Evidence of success – 2024- 2025
Networking
Embracing the theme of “networking, research
grants, and skill enhancement”, holy cross college (autonomous), nagercoil,
introduced networking at the core of its academic and professional development.
Over 102 networking-related activities were organized collectively by all
departments. These efforts not only enhanced the institution’s
visibility and reputation but also created valuable opportunities for
the students and faculty to expand their professional linkages and stay abreast
of developments in their respective fields.
The college established 85 memorandums of
understanding (mous) with a diverse range of institutions, industries, and
ngos. These collaborations led to the successful
organization of conferences, workshops, seminars, endowment lectures, institution’s
Innovation council (iic) initiatives, and research
activities. A significant milestone was achieved when dr. Sr. Mary gilda, the
secretary, and dr. Sr. Sahayaselvi, the principal, traveled to malaysia to
formalize mous with lincoln university and tunku abdul rahman university of
management and technology. These international agreements greatly enriched the
institution by facilitating academic publications, staff and student exchange
programmes, career development opportunities, and initiatives in innovation,
entrepreneurship, seminars, and workshops.
The dean of academic affairs initiated
academic collaborations with ten countries
and successfully integrated international experts into the board of studies of each department.
As a result, departments were able to incorporate global perspectives and
ensure that curriculum reflected contemporary international trends.
The department of botany, in collaboration
with ngos such as create trust, actively campaigned for preservation and
propagation of traditional paddy varieties, food security, and the preservation
of agricultural heritage. As an outcome, the department
inaugurated a heritage paddy sanctuary to promote the conservation of traditional agricultural practices.
The department of botany also collaborated with isna
and a csir scientist. As a result, it organized a workshop titled “unlocking
nature’s potential: status, sustainable utilization, and conservation of
biodiversity.”
The department of zoology collaborated
with the department of botany and microbiology, king saud university (saudi
arabia), the department of food science and biotechnology, sejong university
(south korea), and the department of marine biology,
sethupathy government arts college (tamil nadu). As an outcome, the department published
three papers in scie journals and four in web of science-indexed journals.
Dr. Shyla suganthi, head, department of zoology,
offered internship training to four students from the department of zoology,
kannur university, kerala. As a result of her research, she identified a new
species of freshwater crab.
The department of chemistry organized
industrial visits to the csir–central
institute of medicinal and aromatic plants in bengaluru and the aavin milk plant in nagercoil.
These visits provided students with valuable opportunities to interact with
scientists and researchers, gain practical insights into dairy processing, and
strengthen their professional networks. A total of
33 students benefited from these visits. The department also collaborated
On research projects with various organizations, such
as srm trp engineering college, trichy, karpagam college of engineering,
coimbatore, annai velankanni college, tholaya vattam, mar ephraem college of
engineering and technology, elavuvilai. As a result, it published ten research
articles in reputed journals.
The department of artificial intelligence
& data science organized a two-day workshop on “machine
learning and robotics” in collaboration with hiltek centre for
artificial intelligence & robotics pvt. Ltd. As an outcome, the department developed a college
chatbot and introduced qr code labeling for antique library collections.
In collaboration with the departments of botany,
zoology, commerce (aided), and commerce (sf), the department has also engaged
in interdisciplinary research and academic networking. This collaboration
strengthened cross-departmental academic exchange and research initiatives.
The department developed an ai-based chatbot for the college website to facilitate real-
time information access, address academic queries, and enhance institutional
outreach. This student-led initiative improved communication, response time,
and accessibility to college- related information for users.
The department of commerce (aided) collaborated
with authors from national and
international institutions, including charlton college of business, university of massachusetts
dartmouth; college of healthcare management and economics, gulf medical
university, ajman (uae); jamal institute of management; jamal mohamed college;
and bharathidasan university. As an outcome, the department co-authored ten
books published by himalaya publishing house and taran publications, and
published 19 articles in ssci-indexed journals in collaboration with research
scholars.
The department of history signed a
five-year agreement with the government museum, tirunelveli, enabling
third-year undergraduate students to undertake internships.
Additionally, an mou was signed with darrels am research and reverse engineering labs
private limited, nagercoil. As an outcome, second-year undergraduate and
first-year postgraduate students will undergo internships there.
