PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS
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The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a universal call of action to end poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects globally. The achievement of the (SDGs) depends on the action taken by all stakeholders- governments, businesses and individuals. The higher education institutions are a powerhouse that can provide education as well as influence and empower people to change the way they think and work towards a sustainable future. This contribution can be addressed through Education, Research, Operations & Governance, and External leadership. Many universities globally have adapted their curriculum by introducing new degrees on SDGs & their practical implementation. Nitte DU is a progressive and remarkable university that stands on the foundation of humanity. To build a humane society through excellence in education and health care is its vision. Itss mission is to to develop NitteDU as a Centre of Excellence imparting quality education, generating competent, skilled manpower to face the scientific and social challenges, with a high degree of credibility, integrity, ethical standards, and social concern.
NitteDU provides good governance:
Nitte (Deemed-to-be University) has its roots in a group of Institutions established by the Nitte Education Trust. The Trust was established in 1979 by one of India’s respected Statesman, Late Justice KS Hegde, Supreme Court Judge and Speaker of Lok Sabha, with the mission of empowering rural youth through quality education and healthcare. The Trust has established 36 institutions spread in three campuses at Nitte, Mangalore and Bangalore. AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences (ABSMIDS), one of the colleges of the Trust, then affiliated to Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, was declared to be a “Deemed to be University” by Ministry of Human Resource Development on 4th June 2008. In the subsequent year (2009) KS Hegde Medical Academy (KSHEMA), Nitte Gulabi Shetty Memorial Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (NGSMIPS), Nitte Usha Institute of Nursing Sciences (NUINS) and Nitte Institute of Physiotherapy (NIPT) also came under the ambit of the newly formed Deemed-to-be University. Nitte Institute of Communication (NICO) was established in 2012, Nitte University Centre for Science Education and Research (NUCSER) in 2013 and Nitte Institute of Architecture (NIA) in 2015.
Following a review of Deemed-to-be Universities in 2012, MHRD, placed NitteDU in Category A. In October 2013, NitteDU received “A Grade” accreditation by NAAC with a CGPA score of 3.11. In 2017, UGC confirmed its continued recognition of Deemed to be University status. In 2019, the University was ranked 70th, and in 2000 was 74th in the Universities category of National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), by MHRD, Govt. of India.
NitteDU has a comprehensive set of policies that enable a just and peaceful governance such as Policy Against Gender-based Discrimination, Policy on Access and Participation of Women, Policy on Sexual Harassment Prevention, Policy on consultancy, Policy on staff welfare, Policy for Maternity, paternity and childcare benefits, Policy for Protection for complainants, whistle-blowers and witnesses of discrimination and harassment, Policy on research support and incentives. These policies create a safe space for all its members thereby ensuring an amicable work atmosphere.
Nitte DU has developed several mechanisms that ensure the safety and freedom of its members and also involvement of local stakeholders, namely, IQAC, sexual harassment cell, alumni association, grievance cell etc.
INTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE CELL (IQAC)
Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) is functional at the University level as well as at the Institutional level of each constituent college of Nitte DU. This cell primarily functions to promote and implement activities that would ensure and enhance the quality output of the University in terms of learning, research, culture and productivity.
INSTITUTIONAL VALUES & PRACTICES:
The University is home to students and faculty from diverse geographical, cultural and linguistic backgrounds. An inclusive culture of harmony and tolerance has been created on the campus.A Centre for Tulu Studies to promote local culture
and a special initiative called NAMASTE to integrate students from the North Eastern States of India are highlights of our pluralistic approach. Courses/modules on Constitution of India and Civil responsibilities have been integrated into most programs. Co-curricular activities are also organized to sensitize students and staff to their citizenship roles.
Nitte DU curricula offers several crosscutting modules on Gender, Environment and Sustainability, Human Values, Health Determinants, Right to Health Issues, Emerging demographic changes and Professional Ethics in the Curricula.
