NSS APJAKTU NSS Cell - 309
Academic Year 2025-26
1) ACE College of Engineering Bags Best NSS Unit and Best Programme Officer Awards for 2023–24
The NSS Unit of ACE College of Engineering has once again brought laurels to the institution by securing top honors in the University NSS Awards for the academic year 2023–24, announced by the Honourable Vice Chancellor of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (APJAKTU) on July 2025.
The college has been recognized with the prestigious Best NSS Unit Award for its consistent and impactful contribution to community service, student engagement, and social development initiatives. Adding to this proud achievement, Mr. Nandu Bhadran, Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, has been awarded the Best Programme Officer Award for his exemplary leadership and dedicated service as the coordinator of NSS Unit 309 (APJAKTU NSS Cell).
This is a remarkable back-to-back achievement, marking the second consecutive year that ACE College of Engineering has received both these distinguished awards. The recognition reflects the unit’s unwavering commitment to the values of the National Service Scheme and its sustained efforts in promoting volunteerism, social responsibility, and community development among students. Under Mr. Nandu Bhadran’s guidance, the NSS Unit has undertaken a wide range of impactful programs, from health and environmental campaigns to awareness drives and rural outreach activities — all rooted in the spirit of “Not Me, But You.”
This recognition stands as a proud moment for the entire ACE community and reinforces the college’s dedication to fostering socially conscious and service-oriented citizens.
2) NSS Volunteers of ACE College of Engineering Join Marigold Cultivation Drive at Punjakari Paddy Fields
On 7th July 2025, As part of their ongoing commitment to community engagement and sustainable agricultural practices, the NSS (National Service Scheme) volunteers of ACE College of Engineering actively participated in a unique marigold planting initiative at the scenic Punjakari paddy fields in Thiruvananthapuram. The event was aimed at promoting eco-friendly Onam celebrations by cultivating marigold flowers that will be harvested and used during the festive season.
The program was formally inaugurated by Honorable Minister for Education, Sri V. Sivankutty, who commended the efforts of the students and organizers in combining traditional farming with cultural celebrations. In his address, he emphasized the importance of youth involvement in environmental sustainability and preserving Kerala’s rich agrarian heritage.
The event witnessed the presence of several distinguished guests, including Sri M.R. Gopan, Councilor of Nemom Ward, and Sri Binulal, Agricultural Officer, who guided the students in planting techniques and explained the significance of such initiatives in promoting local farming. Various officials from the Agriculture Department and community representatives also participated and extended their support.
Around **\[insert number if available] NSS student volunteers** enthusiastically took part in the activity, contributing their time and effort to prepare the field and plant the marigold seedlings. The initiative not only offered hands-on agricultural experience but also instilled a sense of social responsibility and environmental consciousness among the students.This program marks a meaningful step towards fostering a deeper connection between the youth and the local farming community, while also aligning with the spirit of Onam—a celebration rooted in nature, prosperity, and unity.
3) Sapthadhara Day 1: Inter-College Quiz Competition on Blood Donation Marks the Launch of ‘Sapthadhara’
The seven-day blood donation awareness campaign, “Sapthadhara,” organized by the NSS Unit of ACE College of Engineering (APJAKTU NSS Cell – 309), was inaugurated with an intellectually engaging Inter-College Quiz Competition on Blood Donation held on July 11, 2025 at the college campus.
The event witnessed overwhelming participation, with 108 students from 12 different colleges across the region coming together to test their knowledge and raise awareness on the theme of blood donation. The quiz was not only a platform for healthy competition but also an opportunity to educate and sensitize young minds on the life-saving importance of voluntary blood donation.
The competition was anchored by Mr. Abhinanth, Assistant Professor, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, whose lively and engaging moderation kept the participants and audience actively involved throughout the event. The quiz featured multiple rounds, including general awareness, rapid fire, and audio-visual segments, all centered around themes of healthcare, blood donation practices, and public health.
Sree Chitra Tirunal College of Engineering emerged as the winners of the competition, while Trinity College of Engineering secured the second prize. A total prize pool of ₹2,000 was awarded to the top-performing teams, adding a spirit of reward and recognition to the event.
The competition served as an effective Launchpad for the week-long Sapthadhara initiative, igniting enthusiasm and setting the tone for the upcoming activities. It successfully blended awareness with academic engagement, and reinforced the key message of the campaign — the urgent need for increased participation in voluntary blood donation, especially from the youth and women.
The NSS Unit’s effort in organizing a well-structured and informative event was widely appreciated by participants, faculty, and guests alike. Day 1 of Sapthadhara concluded on a high note, promising an impactful week ahead filled with awareness, service, and community participation.
4) Sapthadhara Day 2: Blood Donation Survey
On July 12, 2025, as part of the Sapthadhara seven-day blood donation awareness campaign, a Trivandrum-wide Blood Donation Survey was conducted under the coordination of Rudhirasena. The survey aimed to promote awareness about blood donation and gather public opinion to support future initiatives.
NSS volunteers from ACE College of Engineering (APJAKTU NSS Cell – 309) actively participated by conducting the survey in and around the college campus, engaging with the local community to spread awareness and promote voluntary blood donation. A simple questionnaire was used to understand public attitudes toward blood donation and their willingness to participate in future drives.