The department of commerce sf–1 conducted
a generic value-added course in partnership with ak infopark pvt. Ltd. The
students gained knowledge in data analysis, risk management, and business
growth strategies which is expected to come handy when these students aspire to
excel in business and management
The department of english
(aided) signed an mou with the international women’s peace group
(iwpg), as a result of which ten faculty members were trained to be
peace educators.
The department of corporate secretaryship conducted two career-oriented sessions
in collaboration with icsi and vallmond academy. As an outcome, 64 students
enrolled as members of the institute of company secretaries of
india (icsi), positioning them to become qualified company secretaries in
the coming years.
Research grants
Holy cross college (autonomous), nagercoil,
significantly enhanced its research landscape during the academic year
2024–2025 through an impressive array of 53 research grant activities, funded
projects, and collaborative initiatives. Various departments submitted and
secured research proposals from state funding agencies such as the tamil nadu
state council for science and technology and institutional research funds.
Faculty members and
research scholars also applied for funding from national agencies like
dst-fist and curie.
Though these particular applications did not secure funding, the process enabled the applicants
to develop valuable skills in research proposal writing, supported by several
training sessions organized by the institution. The outcome of such drive
facilitated capacity building for obtaining research grants.
The college also provided internal research funds to both scholars and faculty to support
their research and patent-related work. These were disbursed through the crossian
research seed money scheme projects (crsmsp). Under this scheme, a grant of ₹10,000 is awarded
to each scholar, while faculty members receive ₹1,00,000 each to support their
research endeavors.
The following members were beneficiaries:
1. Ms. P. Renisa & dr. S. Sujitha, department of mathematics crsmsp
2024–2025/scholars-1: sensitivity analysis on the parameters
of zika virus dissemination using graphical modeling
2. Ms. R. Feyolah herin & dr. S. Sebastiammal, department of physics crsmsp
2024–2025/scholars-2: novel green synthesis of zinc oxide
nanoparticles capped with chitosan for enhanced biomedical potential
3. Ms. A. S. Shalfia judit & dr. S. Sebastiammal, department of physics
Crsmsp 2024–2025/scholars-3: bio-fabrication of hydroxyapatite composites
Infused with solanum nigrum extract for
enhanced synergistic antimicrobial activity in biomedical
applications
4. Ms. S. Bashidha banu & dr. Bojaxa a. Rosy, department of botany crsmsp
2024–2025/scholars-4: *chemoprofiling and biosynthesis of plant callus-
derived nanoparticles from chassalia curviflora
5. Ms. Benikca
prakash & dr. J. Vinoliya josephine mary, department of zoology crsmsp
2024–2025/scholars-5: *purification, characterization, and antibacterial
property of a novel lectin isolated from the marine crab tumidodromia
dromia
6. Ms. T. Fathima munovara & dr. H. Jimsy asha, department of english crsmsp
2024–2025/scholars-6: scripted identities: the devadasi woman in
literature and cinema
7. Ms. S. Anusha mini & dr. Sr. S. Sahayaselvi, department of commerce crsmsp 2024–2025/scholars-7: the synergy between artificial intelligence adoption
and green entrepreneurship for sustainable business growth
8. Dr. A. Anat
jaslin jini (pi) & dr. A. Jancy vini (co-pi), department
of mathematics
Crsmsp 2024–2025/faculty-1: minimizing redundancy and maximizing
coverage: a computational approach using dominating sets
9. Dr. M. Abila jeba queen (pi), department of physics crsmsp
2024–2025/faculty-2: eco-friendly synthesis of calcium
nanoparticles using plant extracts: applications in photocatalysis and
environmental remediation
As part of this initiative, both faculty and scholars
are expected to collectively publish at least 20 research papers in top-tier
journals in the coming years.
Other research achievements:
· s.
T. Sreenidhi (english), s. C. Benitlin shalom (chemistry), s. Imalin, and s.
Jency (mathematics) were awarded the ugc national fellowship
for single girl child under the savitribai jyotirao phule fellowship scheme. Each received
₹42,000, enabling them
to pursue their research
without financial constraints.
