Guru Nanak Centre for Consultancy and Outreach Initiatives (GNCCOI) & Guru Nanak Centre for Innovation Incubation Entrepreneurship & Startups (GNCIIES) organized an Outreach Initiative "EMPOWERING WOMEN HEALTH AND SUSTENANCE" (Distribution of Bio-Degradable Sanitary Napkins to Government and Corporation Schools) on October 8, 2024. Thiru. Ma. SUBRAMANIAN, Hon'ble Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu, was the chief guest.
The Child Protection Club organised a Workshop on POCSO Act (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act) for the members of the Club on September 30, 2024. The first session was led by Mr.Henry George, District Child Protection Unit, Chennai South Zone. and the second session was led by Mrs. M. Parvathisrinivas, Advocate & Notary Public of India, Madras High court.
On August 1, the National Service Scheme in association with the Guru Nanak Centre for Consultancy and Outreach Initiatives(GNCCOI) organised a special event titled Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (Plant one tree in Mother’s Name - தாயின் பெயரில் ஒரு மரம் நடுதல்) as part of the Tree Plantation Drive at Government High School, Kumizhi. This remarkable initiative aimed to advance environmental conservation and sustainability saw enthusiastic participation from the NSS student volunteers, the school Headmistress, school teachers and NSS Programme Officers. Together they successfully planted over 30 trees each marked with a nameplate dedicated to their mothers, in celebration of the World Nature Conservation Day, observed on July 28.
In the months of July and August, six batches of second and third-year undergraduate students participated in the enlightening value education programme titled Catch Them Young at the Vivekananda Cultural Centre. The programme aimed to empower young minds with essential life skills, foster critical thinking, and inspire purposeful action.
In a remarkable convergence of academic and practical wisdom, the GNCCOI organised an Intercollegiate Leadership Training Camp for students from various colleges across Chennai on July 24 & 25, 2024, in collaboration with distinguished institutions including the Palkhivala Foundation, the Nanak Palkhivala Arbitration Centre (NPAC), the M.R. Pai Foundation, and the Forum of Free Enterprises. The eminent guests were Dr Durga Lakshmi, Registrar of NPAC, Mrs Clarissa Jathanna, Mr Sachin Kamath and Mr K Balaji, Trustee of the Palkhivala Foundation and Director of NPAC.
National Integration Camp (24th Rashtra Katha Shivir) took place in Gujarat from December 17 to December 24, 2023, a group of students participated. The event was organised by Dr. Swati Paliwal, Head, GNCCOI and Dr. P. Balaji, Coordinator, GNCCOI.
The grand finale for the eighth edition of Gurushiksha, an annual state-level intercollegiate and inter-school competition was orchestrated by the Guru Nanak Education Society in association with the Guru Nanak Centre for Consultancy and Outreach Initiatives. The distinguished Chief Guest, Dr. Sandeep Rai Rathore, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Government of Tamil Nadu, along with the Guest of Honour, Mrs. Shilpam Kapur Rathore, Founder and Managing Trusee, Aranya Foundation bestowed upon the triumphant contenders a treasury of accolades, comprising a monetary endowment totaling 11 lakhs, along with certificates and trophies. This ceremonious occasion, the eighth in its illustrious lineage, was convened in homage to commemorate the 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji. A remarkable surge of engagement ensued, witnessing the dynamic involvement of 599 establishments, comprising 38 college entities and 26 school institutions. A remarkable surge of engagement ensued, witnessing the dynamic involvement of 599 establishments, comprising 38 college entities and 26 school institutions.
GNCCOI conducted an orientation program for government school students in two batches, each consisting of 35 students. The students were actively involved in discussions, received an overview of GNC activities, infrastructure, scholarships, sports facilities, extension activities, women's welfare and safety, outreach initiatives, etc. They actively participated in the event and enjoyed their time on campus. The sessions and campus tour instilled confidence among the student participants to step into the portals of higher education.