NitteDU has a healthy proportion of women in its student community and workforce. The campus is women-friendly with adequate security, conveniences and support facilities like a day-care centre for children. Modules on gender sensitivity have been introduced in most of the Programs offered by the University. Environment-friendly waste-management is practiced. Solid waste is segregated at source. Biomedical, hazardous and e-waste are disposed of in partnership with certified special-waste handling agencies. Nonbiodegradable reusable items are recycled. Rest of dry waste is disposed of in an incinerator with a CO2 scrubber to minimize emissions. Composting facility and a biogas plant are used to handle organic waste.
Waste-water treatment plants with a total capacity of 1450 KLD recycle much of the waste- water for reuse in toilets, gardens and sports fields. Rainwater harvesting systems with bunds, water bodies, and recharging borewells are in place to reduce stormwater runoff. The campus has a green cover of 24%.
The University has undertaken a Green Audit, Environment Audit and an Electrical Energy Audit. The 1932 trees in the campus have been geotagged and barcoded to aid conservation. A module on Environment Sustainability has been introduced in many programs. Free shared commute, bicycles and electrical vehicles for use within campus are provided.
The campus is ‘divyangjan’ friendly. Access ramps, disabled-friendly washrooms, and reserved parking have been provided in all major buildings of the University. Provision for assistance in the form of wheelchairs, scribes for examination, screen reading technology, etc. are in place.
ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED ON NITTE DU:
Nitte DU has organised 147 talks / workshops etc. for students and faculty on a host of topics issues related to SDGs. The sessions listed below under SDG 16 are related to days of National importance, International Days and topics related to ethics, peace and building strong institution. Nitte DU organized 40 such programs in the year 2020 online as well as offline. Few of them are described below.NATIONAL SAFETY WEEK:
The valedictory function to conclude the National Safety Week Celebration at Nitte DU, was held on 10th March 2020 at Chinthana Hall, Justice K S Hegde Charitable Hospital. Capt. Ganesh Karnik, Ex MLC, Karnataka Legislative Council, was the Chief Guest and Prof. (Dr) M.S. Moodithaya, Pro Vice Chancellor, Nitte DU was the Guest of Honour. The function was attended by the students & staff. Mr. Prashanth Kamath, Fire & Safety Officer, Nitte DU welcomed the guests and gave the overview of the celebrations during the week. His speech was followed by an Awareness Video on COVID-19 and a few safety videos created by Govt. of India.
WEBINAR CONDUCTED FOR SCHOOL TEACHERS OF B.M. HIGH SCHOOL, ULLAL
An online webinar on “Protocols and Guidelines to be followed by School teachers during COVID-19 Pandemic” was organized for school teachers of B.M High School, Ullal on 19th June 2020. A total of 10 school teachers attended the webinar. The Webinar intended to increase awareness among the school teachers about the protocols and guidelines to be followed during the upcoming board examinations. General instructions like symptom identification and social distancing were delivered by Prof. Dr. Audrey M D’Cruz, Handwashing instructions were demonstrated by Dr. Deesha Kumari & Dr. Bless Annie Philip. Donning and Doffing of Mouth Mask was demonstrated by Dr. Sahana Maben and Dr. Thara Chandran. Dr. Shilpa spoke on the Disinfection of Surfaces.
COVID-19 PLASMA DONATION AWARENESS DRIVE
An event was conducted on the occasion of the 100th Convalescent Plasma Unit donation at the COVID-19 Plasma Donation Awareness Drive. The event was conducted at Justice K S Hegde Charitable Hospital on 9th September 2020. The event also marked the inauguration of the comprehensive Post COVID Care Clinic by Dr. K V Rajendra, Deputy Commissioner, Dakshina Kannada (DK) as well as the felicitation of the. Wellness Helpline. for their support in mobilizing convalescent plasma donors for patients in need. Dr. Selvamani R, Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Panchayat, DK, Dr. Ramachandra Bairy, District Health Officer, DK, Mr. Subramaniyam G, Deputy Director, IT (inv), Prof. Dr. M Shantharam Shetty, Pro-Chancellor, Nitte DU, Mr. Vishal Hegde, Pro- Chancellor, Nitte DU, Prof. Dr. Satheesh Kumar Bhandary, Vice-Chancellor, Nitte DU were also present for the event.ONLINE WORKSHOP ON YOGA AND MEDITATION FOR HEALTH & WELL-BEING.