· three postgraduate student projects were sanctioned ₹7,500 each by the tamil nadu
State council for science
and technology.
· ms.
Anusha mini (commerce) and ms. Santhiya (economics), both
research scholars, were awarded ₹60,000 each in funding from the tamil nadu
state council for science and technology.
· to
promote research related to patents, the college provided ₹1,65,370 in
financial support to facultymembers and research scholars. As a result, 14
patents were filed during the academic year 2024–2025.
To recognize and encourage quality research publications, the college awarded ₹1.23
lakhs to 52 faculty members who published in high-impact q1 and q2 journals. As
a result:
O 36 papers were published in sci-indexed journals
O 29 in scopus
O 14 in web of science
O 123 in ugc-care-listed journals
O 24 in other peer-reviewed journals
· faculty members also contributed:
O 185 papers in conference proceedings (139 full-length papers and 46 abstracts)
O 52 books published
O 59 book chapters authored
These accomplishments reflect the institution’s strong commitment to fostering a
Culture of research excellence
and academic impact.
Skill enhancement
Holy cross college (autonomous), nagercoil, focused on
building student skills through
118 programmes on soft skills, career guidance, competitive examinations, cybersecurity, and
communication. Various departments also organized a wide range of workshops,
hands-on training sessions, industrial visits, and value-added courses to
enhance technical competency, foster innovation, and promote industry readiness
among students. These initiatives not only bridged academic learning with practical application but also equipped students with essential
21st-century skills for lifelong success.
· in
view of the naac accreditation process, holy cross college (autonomous),
nagercoil, undertook a focused initiative to highlight the talents, skills, and capabilities
of its student community. As part of this initiative, the college established three distinct
domains of excellence: academic excellence, entrepreneurial excellence, and service-
learning excellence. These platforms have paved the way for the holistic development
of students, encouraging them to showcase their achievements and innovations.
The naac peer team highly appreciated this initiative, recognizing it as a
meaningful reflection of the institution’s commitment to quality education and
student empowerment. At the culmination of the successful peer team visit
students of holy
Cross college presented a spectacular cultural
programme in the evening. The peer team members were deeply impressed by the
performance and remarked that the students of the college were exceptionally
talented and skillful.
· dance
and creative skills were showcased through department-wise cultural programmes
organized for occasions such as teacher’s day, the feast of the holy
cross, college day, and several others. These cultural programmes fostered creativity,
strengthened teamwork, promoted unity among students, and encouraged active
participation in student council activities.
· the
department of history conducted a model-making activity to recreate the
masterpieces of various civilizations. Students prepared miniature models using
materials such as cardboard, clay, and eco-friendly components to depict
architectural
marvels including pyramids, ziggurats, greek temples, and roman amphitheaters. This
activity showcased students’ creativity and historical knowledge, enhancing
their understanding of ancient architecture through hands-on learning.
· the
students of the department of botany implemented qr codes for tree and plant
identification. This initiative provided an interactive learning experience,
allowing students and visitors to access detailed information about campus flora with just a click.
They also created a tulsi garden that preserves 28 varieties of tulsi,
categorized by morphology, aroma, and medicinal properties. Students from the department of botany
received coaching for net, set, and tnpsc examinations to enhance their academic
and career prospects. As an outcome, three postgraduate students enrolled in a coaching
centre in thiruvananthapuram for their exam preparation.
· the
department of zoology conducted skill-based training sessions in apiculture,
sericulture, and vermicomposting for the students. As an outcome, the
initiative generated an income of ₹10,000 while simultaneously equipping students with practical
knowledge and hands-on experience in these sustainable practices.
· ten sensor-based water taps were installed by students of the department of physics in
green paradise park. This initiative is a commendable example of experiential learning,
offering students hands-on experience with sustainable technology. Installing
solar
lights in adopted villages was another meaningful outreach effort, providing renewable
energy solutions to benefit the local community. These projects reflected a
strong
commitment to practical, community-centered education. Additionally, the department
maintains a display of rare meteorites in the physics museum. As an outcome, students
developed valuable technical skills while contributing to sustainable community
development, and the department enhanced its educational resources to inspire
scientific curiosity among students and visitors.