GNCCOI, in collaboration with the Fragrance and Flavour Development Centre, Kannauj, conducted a Training-cum-Workshop on Essential Oils, Perfumery, and Aromatherapy from 6th Feb 2024 to 8th Feb 2024. Ten faculty members of our college participated in the workshop. There were ten resource persons from different fields, including Shri. S. V. Shukla, Principal Director, FFDC, Shri. A. P. Singh, Assistant Director, Mr. Phanindra Kumar Valluri, Associate Sales Director at Firmenich, India, and Dr. Geetanjali Ranade, Head of Research & Development at Quintessence India Pvt. Ltd.
November 6, 2023 witnessed a historic moment at Guru Nanak School with the inauguration of Nanak Vatika, a visionary project by the Guru Nanak Centre for Consultancy and Outreach Initiatives (GNCCOI). Redefining conventional notions of day care, Nanak Vatika emerges as a dynamic space where the children of staff members can flourish while their parents immerse themselves in professional responsibilities. Mr. Manjit Singh Nayar, General Secretary and Correspondent, expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts that brought Nanak Vatika to fruition. The chief guest, Mr. V.S. Sridhar, Founder of PENN Trust, applauded GNCCOI for its progressive approach to employee welfare. Notably, six students from the Department of Visual Communication received certificates and honorarium under the “Earn While You Learn” scheme for their creative contribution to the Day Care Centre’s vibrant ambience. Nanak Vatika, beyond being a physical space, signifies the Guru Nanak Educational Society’s unwavering commitment to dedication, passion, and holistic well-being. As its doors open, Nanak Vatika becomes a beacon of support, fostering a work environment where both professional responsibilities and family life can coexist harmoniously.
In a collaborative effort, the Guru Nanak Centre for Consultancy and Outreach Initiatives, in conjunction with the Department of Environment and Climate Change, Tamil Nadu orchestrated a district-level workshop on Climate Change. The event, hosted at Guru Ramdas Seminar Hall on November 21, 2023, garnered participation from diverse sectors. The distinguished inauguration was carried out by Tmt. Rashmi Siddharth Zagade, I.A.S., District Collector, Chennai, lending gravitas to the occasion. Eminent personalities from various sectors and departments enlightened the audience with presentations covering crucial aspects such as Climate Change Literacy, Climate Vulnerability Profile of Chennai, Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission, Tamil Nadu Wetlands Mission, Mitigating Climate Change through Climate Resilient Sustainable Habitats, and the One Health initiative. The participants, a mix of government servants, research scholars from different institutions and college students collectively engaged in an insightful dialogue. The workshop served as a platform for knowledge dissemination, fostering a deeper understanding of climate-related challenges and sustainable solutions within the community.
60 students from II and III Sc. Physics and 84 students from II and III BSc Chemistry were taken on an industrial visit to Vivekananda Cultural Centre as part of the regular activity of GNCCOI’s value education programme Catch Them Young. The students were inspired by sessions on mind control, inner strength development. They also visited the museum at VCC.
DATE: 23.07.2024
Guru Nanak Center for Consultancy and Outreach Initiatives in Collaboration with Counselling Cell was excited to inaugurate the CHILD PROTECTION CLUB on 23.07.2024. Mr. Henry George, Protection Officer, District Child Protection Unit, Chennai, South was the Resource Person of the day. The participants were the registered members from all the departments and the 9th standard students from Guru Nanak School. The students learnt about the laws related to children and the importance of Child Protection Club. The program ended with a pledge by the members of the club to protect every child.
The Guru Nanak Centre for Consultancy and Outreach Initiatives, in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), 104 student volunteers actively participated in all the matches 3rd April 2023 and 14th May 2023.
Communication Development Programme (CDP) for the employees of Westin in two separate batches from 3rd May 2023 to 30th June 2023. A total of 38 employees from the Westin participated in the CDP.
Meeting with Shri. Amaraesh Pujari, an IPS officer serving as the Director General of Prisons and Correctional Measures on 11th May 2023.