In association with the Art of Living, Mangalore, The Women’s Forum organized an online workshop ‘Yoga and Meditation for Health & Well-Being’ on 1st July 2020. Mrs. Asha Ravi, District Teachers Coordinator (Art of living), Mangalore was the resource person for the program. 60 participants from various institutions of Nitte DU participated in the program. Mrs. Asha Ravi demonstrated various forms of pranayama and meditation techniques. She explained the importance of practicing yoga and meditation during stressful times like the COVID-19 pandemic.WEBINAR ON ‘THE PROTECTION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT OF 2005’
Domestic violence is a serious problem. It often affects every segment of society. Women and girls become victims of domestic abuse and gender-based violence, including sexual assault and rape and find themselves confined with their abusers. On 26th Sept. 2020, Udaan Women Empowerment Cell and Human Rights Cell of Dr.N.S.A.M. First Grade College in collaboration with NGO Mahila Dakshata Samiti organized a virtual seminar on Domestic Violence and the Benefits of the Legislation. The Protection of Domestic Violence Act of 2005. The resource person Mrs. Shweta Krishnappa, Additional Government Advocate, Office of the Advocate General High Court of Karnataka, emphasized on the critical situation of Domestic Violence suffered by women often and its impact on Public mental health. Mrs. Saranya Hegde, the President of Mahila Dakshata Samiti also spoke and informed the participants about the help and support that could be extended by their organization. The session gave clarity of thought to participant students and faculty about Domestic Violence and the benefits of the legislation. Overall, the session had good interactions amongst participants.
WORLD HUMAN RIGHTS DAY
The Department of Humanities of Nitte (Deemed to be University) in collaboration with the Electoral Literacy Club, celebrated the World Human Rights Day through online mode on 10th December 2020. In his opening remarks, Prof. (Dr) Satheesh Kumar Bhandary, Vice Chancellor focused on how human rights play an important role in our lives. As this year’s theme was related to Covid-19, he said that it is impossible to handle this pandemic effectively, unless we understand and execute our responsibilities well. Prof. (Dr) Amarashree A Shetty, Assoc. Dean, ABSMIDS, was the resource person. She delivered a very informative talk on ‘Building awareness towards Covid-safe lifestyle’. The students, teaching and non-teaching staff of Nitte Institute of Speech & Hearing and constituent colleges of Nitte DU participated in the program which was live- streamed on Nitte YouTube Channel.WORKSHOP ON ‘LAWS ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT’
The Prevention of Sexual Harassment Cell, ABSMIDS in association with the Gender Sensitization Cell, Nitte DU organized a workshop on ‘Laws on Sexual Harassment’ on December 1st 2020 at the New Auditorium, ABSMIDS. The guest speaker for the program was Ms. Deepa Salian, Assistant Professor at SDM Law College, Mangalore who delivered a lecture on Sexual Harassment, laws on sexual harassment and Indian penal code. The program was presided by the Honourable Registrar, Nitte DU, Prof. (Dr.) Alka Kulkarni, and attended by the Principal and Dean, ABSMIDS, Prof. (Dr.) U.S. Krishna Nayak; Vice Dean, Prof. (Dr.) Mithra N. Hegde, members of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Cell, heads of various departments, faculty, first year BDS and first year MDS students. Total of 180 participants attended this session.
NATIONAL CONSTITUTION DAY:
The NSS Unit of Nitte Institute of Communication (NICO) celebrated National Constitution Day on 26th November 2020 at the Institute’s premises in Paneer. The Day began with the reading of the preamble of the Constitution by Dr Tapaswi H M, Assistant Professor and NSS Coordinator for NICO. After a brief session where students were introduced to the Constitution, the event was handed over to Dr. Nesara Kadanakuppe, Associate Professor who pointed out that the youth today are afraid to ask questions and hold the government accountable. He asked students to be critical in their thinking and look for platforms to voice their thoughts. The session continued with Mr. Melvin Thomas, Assistant Professor, NICO introducing students to the Right to Information Act (2005), its clauses and benefits and how it is a great tool for democracy. He also demonstrated to students the steps involved in filing an RTI. An interactive session followed with students getting their doubts about the Act answered. In the post- lunch session, two episodes of the tele series Samvidhan, showcasing the birth of the Constitution were screened. The series is directed by celebrated director Shyam Benegal. Over 60 students attended the event.