· the
students of the department of computer science developed an application for
student elections and successfully conducted the election using it. This project provided
valuable hands-on experience for the students involved. As an outcome, the
students enhanced their practical skills in software development and
contributed to a smooth, transparent election process.
· the department of english conducted the inter-class drama competition scene stealers.
As an outcome, students developed teamwork, self-confidence, and communication
skills. The english cuisine competition enhanced students’ culinary abilities.
As an outcome, they improved their food preparation techniques, knife skills,
and understanding of food safety practices. The nature’s palette painting
competition encouraged the use of natural paints. As an outcome, students
became more environmentally conscious and explored sustainable artistic
methods. The speak with confidence: english & foreign language
mastery programme was organized in collaboration with the wise
project. As an outcome, students gained greater confidence in communicating in
english and foreign languages.
· the department of english literature with media communication hand-painted a selfie
point, and a crossian frame banner was released. They also
conducted the crossian
frame – photography workshop to equip students with practical skills in photography.
As an outcome, students participated in the crossian frame –
photography contest,
where they showcased their creativity, enhanced their technical photography skills, and
promoted visual storytelling. The department also initiated bringing
walls to life – wall art to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the
college campus through vibrant wall paintings. As an outcome, students
transformed blank walls into artistic expressions that conveyed themes of
energy, unity, and campus spirit.
· the
department of english sf conducted huckster kiosk 2024 – a
student
entrepreneurial fair to cultivate entrepreneurial and business management skills among
students. As an outcome, students successfully set up and managed kiosks
featuring homemade and locally sourced products, particularly gourmet food
items. They also gained practical knowledge in pricing strategies, consumer
behaviour analysis, and effective marketing techniques.
· the department of commerce conducted a saree pre-pleating course under the wise
(women’s initiative for skill enhancement) programme to motivate laywomen to start
their own businesses or become entrepreneurs. As a result, 11 students started their own
businesses and earned an income of ₹5,500. They also successfully organized an
orientation programme to guide students on various professional and
postgraduate pathways, including chartered accountancy (ca), cost and
management accountancy
(cma), master of business administration (mba), and
tamil nadu common entrance test (tancet). As a result, 4 students enrolled in
the ca programme, and 19 students opted for the mba programme. This
outcome highlights the effectiveness of the session in motivating students
to pursue professional qualifications and higher studies, equipping them for
competitive career opportunities in the field of commerce.
· a
total of 563 students registered for moocs, with 162 successfully completing
their courses. Additionally, 224 students participated in summer training
programmes; 20 students underwent in-plant training, and 23 students went on
industrial visits.
· in terms of competitive examinations, four students qualified for the net/set.
· the
placement drive resulted in 177 students securing on-campus placements, 8
students obtaining off-campus opportunities, and 2 students entering
government service.
· students
also showcased their talents in extracurricular activities, winning 8
academic prizes, 66 cultural awards, and 6 quiz prizes at intercollegiate
events.
· 100 startsteps ventures were successfully launched.
· to
enhance student skills, 141 capability enhancement programmes focusing on self-
skills, career guidance, competitive exams, and cybersecurity were organized.
· students’
skills were further developed and showcased through 12 certificate courses and
16 generic value-added courses. As evidence of success, they acquired essential
21st-century skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving, communication and
collaboration, digital literacy, creativity and innovation, leadership and
responsibility, and adaptability and initiative. These courses have significantly
contributed to improving students’ employability and lifelong learning
capabilities.
· our sports students demonstrated exceptional talent and athleticism by participating in
29 competitions at the international, national, state, university, and district levels. Their
commendable performances earned a total of 35 medals, including 10 gold, 12
silver, and 13 bronze. In recognition of their achievements, they collectively
received a cash award of ₹91,000. This remarkable accomplishment reflects the
college’s on -going
commitment to promoting excellence in sports. As an outcome, the college’s reputation
in athletics has been significantly enhanced, inspiring more students to
actively participate in sports and pursue excellence.
In 2024–2025, holy cross college (autonomous), nagercoil, made great progress
under the theme “networking, research grants, and skill enhancement.” The college built
Strong partnerships with other institutions and
industries, opening up new opportunities for learning, research, and exchange.