A Musical theatrical play on Queen Velunachiyar at Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Auditorium, JIPMER, Puduchery on 07th August 2023. Ten girls from GNC Sadhir (The Classical Dance Team of GNC) showcased their exceptional talent through a mesmerizing Musical theatrical play. Her Excellency Mrs. Draupadi Murmu, the honorable President of India was the chief guest of the event.
A 13-member team visit from Guru Nanak College to the Southern Motorcycles and Maruti Suzuki Warehouses on August 12 2023, with the primary objective of gaining insights into the functioning of these organizations and identifying potential opportunities for collaboration.
The Swabhodhini children, participated in the Special Children Sports Meet organised by Rotary Club of United Chennai at the SDAT, Nehru Park in Chennai on 26th August 2023. The event aimed to provide an inclusive platform for children with special needs to showcase their sporting talents, promote physical fitness, and encourage social interaction.
NSS volunteers participated in a walkathon organised at Anna University on Drug Abuse Awareness on 26th August 2023. The mission of the walkathon was to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of drug abuse. Over 100 students from Guru Nanak College participated
GNCCOI & Vivekananda Cultural Centre jointly organised a Youth Convention on 11th August 2023 for II UG students of B.A. & M.A. (Defence and Strategic Studies) SFS-I and B. Com (Bank Management) SFS-II at Vivekanandar Illam Campus. The event sought to commemorate the profound impact of Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy on society and encourage the younger generation to adopt his principles for personal growth and social betterment. The program empowered young individuals by instilling essential values such as discipline, integrity, knowledge and hard work.
The Guru Nanak Centre for Consultancy and Outreach Initiatives in collaboration with Vivekananda Cultural Centre organised a Value Education Programme: “Catch Them Young” from 31.08.2023 to 12.10. 2023 at Vivekananda Cultural Centre for 5 batches of II UG Students (SFS I & II). Two lecture sessions, a visit to the Vivekananda House and a 3D show made up the schedule. Lectures of monks from VCC emphasized the power of meditation, the importance of national pride and the role of a disciplined life in shaping a better future were other key aspects of discussion.
In a poignant and patriotic event, GNCCOI in association with NCC UDAAN organized a compelling Theatre play “Operation Vijay” on 30th September 2023. The play was dedicated to highlighting the significant events of the Indo-Pak war, a chapter deeply etched in our nation’s history, to keep the memories of our brave martyrs alive. The event received distinguished guests, with Honorable Governor Thiru. R. N. Ravi graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The audience was also privileged to witness the felicitation of War Veteran Col (Retd.) Krishnaswami, along with other notable officers, who were recognized and honored for their laudable service rendered during the Indo-Pak war.
On 26th October 2023,GNCCOI signed a MoU with the MGM Cancer Institute, a unit of MGM Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. MGM Cancer Institute expressed its intention to collaborate with GNCCOI in carrying out outreach activities, including orientation programmes, awareness initiatives, and screening programmes in villages and localities that have been adopted or served by GNES and its ancillary units.
On 28th October 2023, 35 enthusiastic students took part in the event “Walk in Pink @ Namma Chennai” organized to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The event aimed to raise awareness about breast cancer and promote the importance of early detection and prevention. The event commenced with a ‘Pink Walk’ that started at the MGM Cancer Institute and culminated at Thiru Vi Ka Park, Shenoy Nagar.
Guru Nanak Centre for Consultancy and Outreach Initiatives aims to partner with corporates, educational institutions, government organisations, NGOs, communities and individual to engage and empower them with requisite tools for a sustainable and inclusive growth and to create positive impact on the society by delivering customised programmes for enhancing their betterment and quality of life.
Core areas of focus:
GNCCOI acts as a think tank for promotion of innovation across the board for enhancing productivity, sustainability, inclusivity and quality consciousness. The formation of a "Community of Best Practices" in various thrust areas for sustainable development will facilitate the inclusive growth in the society. GNCCOI have constant interaction with corporates and industries for capacity building endeavours to solve real life industrial problems.
Vision
To partner with corporates, educational institutions, government organisations, NGOs, communities and individuals to engage and empower them with requisite tools for a sustainable and inclusive growth.