COLLAGE-MAKING COMPETITION:
The NSS Unit of Nitte Institute of Communication conducted a Collage-making Competition on the theme LGBTQ Rights, on the occasion of International Human Rights Day, 10th December 2020. The competition was open to students of all the constituent colleges of Nitte (Deemed to be University). A total of seven teams participated in the competition, with Amarja, Swati and Akshada from KSHEMA winning first place and Kalya, Kavya and Panchami from Nitte Institute of Physiotherapy coming second. The winning teams won cash prizes of Rs 2000 and Rs 1000 respectively.WORKSHOP ON ‘LAWS ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT’
On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disability on 3rd December, Nitte Institute of Speech and Hearing collaborated with Indian Speech and Hearing Association to create public awareness. This year’s theme was “Not all Disabilities are Visible’’. As a part of this awareness drive, students and staff actively participated to spread awareness by creatively expressing their ideas through painting, pencil sketches, poetry, short videos and write ups which were circulated through social media platforms from 3rd December to 15th December, 2020. Some of their contributions are displayed in the collage shown above.
WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY
NSS Unit at NSFTID observed World Mental Health Day virtually on 10th October 2020. NSS volunteers organized various virtual events for raising awareness of mental health issues especially during Covid-19 crisis. Chief Guest Dr. Sandhya Ravi gave a call to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. Mr. Arunkumar V, NSS Program Officer demonstrated a few exercises to maintain good mental health.
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY CELEBRATION
The Human Right Cell at Nitte School of Fashion Technology and Interior Design organized a virtual awareness program on Human Rights on 10th December 2020 to observe 70th International Human Rights Day. The virtual program was inaugurated by Dr. Sandhya Ravi, Principal, NSFTID, with an oath-taking session and briefed about the importance of human rights. Mr. Ramesh K S, HoD, IDD introduced the program and gave insights of International Human Rights and their enforcement from UNESCO. Students actively participated in the competitions held on the International Human Rights-2020 theme “Recover Better-Stand Up for Human Rights’’.
NITTE DU RESEARCH:
The University is involved in several collaborative research projects, actively contribute to the enhancements of the society and the stakeholders.
Keywords used: Abuse, trauma, violence, mental health, domestic abuse, physical abuse, mental abuse, emotional abuse, spouse abuse, child abuse, sexual abuse, childhood trauma, peace, justice, COVID-19, society, sustainability, human rights, responsive institution, politics, government.
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RURAL OUTREACH PROGRAM- ABSMIDS
The Department as a part of Extension Activities & Rural Outreach Program conducted 47 free dental camps during January-March 2020. Out of 1,827 patients examined, 970 patients received necessary treatment.
PUBLIC AWARENESS PROGRAMS
The Department of Community Medicine organized a Public Awareness Program, ‘World Aids Day’ on 1st December 2020 at K.S Hegde Medical Academy and Justice K S Hegde Charitable Hospital with the 2020-21 world AIDS Day theme– Global Solidarity, Shared Responsibility. The activity was conducted upon students pursuing their internship in K.S Hegde Medical Academy. This activity began in the morning at 9 A.M and ended at 6 P.M. The purpose of this activity was to increase awareness about AIDS not only in health professionals, but also in those who do not belong to the health- care system. The information was given to them in such a way that they did not feel stigmatized or scared of the disease, and instead felt empowered and proud to be able to help others fight it.
STATE LEVEL FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE AWARD FOR BRAVERY:
Ms. Nimmi Stephen, alumnus of Nitte Usha Institute of Nursing Sciences, presently working as a Staff Nurse at Justice K.S Hegde Charitable Hospital, Deralakatte, Mangalore was honored with the STATE LEVEL FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE AWARD for her bravery and presence of mind in saving a girl.