Faculty and students received several research grants, enabling them to work on
important projects and publish their findings. Many workshops, training
programmes, and hands-on activities helped students build useful skills for
their careers and personal growth. These efforts have
made the college a stronger, more connected, and
forward-thinking institution, ready to meet the needs of today’s world.
Adopting institution themes for each academic year has
been a tradition of the institution over the years. Through the
institution’s focus around the themes of ‘networking,
research grants, and skill enhancement’ for the academic year 2024-2025 engaged the college
in achieving holistic outcomes. Such year wise focussed themes in the ensuing years will ensure
the institution to become an abode of fruitful educational services. From the above compilation
it could be understood that modest results have been achieved during this
academic year. Our steady resolve and unwavering efforts will ensure
spectacular yield in the near future too.
"when we connect minds, invest in knowledge, and
build skills, we create a future where learning leads to lasting impact."
"at holy cross college (autonomous), nagercoil, students don’t just learn
they grow, create, and lead. With strong academic support, real-world
research opportunities, global collaborations, and a focus on skill
development, the college shapes students not just for a degree, but for a
successful and meaningful future. Join us and become part of a community that
empowers you to reach your full potential.
Academic Plan and Evidence of the Success – 2023-2024
EVIDENCE OF SUCCESS – 2023- 2024
Holy Cross College (Autonomous), Nagercoil, has embraced the theme "Outcome- Based Education, Industry 4.0, and Patents and Publications" for the academic year 2023-2024. This initiative aims to enhance the educational experience and foster holistic development among students, keeping pace with the latest trends and innovations in the digital world. Each year, the college adopts a new theme to engage with contemporary advancements. Holy Cross College consistently seizes every opportunity for achievement, ascending higher with each passing day and filling new pages in its book of accomplishments. This report provides an overview of the numerous initiatives and successes stemming from this year's theme.
Outcome-Based Education (OBE) ensures that learners acquire skills, attitudes and competencies along with knowledge which are essential for their personal growth, industry readiness and societal contributions. OBE commits to nurturing a learner-centered environment that empowers individuals to become critical thinkers, problem solvers and lifelong learners. Holy Cross College introduced OBE in 2017 and LOCF in 2019, focusing on the Vision, Mission, Graduate attributes, Program Educational Objectives (PEOs), Program Outcomes (POs), Program Specific Outcomes (PSOs) and course outcomes. The college ventured into its full-fledged OBE system by adopting Outcome Based Teaching and Learning (OBTL) and Outcome Based Assessment (OBA) and attainment from the year 2020. By 2023, CO-PO-PSO attainment was calculated for the 2021-2024 undergraduate and 2022-2024 postgraduate students. A dedicated team, including the Controller and Assistant Controller of Examinations, oversees OBE mapping and evaluation of outcome attainment. In alignment with curriculum, instruction and assessment, and with articulated outcomes, OBE promotes educational equity, ensures continuous improvement, and prepares learners to thrive in diverse and dynamic global contexts.
Evidence of success includes:
• The quality of the educational ecosystem has improved in terms of curriculum, student centric teaching and learning and student performance aligned with defined learning outcomes.
• The institution has helped the students to achieve the graduate attributes aligned with the vision and mission of the institution.
• Involvement of students in active learning, critical thinking, problem-solving. innovation, entrepreneurship and research which is evidenced in terms of patents, entrepreneurs and publications.
• Placement of students (344) in reputed organizations and student progression to higher education in National and International Universities.
• Internship training for 1,253 students with various firms.
• Exit survey is conducted to all the UG and PG outgone students on the curriculum's success and enhanced competency.
• Successful implementation of curriculum , teaching methodologies, and assessment procedures to accommodate the NEP and TANSCHE.
• The entire activities of the college during this academic year 2023-2024 are measured in terms of outcome and seen the incremental growth in our teaching ,learning and research.
Industry 4.0In response to Industry 4.0 technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR), Holy Cross College adapts its curriculum to meet the changing needs of learners. The college ensures students acquire skills like data analysis, coding, and digital literacy through 52 seminars, conferences, webinars, personalized courses, and certifications.