Mission
To create a positive impact on the society by delivering customised programmes to Corporates, communities, students and individuals for enhancing the quality of their initiatives and promoting all-round progress.
The system is actually Guru Nanak’s teachings that the Sikh community follows. Kirat karo, naam jappo te vand chhako (Work diligently, pray earnestly and share your food), these teachings of Guru Nanak are considered the three pillars of the religion and that sets the foundation of community meals that have now spread worldwide.
A langar kitchen was constructed recently with all expenditure borne by General Secretary and Correspondent Sardar Manjit Singh Nayar.
Constructed the Langar kitchen, attached to the College Gurudwara from his own funds and introduced the Langar (free meal scheme) for the students since 2014. Around 800 meals are served on every working day of the College.
Langar kitchen, a concept introduced by the Guru, symbolises the principles of equality, inclusiveness and the oneness of humankind. The General Secretary and Correspondent have decided to use the langar kitchen to sponsor free meals for the needy students of the college. This free meals scheme was inaugurated on July 15 by Sardar Manjit Singh Nayar
Vocational Centre for Special children on the campus caters to children, in age group 4-30 years, with autism, intellectual disabilities and associated challenges, is extended all support by the GNES.
Swabodhini has started it’s new center within Guru Nanak College campus in Velachery. At our Special School, apart from providing special education and training, we also provide speech therapy and occupational therapy services.
Swabodhini provides high-quality education, structured training and therapy services. In partnership with parents and society, we empower individuals to reach their potential for all-round development, and transition them to sheltered- or open-employment, thus, enabling them to lead an independent life with dignity in mainstream society.
The courses are approved by the University of Madras and a few of the special children are employed in the College. Two students have also been appointed in a Govt. posting in the college.
Tamil Nadu recorded an exceptionally heavy rainfall during November - December 2015 due to the North East Monsoons. This unprecedented rainfall took place in four spells:
(i)November 8-10, 2015 causing extensive damages, mainly in Cuddalore district;
(ii)November 12-13, 2015 severely affecting Kancheepuram town;
(iii)November 15-17, 2015 bringing heavy rain to Chennai and the adjoining districts of Kancheepuram and Thiruvallur;
(iv)November 30 to December 07, 2015 which again hit Chennai and the two adjoining districts with such great intensity that it marooned large parts of the metropolis causing severe damage and destruction, and marooning large parts of the metropolis with people stranded on rooftops for days together, especially in the low-lying areas.
During the 2015 Chennai floods, Guru Nanak College established a major Langar (free kitchen) and was the first to reach the affected people with 50,000 food packets daily. The college mobilized vehicles and distributed food to the needy and did the rescue operation.
Guru Nanak College, Chennai by housing the migrant workers is living up to the ideals of Sikhism's that is selfless service or 'Seva.' . All the initiatives were spearheaded by the Extraordinary Leader, Sardar Manjit Singh Nayar, General Secretary and Correspondent.
The entire world came to a grinding halt, within weeks, as the coronavirus pandemic outbreak spread rapidly across the globe. By March, the infection had spread across India and on the evening of March 24, 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ordered a nationwide lockdown for 21 days, putting strict curbs on movement of all the 1.38 billion people as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 pandemic in India.
The Government of Tamil Nadu also discussed with the officials on the various measures to prevent the disease. In a meeting conducted on March 26, 2020, by the Chief Secretary and Senior officials, Government of Tamil Nadu and a few representatives from Colleges and NGOs, Guru Nanak College was the only College that offered all its facilities, manpower and other resources in order to work shoulder-to-shoulder with the Government in fighting the pandemic.
For several years, at the time of any natural disaster, be it the 2004 Tsunami or the recent Chennai floods, the service-oriented and passionate Guru Nanak Educational Society has motivated and responded promptly to the needs of the affected citizens in all possible manners. Hence, it was but natural for the GNES to get into the service of the society even during the pandemic, without a second thought.
