATC) conducted at St. Peters College Kolenchery from 29th August 2009 to 7th September 2009.
• A Cancer Awareness Rally was conducted on 7th November 2009 at Thodupuzha jointly organised by the cadets of Newman College and Infant Jesus H.S.S. Vazhakulam. The rally was flagged  off by the D.Y.S.P. Sri. K.G. Simon.
• The Under Officer Binu Thomas has participated in the All India Trekking conducted at Kolapoor, Maharashtra from 22nd November 2009 to 5th December 2009.
• As a part of social service the NCC cadets of Newman College have collected and distributed 1200/- kg of rice to the poor inmates of Divyarakshalayam on 29th November 2009.
• Under Officer Shejin James participated in  Kerala trekking camp   conducted  at Malayatoor from 19th December 2009  to 1st January 2010,.
• A trekking at Vagamon   was conducted by the NCC unit of  Newman College on 6th December  2009.
• Nine girl cadets have participated in the Annual Training Camp conducted at Aruvithura from 19th Decmber 2009 to 29th December 2009.
• 18 Boy cadets have participated in the Annual Training camp conducted at Pathanamthitta from 19th December 2009 to 29th December 2009.
• C.Q.M.S Arun Thomas has participated in the National Integration Camp      conducted at Bagalkot  in  Karnataka from 7th January 2010 to 18th January 2010.

NATIONAL INTEGRATION CAMP

The most notable event of the NCC unit in the academic year was the hosting of the National Integration Camp in the college from19th December 2009 to 30th December 2009. Cadets from all over India participated in the camp. 230 girls cadet, 431 boy cadets have participated in it. The P.W.D. Minister, Sri. P.J. Joseph had inaugurated the National Integration Camp on 20th December 2009. The camp was conducted under the leadership of Col. N.Y. George and Col. V.K. Pillai.  The Cadets visited villages and historically important places. In the evenings cultural programs were conducted. Their village visits enabled them to understand the lifestyles of people of Kerala. Under the leadership of Rev. Manuel Pichalakattu, the College has arranged a cultural show to the cadets. The cultural show included Folk dance, Group dance, Dafmoot, Margamkali and Carol Songs.  It was aimed to help the cadets to imbibe heterogeneous  cultural ethos of India.

NATIONAL SERVICE SCHEME

The NSS has brought credit to the college as it has been ranked one among the best seven units in the University. The major activities of NSS were:

• On 22/6/2009 two volunteers - Sri. Jayaprasad V. and Annu Dominic attended 15 days national camp held at  Sreeperumpathoor, Tamilnadu from 22-6-2009 to 3-7-2009.
• Programme Officer Prof. Benny K.A. and Volunteer Secretary Sri. Rahul Ram participated in the Y.R.C national camp held at Tirunalvely, Tamilnadu from 27-7-2009 to 31-7-2009.
• One day orientation class was arranged for the freshers on 25-7-2009. Prof. M.J. Mathew, N.S.S. trainer, was the resource person for the day.
• As part of Independence day celebration on 15-8-2009 campus cleaning programme was  organized.
• From 28-8-2009 to 3-9-2009, the seven day special camp was held  at Kulamavu.   Rev. Fr. Jose Nellickathadathil, Sri. Siby K. Jose Kallikkat, Sri. Suseendrakumar,  Sri. Tomy T.V. and others conducted    classes on various topics for the public and the volunteers.
• From 23-10-2009 to 25-10-2009 three volunteer secretaries of our unit attended a camp  at K.E. College, Mannanam.
• On 31-10-2009, the unit  hosted the various inter collegiate competitions. About 108 volunteers from 22 colleges participated.
• In association with 'Janamythri Police' of Thodupuzha, our unit had engaged in a 'clean Thodupuzha mission' on 30-11-2009.
• From 29-11-1009 to 1-12-2009 the volunteers carried out  a study to “experience the  forest life” at Chimmini, Trichur.
• On 3-12-2009  the unit hosted  'Kerala Information Mission' meeting. 50 participants from various institutions made their presence.
• Sri. Jayaprasad V. and Akhil P.S. attended a three day inter university camp held at S.B. College Changanacherry from 4-12-2009 to 6-12-2009
• Prof. Benny K.A., Programme Officer was, appointed as the District Co-Ordinator for the 'Complete Electrification Mission' in Idukki.
   On 15-1-2010, Rev. Fr. Paul Nedumpurath, Former Principal, released The Manuscript Magazine.