The following are the salient events to deepen students' understanding of Industry 4.0 concepts:
• Chemistry: Session on "Design Thinking Strategies for Rapid Prototyping in Industry 4.0."
• Physics: Skill development programme on "Sensor-Based Equipment."
• Commerce: Dr. Stellabai’s Endowment lecture on "Sustainable Green Revolution and Industry 4.0" and an international seminar on "Career Opportunities for Commerce Graduates in the Era of Industry 5.0."
• Costume Design and Fashion Technology: Motivational talk on "Modeling and Etiquette in Industry 4.0."
• Economics: International conference on "Contemporary Technological and Industrial Revolution 5.0."
• English SF: Talk on "Harnessing AI: Alter the Change Beyond Limits."
• Mathematics: Seminar on "Impact of Industry 4.0 on Entrepreneurship."
• Tamil (SF): Seminar on "Entrepreneurship in the Era of Industry 4.0."
• Botany: National seminar on "Satellite Image-Based Estimation of Phytoplankton
(Chl-a) and Seasonal Variability with Industry 4.0 in Smart Agriculture."
• History: Seminar on "Impact of Industry 4.0 on Entrepreneurship."
• English: National-level conference on "Innovative Reimagining of Language and Literature for Industry 4.0."
As a result , the evidence of success include:
• Computer Science students have developed a software to conduct student council election.
• Creation of ten sensor-based water taps by the students of Physics
• Detachable Solar Panel Seat Back Rest(two wheeler) design patent was granted to the students of Physics
• Organised of industrial visits by all departments and internships for students.
• Introduction of 84 generic and specific value-added courses to equip students with industry-ready skills.
• Establishment of 88 start steps
• 36 Industry based MOUs
• Introduction of B.Sc. Artificial Intelligence and Data Science program. The curriculum emphasized the importance of soft skills, life skills, communication skill , lifelong learning, and adaptation to the evolving landscape of Industry 4.0. Students are encouraged to stay updated with emerging trends and technologies which provide career readiness.
Patents and Publications
Holy Cross College encourages faculty and students to publish their innovations and creativity in the form of patents. The IPR Cell has filed 11 patents, published 30, and granted 5 from 2020-2024. In the academic year 2023-2024, the college filed 10 patents, had 21 published, 4 granted, and 9 more in the process of being filed. The college provided seed funding amounting to ₹3,89,026.
Publications have also seen a significant increase, with 229 faculty publications, including 17 in SCI, 28 in Web of Science, 32 in Scopus, 41 in UGC Care List 1, 79 in Crossian Resonance, and 32 in other ISSN journals. Along with that, this year's publications included ISBNs for 46 books, 3 proceedings, 60 book chapters, 148 full-length papers in proceedings, and 63 abstracts in proceedings.
Conclusion
The theme "Outcome-Based Education, Industry 4.0, and Patents and Publications" has established a framework for academic success at Holy Cross College, instilling a sense of purpose and meaning within the community. By engaging with the latest digital trends and developments, the college prepares students for future challenges and opportunities, setting new standards for quality and inspiring positive change.
Empowering Tomorrow's Innovators: Learn Today, Earn Tomorrow!!!
Academic Plan and Evidence of the Success – 2022-2023
THEME FOR THE YEAR
EVIDENCE OF SUCCESS – 2022- 2023
Where Dreams Flourish, Knowledge Soars: A Journey of Higher Education…!!!
Holy Cross College (Autonomous), Nagercoil embraced the theme of "Initiate, Innovate, Collaborate" to enhance the educational experience and foster holistic development among the students during the academic year 2022 - 2023. This report provides an overview of the various activities and accomplishments in line with this theme.
Initiate
Holy Cross College introduced new courses such as B. Sc. Fashion Designing and M.Sc. Computer Science, catering to the diverse interests of the students.
The present students were categorized into Placement, Entrepreneurship, Higher Studies, Competitive Examination, and Home Maintenance, allowing tailored guidance and orientation.
The Placement and Career Guidance Cell organized a Mega Job Fair, connecting students with potential employers. As a result, 280 students secured placements in reputed companies and schools. The institution implemented a score card system to assess the contributions of teachers to the department and the college.