The unprecedented healthcare crisis also witnessed this kindred spirit when the team, spearheaded by Mr. Manjit Singh Nayar, General Secretary, Guru Nanak Educational Society, in association with the Tamil Nadu Home Guards, volunteered to host a Relief Camp for Migrant Guest Workers on the Guru Nanak College campus. On March 30, 2020, barely five days after the nationwide lockdown had been announced, the Guru Nanak College relief camp was up and running and received the guest workers, thus becoming the first college in the state, if not the country, to start this much-needed facility as hundreds of millions of migrant workers had been caught totally by surprise due to the lockdown and shutting of their workplace.
At the Guru Nanak College relief camp, around 400 guest workers and 100 volunteers were provided comfortable and clean facilities to stay, given nutritious food, provided health screening, with daily yoga and exercise sessions conducted. Besides this, they were also provided with bedsheets, t-shirts, toiletries and footwear.
All these activities strictly adhered to social distancing and the hygiene norms laid down by the authorities. The camp was operated for a period of 45 days as the initial 21-day lockdown was repeatedly extended and the guest workers could not leave for their homes until the train services resumed. Several classrooms were converted into residential areas for the migrant workers, maintaining the social distancing norms.
Every day they were served tea in the morning followed by breakfast. Sumptuous lunch and dinner, prepared in the most hygienic manner, was served to them. To keep them healthy and fit, both mentally and physically, daily meditation, yoga and Zumba sessions were conducted on the college grounds.
To keep them entertained, movies were also screened in the assembly square during the night. Doctors and healthcare workers were arranged for and periodical tests were conducted for migrant workers to ensure their good health.
In addition to these relief camps, the school and college premises were also made available to the Greater Chennai Corporation for usage as Covid Quarantine Centres from May 22, 2020 to November 2020. A 350 bed facility was provided at the School Campus and a 500-bed facility was made available at the Guru Harkrishan Block of the College.
The Covid-19 Quarantine Centre on the Guru Nanak School Campus was inspected and inaugurated by Hon’ble Chief Minister Thiru Edappadi K Palanisamy himself and he appreciated the service rendered by the Guru Nanak Educational Society, particularly our General Secretary, Mr Manjit Singh Nayar, and commended the excellent arrangements and infrastructure facilities provided for the Quarantine Centres.
Hand sanitisers are a type of antimicrobial agent that kill or permanently inactivate at least 99.9% germs. At Guru Nanak College as an “Outreach - Students’ Initiative”, Department of Biotechnology prepared hand sanitisers as per WHO guidelines, in five different fragrances using essential oils (Peppermint, Lavender, Rosemary, Tea tree oil, Lemon grass and Peach), which are known for their antimicrobial activity, along with their fragrance.
Our handmade soaps are prepared with the finest, fresh, natural ingredients, blended with exotic fragrances, to give rich lather and a soft supple skin. We offer a wide range of handmade floral and fruit soaps. All these were sold by the students on various occasions on and off campus.
A mega Covid-19 vaccination camp was organised on April 9, 2021 by Guru Nanak Educational Society and Greater Chennai Corporation for the benefit of faculty members and the general public. Principal Dr M G Ragunathan, inaugurated the camp by getting himself vaccinated. General Secretary and Correspondent Mr Manjit Singh Nayar, also graced the occasion. The camp was
open for all staff and the general public. Nearly 70 staff members got themselves vaccinated. Guru Nanak College was the first educational institution to initiate such a camp for the benefit of its staff and public.
The second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic emerged as an alarming disaster and a large number of people were affected, bringing a huge strain on the State’s administrative machinery. In response to the social call, it was decided by GNES to provide freshly prepared food to the Frontline Healthcare Staff and Paramedical staff who have been working round-the-clock, in the various Government Hospitals in Chennai.
All the food materials were procured and around 3,000 meal packets were prepared at the Guru Nanak College Campus, on a daily basis, from May 10, 2021. This service was concluded on June 30, 2021 as the second wave had significantly ebbed and the pressure on hospitals became much lesser.
The packing of the food and onward distribution was taken care of by the Commando Force of the Tamil Nadu Police, under the direct supervision of the Additional Director General of Police. The cost of the meals with bottled water worked out to Rs 100 per meal and this worked out to Rs. 3.00 lakhs per day.