SPORTS
In the sports field the College hosted the University Level Weight Lifting Competition. In the M.G. University Intercollegiate weightlifting and power lifting championship the college boys' team got Gold medal and girls got Bronze medal.  The following students won prizes in different body weight categories:

• Thomaskutty Varghese (K5) got Gold medal in weightlifting and Silver medal in powerlifting
• Tinku John (C3) got Gold medal in weightlifting and powerlifting   
• Sumal Sukumaran (E3) got Gold medal in weightlifting and Silver medal in powerlifting   
• Bobu Antony (H3) got Silver medal in both weightlifting and powerlifting.  
• Rijo Varghese (H2) got Gold medal in weightlifting and powerlifting.  
• Nikhil Suresh (K4) got Gold medal in powerlifting. 
• James Joy (K1) got Silver medal in powerlifting. 
• Baby Jose Mathew (L2) got Silver medal in powerlifting. 
• Geo C. George (H1) got Silver medal in powerlifting.  
• Manu Mathew (H2) got Bronze medal in body building.
  

Girls 

• Sruthikala C. Ravi (C3) got Silver medal in weightlifting.   
• Neethumol K.G (P2) got Silver medal in weightlifting and Gold medal in powerlifting.
• Vineetha Vinod (K1) got Silver medal in weightlifting and Gold medal in powerlifting. 
• Chanchu Vijayan (L1) got Bronze medal in weight lifting.

Other Events

• College team participated in the M.G. University North Zone Intercollegiate Football Tournament held at MES College, Marampilly on 6-10-2009.
• College team participated in the M.G. University North Zone Intercollegiate Basketball Tournament held at Nirmala College on 22-9-2009 and entered in the Semi Final.
• College team participated in the M.G. University North Zone Intercollegiate Chess tournament held at Maharajas College, Ernakulam on 16-9-2009 and got Runners-up.
• College team participated in the M.G. University Intercollegiate Weightlifting championship held at S.D. College, Kanjirappilly on 28-12-2009.
• College hosted the M.G. University north zone intercollegiate cricket tournaments from 12-10-2009 to 10-11-2009.  
• College Annual Athletic meet was conducted on 1-10-2009,  Dr. N. Mohan (Principal  St. Joseph Colleges of  Physical Education, Moolamattom) was the chief guest of the day. 
• College team participated in the M.G. University Inter collegiate Netball championship held at U.C. College, Aluva and got 4th position.
• In the district cycle polo championship  Sonia Joseph (K3), and Animol Joseph (L1)  represented Idukki district, and won Gold Medal. Sonia Joseph (K3) played National Championship, held at Chennai and won  the Gold medal, and she also got best player award in the tournament.
• Nithish Kumar (E2) selected to the district cricket team (U.22) and played the State championship at Ernakulam.
• Meljin K. Mamachan (K3), Amal S. Nair (K2) and Prasanth G. Nair  (K3) who were selected to the district handball junior team, played the state championship.
• Our college chess team got Silver medal in the M.G. University north zone intercollegiate chess tournament, held at  Maharajas College, Ernakulam, Bibin Chacko  (P3) is selected to the M.G. University chess team and played the Inter University chess tournament held at Selam.
• Shihab K.S (E2) got Gold medal in the Idukki district Roller scatting competition.
• Sruthikala C. Ravi (C3) got Bronze medal , Rijo Varghese (H2) -Gold medal, Nikhil Suresh (K4)- Gold medal in the state powerlifting championship held at Ernaklam.
• In the M.G. University inter collegiate body building competition Manu Mathew (H2) got Bronze medal in 55 kg weight class.
• In the Idukki district body building competition Geo C. George (E1) got Gold medal and he was selected as 'Mr. Idukki' Award in Senior section.
• Nikhil Suresh (K4) and Rijo Varghese (H2) got M.G. University team selection in power lifting, and participated in the All India Interuniversity Competition held at Amruthsar (Paunjab)
• In the Newman College Annual Athletic meet Sumal Sukumaran (E3), and Sajiya C. (E3) got individual championship in boys and girls section respectively.
• Shihab K.S., (E2) got Bronze medal in the M.G. University Inter collegiate Cycling Championship held at Nehru Stadium, Kottayam.
• Noble Thomas, L4 got selection in the M.G. University Netball Team.