Kuttikkanam: Marian College Kuttikkanam marked the beginning of National Integration Camp by National Service Scheme last week where 200 volunteers and 15 program officers from central universities of 10 states across India joined hands to celebrate the unity and diversity of our nation.
The camp was inaugurated by Dr Sabu Thomas (Vice Chancellor, MGU), in a function presided over by the MLA for Peerumade E S Bijimol.
"The prime objective of the camp is to include integration of NSS volunteers on the value of unity, discipline, patriotism and communal harmony irrespective of their region, culture, language, traditions and customs," said Mr G P Sajith Babu (regional director, NSS Regional Directorate, Thiruvanathapuram) in the introductory address.
The natives of Kuttikkanam got an opportunity to communicate with the participants of NIC through a field visit to houses in Peermade, Kuttikkanam, Pallikkunnu, Pambanar areas on February 22.
In spite of hurdles caused by hartal, volunteers reached worksite, 6 km away from college by trekking and cleared the road to facilitate concreting.
National integration competitions held on the 24th have taken an important part in giving both the college and the volunteers a positive environment of integrating each other in spite of diversities.
The most notable event of the camp was the national integration rally conducted on February 25, where volunteers dressed up in their home state attire and carrying placards, banners, musical instruments etc, carried out a spectacular procession around the Kuttikkanam town, showcasing the rich and varied heritage of India.
"The camp taught us how to communicate through hearts, how to be a family irrespective of region, age, language, and colour" said Rohith K R, one of the participants from Karnataka.
The camp ended with a valedictory function on Thursday which was presided by college principal Fr Dr Roy Abraham P. Advocate Joice George (Ex-MP, Idukki) was the chief guest.
The camp was jointly organised by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, NSS Regional Directorate Thiruvananthapuram, Mahatma Gandhi University Kottayam and National Service Scheme unit of Marian College Kuttikkanam (Autonomous).