However, the team was very keen to take up this initiative as it was a small way of saying a big Thank You to the Frontline Healthcare and paramedical staff, who were working round the clock to bring succour to the needy patients.
To provide much needed assistance in view of the growing demand for oxygen beds and medical care in Chennai, a 16- bed Covid Care Centre was set up at the Sports Pavilion Building of the Guru Nanak College Campus on May 30, 2021.
All the beds have been provided with a piped line oxygen facility with 10 Lpm oxygen concentrators. Individual steam inhalers have been provided. ECG facility and also all basic medicines were procured. The wards have been neatly organised and the entire facility is air-conditioned. All this was made possible by the support of well-wishers of the GNES, who were always a source of strength during any of the Society’s social initiatives.
A special mention with gratitude that 10 Lpm Oxygen Concentrators have been provided by the government of Tamil Nadu. The GNES has appointed 3 Doctors (1 each on an 8-hour duty), one of whom was given residence on Campus.
Additionally, 9 Nurses (3 each on an 8-hour duty) were also appointed by GNES. This facility was handed over on May 30, 2021 to Mr Gagandeep Singh Bedi, Principal Secretary/Commissioner, Greater Greater Chennai Corporation to utilise the Covid Care Centre for the benefit of the public. The expenses incurred was borne by the GNES with the donations received.
In addition to the above projects, the Guru Gobind Singh Block was handed over on May 12, 2021 to the Corporation authorities for management and use as a Covid-19 Quarantine Centre with 380 Beds.
Another Mega Vaccination Camp was organised on May 20, 2021 for 2,500 home guards on the College Campus jointly by the Velachery Corporation Public Health Centre Officials on May 20, 2021.
Following the mega vaccination camps in April and May, a third vaccination camp was organised exclusively for the faculty of Guru Nanak College, on the campus premises. The cost of the vaccinations was borne by the management. In all, 90 faculty members took either their first dose or eligible second dose shot on June 30, 2021. The faculty expressed their gratitude to the management for their timely aid. They acknowledged the ease of getting their vaccine shot as opposed to the difficulty and prolonged wait faced by commoners.
The history of the Sikh faith, which developed in the Middle Ages in the Punjab region of South Asia, is replete with instances of the Sikh Gurus doing selfless service for the sick and needy in times of need. Their emphasis on good health is also seen in their life stories.
Tending to the sick and needy was continued during the tenth guru, Gobind Singh’s time by one of his disciples called Bhai Kanhaiya. He used to offer water to the injured, both in the guru's camp as well as the Mughal one.
When the matter was reported to the guru, Bhai Kanhaiya was asked to explain. His simple answer was that he saw the guru in every human being. Impressed by his sefless act, the guru gave him ointment and bandage so that he could provide first aid to the injured as well.
This culture is reflected in the philanthropic act of our General Secretary and Correspondent who established Guru Nanak Medical Centre in Sahibzade Block with one Medical Officer and three nurses to attend to the needy and the poor. This centre has a 5 bed in house facility, with all emergency health needs.
The Research Coordination Committee consists of members of the Institution who are research guides from Sciences and Humanities. It is the advisory body to guide and ensure the smooth functioning in guiding research students and for submitting project proposals to funding agencies. They will monitor the research activities of the Institution in a collective manner. The research Coordination Committee will actively engage in the formulation of the research policy encompassing all research related matters which impact on the strategic objectives of the Institution by providing advice and assistance to facilitate development activities on research and provide guidance in conducting programmes related to research methodology and identify potential areas of research.
Chairperson | Dr. M.G. Ragunathan |
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Convener | Dr. J. Jayanthi |
Members |
Dr. V.P. Nedunchezhian Dr. T.K. Avvaikothai Dr. L. R. S. Kalanithi Dr. C. Murthy Dr. G. Rajendran Dr. M. Murthi Dr. K. Jayaseelan Dr. S. E. Noorjahan Dr. R. Rangasamy Dr.S.S. Jayaraj Dr. S. Prem Mathi Maran |