Volunteers also used the opportunity to inform people about the upcoming Women’s Blood Donation Camp scheduled at ACE College on July 15, 2025. The event reflected the students’ dedication to community outreach and set a positive tone for the rest of the Sapthadhara campaign.
5) Sapthadhara Day 3: NSS Street Play and Blood Donation Awareness Campaign Held at Kovalam Beach
As part of the promotional activities for the upcoming Women’s Blood Donation Camp scheduled on July 15, 2025, at ACE College of Engineering, the NSS Unit organized a Street Play (TherivuNadakam) and a Blood Donation Awareness Survey at Kovalam Beach on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 5:00 PM.
The initiative was aimed at encouraging public participation—especially from women—in the forthcoming blood donation drive, while also spreading awareness about the importance of voluntary blood donation.
The street play, crafted and performed by the NSS volunteers, addressed a socially relevant theme and was received with great enthusiasm by the beach-going public. The volunteers used impactful storytelling and dramatic expressions to captivate the audience, drawing attention to the urgent need for regular blood donation, especially among women.
The performance succeeded in drawing a sizable crowd, and many spectators engaged in meaningful conversations with the NSS volunteers afterward. Following the play, a blood donation awareness survey was conducted among the public to assess their views and readiness to donate blood. Volunteers also distributed informational leaflets highlighting the significance of blood donation and inviting the public to participate in the Women’s Blood Donation Camp at ACE College of Engineering.
This outreach program served as a prelude to the main blood donation camp and aimed to mobilize support through direct community engagement. The volunteers had undergone several days of practice and preparation prior to the event, demonstrating strong commitment, teamwork, and enthusiasm.
6) Sapthadhara Day 4: Rudhirasena Trivandrum Regional Meet at ACE College of Engineering
As part of Sapthadhara, the seven-day blood donation awareness campaign, Rudhirasena—the blood donation network under the Kerala State NSS Cell—organized the Trivandrum Regional Meet on July 14, 2025, at ACE College of Engineering. The event brought together unit coordinators and regional representatives from 12 colleges across Trivandrum for a focused one-day gathering to chart out collective goals and strategies for the academic year ahead.
The meet aimed to reinforce collaboration between institutions and to develop a unified approach to voluntary blood donation drives, donor awareness programs, and emergency donor response systems. Through open discussions, planning sessions, and experience sharing, participants developed practical action plans tailored to their respective colleges and regions.
A key highlight of the day was the presence of Mr. Aneesh, representative of Pol-Blood, a leading initiative by the Kerala Police that connects blood donors with those in urgent need. Mr. Aneesh addressed the students, offering valuable insights into the functioning and impact of Pol-Blood across Kerala. He emphasized the critical role student volunteers play in saving lives and encouraged participants to strengthen their on-campus donor networks.
More than just a guest speaker, Mr. Aneesh actively participated in the action plan discussions, providing expert suggestions and helping student coordinators fine-tune their strategies based on real-world needs and logistical realities. His involvement added immense value to the planning process and motivated volunteers to approach their responsibilities with renewed dedication and clarity.
The event was a resounding success, marked by enthusiastic participation, productive dialogue, and a shared spirit of service. Coordinators expressed appreciation for the excellent arrangements and warm hospitality provided by ACE College of Engineering, which served as the host institution for the meet. Through this impactful regional gathering, Rudhirasena reaffirmed its mission to build a reliable, student-led blood donation network, ready to respond to community needs with compassion and efficiency. Day 4 of Sapthadhara thus stood out as a milestone moment of collaboration, leadership, and purpose.
5) SapthadharaDay 5: Women’s-Only Blood Donation Drive Held at ACE College of Engineering
On July 15, 2025, the NSS Unit, in association with NIMS Hospital and Zam Zam Restaurant, organized a landmark event under the Sapthadhara campaign—a Women’s-Only Blood Donation Drive, the first of its kind in the Rudhirasena Trivandrum region. This initiative aimed to empower and encourage more women to come forward and participate in voluntary blood donation.
The event received an encouraging response, with 65 women registering and 20 successful donations recorded. The drive was supported by medical staff from NIMS Hospital, who ensured safe and efficient screening and donation procedures throughout the event.
Students from several colleges across the district took part in the drive, including representatives from LBS Institute of Technology for Women, Trinity College of Engineering, SCT College of Engineering, and the host institution, ACE College of Engineering. The atmosphere was welcoming and supportive, especially for first-time donors.
As a token of appreciation and encouragement, Zam Zam Restaurant provided food vouchers to all donors, which was warmly received and added to the positive spirit of the day. Their support, along with the hospitality of the host institution, helped make the event both comfortable and memorable for all participants.
The initiative stood out not only for its scale but also for its focus on women’s representation in blood donation, often an overlooked area in public health drives. By breaking stereotypes and creating a space where women felt encouraged and supported to donate, the event successfully set a precedent for similar future drives.
With this effort, Rudhirasena and the NSS Unit of ACE College of Engineering once again demonstrated leadership in socially impactful student-led campaigns. Day 5 of Sapthadhara was a milestone event—blending compassion, collaboration, and community service.
8) Sapthadhara Day 6: RudhirasenaKoottayottam: Mini-Marathon to Promote Blood Donation
On July 16, 2025, as part of the ongoing Sapthadhara 7-day blood donation awareness campaign, the Rudhirasena Trivandrum Region of the APJAKTU NSS Cell organized a spirited mini-marathon titled “Koottayottam”, with the aim of promoting voluntary blood donation among the youth and the general public.
The marathon was flagged off by Mr. Noushad, Administrative Officer of ACE College of Engineering, from the starting point at LBS Institute of Technology for Women (LBSITW), Poojappura. The run concluded at Kanakakunnu Palace, covering a symbolic stretch through the city to spread awareness and visibility for the cause.
The event saw the participation of nearly 140 NSS volunteers from various KTU-affiliated colleges across Trivandrum including NSS volenteers from ACE College of engineering, making it one of the most vibrant and energetic activities of the campaign. Participants carried banners and shouted slogans advocating for regular blood donation, drawing attention from the public and passersby along the route.
“Koottayottam” was not just a run—it was a public statement of unity, health consciousness, and youth-led social responsibility. The sight of volunteers running together for a cause added visibility to the Sapthadhara campaign and brought the message of blood donation to the streets of Trivandrum.
The event concluded at Kanakakunnu Palace, where the participants gathered for a short closing session and group photo, celebrating the success and enthusiasm that defined the day.
Through this impactful initiative, Rudhirasena once again demonstrated the power of student engagement in health advocacy and community mobilization. Day 6 of Sapthadhara stood out for its energy, outreach, and the collective commitment of young change makers.
9) NSS Orientation Programme Conducted for S3 Volunteers at ACE College of Engineering
On 26th July 2025, the NSS Unit 309 of ACE College of Engineering successfully organized an NSS Orientation Programme for the newly inducted S3 student volunteers. The event took place at the college auditorium from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, with the objective of familiarizing the students with the vision, mission, and operational framework of the National Service Scheme (NSS).
The orientation session was led by Mr. Sijo George, a National NSS Awardee and Associate Professor at Adi Shankara Institute of Engineering and Technology. Drawing from his extensive experience in community service and student engagement, Mr. Sijo George delivered an insightful and inspiring session that highlighted the significance of NSS in personal development and nation-building.
Throughout the session, students were introduced to the core values, objectives, and volunteering opportunities that NSS offers at both institutional and national levels. The interactive format and real-life examples shared by the speaker helped students understand how their active participation can bring about positive change in society.
A total of38 student volunteers from the third semester took part in the event with great enthusiasm. The session not only laid the groundwork for their journey in NSS but also instilled a deeper sense of social responsibility and commitment towards community development.
This orientation marks the beginning of a promising chapter for the new batch of volunteers, aligning with the larger goals of NSS in cultivating a spirit of service, leadership, and civic awareness among youth.
10) Orientation Session on Palliative Care Conducted at ACE College of Engineering
On 26th July 2025, an informative and thought-provoking Orientation Session on Palliative Care was conducted at the ACE College Auditorium, organized by NSS Unit 309 of ACE College of Engineering. The session aimed to sensitize young volunteers to the importance of compassionate healthcare and the critical role of palliative care in supporting individuals facing serious health challenges.
The session was led by Mr. Shijo Kurian Thomas, Community Social Officer at Pallium India, a leading organization in the field of palliative care in India. With his deep experience and empathetic approach, Mr. Thomas delivered an engaging talk that provided students with a clear understanding of palliative care, its goals, and its vital place in the modern healthcare system.
A total of 38 NSS volunteers attended the session and actively participated in the discussions. The students gained insights into the emotional, psychological, and social dimensions of care provided to patients with life-limiting illnesses. Mr. Thomas also highlighted the various avenues through which NSS volunteers can get involved in palliative care initiatives, including home visits, awareness campaigns, and support programs.
The session was instrumental in instilling a sense of empathy, social responsibility, and community service among the participants. It also opened the door for future collaboration between the college NSS unit and organizations working in the field of palliative care.
This orientation marks a meaningful step toward nurturing socially responsible engineering professionals who are sensitive to the needs of society and committed to holistic service.
11) Volunteering at HEMPOL 2025
On 30th July 2025, ten student volunteers from ACE College of Engineering actively participated in HEMOPOL 2025, a major blood donation awareness and promotion program jointly organized by Pol-Blood (an initiative of Kerala Police) and the Kerala State Blood Transfusion Council (KSBTC). The event was held at the Mind Auditorium, Police Training College, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
With the theme “Honoring Life, Empowering Blood Donation,” the program aimed to foster voluntary blood donation and honor the contributions of donors and organizers. The student volunteers, under the supervision of Mr. Asif Shahkutty, NSS Program Officer, played a vital role by managing participant registration and ensuring smooth flow throughout the event. Their dedication and enthusiastic participation were highly appreciated by the organizers.
This experience offered the students valuable exposure to community service, strengthened their understanding of public health initiatives, and highlighted the significance of voluntary blood donation.