The Holy Cross Innovation and Incubation Centre played a significant role in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship among both staff and students. The institution registered nine additional startups during the academic year, further enhancing its reputation. Social media platforms were utilized to share frequent news updates, boosting visibility and engagement.
The college's alumni association actively promoted the institution's achievements and offerings. They launched a Meal Scheme for underprivileged students, and the staff adopted financially challenged students, ensuring they could continue their education. The establishment of a staff and student forum provided a platform for voicing concerns and ideas.
Innovate
Holy Cross College renovated various facilities, including the canteen, media center, controller's office, conference hall, and entrance arch. Classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and study spaces were expanded and upgraded, offering improved learning environments. The institution now has 13 ICT-enabled classrooms, an RFID-equipped library, and boosted Wi-Fi broadband.
Several enhancements were made to the campus beautification, such as the addition of two kiosks (restaurant huts), a bus drivers' room, and a watchman's cabin. The installation of fans, audio equipment, CCTV cameras, and a digital board improved the overall infrastructure and functionality of the college.
Holy Cross College undertook various green initiatives, fostering environmental responsibility among students. The institution organized events promoting the use of cloth bags, and a Manjapai vending cloth bag machine was installed on campus. The community was encouraged to contribute to the betterment of society through initiatives like ‘Pagirthalil Iraivanai Kaana’ during Christmas.
Collaborate
The college signed 20 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with various Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), fostering collaborations and value-added courses. Each department formed partnerships with organizations, facilitated internships, and coordinated 25-day internships for the I PG students. Delegates from Karmveer Bhaurao Patil College, Maharashtra, and government school students also visited the campus under RUSA.
The institution has collaborated with organizations like The Rise, Nanban Foundation, and JMR Events to organize the Kumari Green Fest, featuring live concerts, competitions, and cultural programs. The institution actively participated in district-level events and hosted a Book Fair and Cultural program in collaboration with Kanyakumari District Administration and Booksellers and Publishers Association of South India (BAPASI).
In an effort to provide students with exposure to higher education opportunities, Holy Cross College welcomed 30 students from Government schools in Ammandivilai, Kadiyappattinam, and Rajakkamangalam Thurai, along with 5 teachers, to its campus. The purpose of this visit was to familiarize the students with the possibilities available for their future academic pursuits.
In collaboration with the Thiruppumunai Addiction Treatment Ministry and the Kanyakumari District Social Welfare Department, HCC organized a 20-week diploma programme. This initiative aimed to provide education and support in addiction treatment. Additionally, HCC, Thiruppumunai, and the Department of Social Welfare conducted a "Parenting Skills Training Certificate Course" in collaboration with the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Drugfree Kanyakumari District, and Save Girl Child, Educate Girl Child. The course focused on highlighting the skills required for effective parenting and ways to develop these skills. The college has been actively involved in various initiatives aimed at promoting higher education, addiction treatment, parenting skills training, and cultural activities.
The Kanyakumari District Administration, in association with the Booksellers and Publishers Association of South India (BAPASI), organized a Book Fair and Cultural event at the Government Polytechnic College in Konam. HCC students actively participated in this event, showcasing their talents in cultural programs such as Bharathanatyam, Mime, Folk Dance, and Western Dance. Their performances added vibrancy to the event and demonstrated the rich cultural heritage of the college.
The faculty of HCC played an important role in contributing to the academic discourse. Seven of the faculty members along with Dr. Sr. Mary Gilda, the Secretary of the college presented papers at the International Conference for Integrated Discipline on Sustainable Development, organized by the Human Resource Development Centre (HRDC) at Scott Christian College (Autonomous), Nagercoil. This conference was conducted in collaboration with Curtin University, Dubai, and in association with Holy Cross College (Autonomous), Nagercoil, i-Manager Publications, Nagercoil, and the Scott Alumni Association. The participation of the faculty in such conferences showcases HCC's commitment to academic excellence and knowledge dissemination.
Holy Cross College has achieved remarkable success and has been recognized for its efforts. In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), the college secured a band of 101-150 and a band of 151-300 in NIRF innovation. Among autonomous colleges in India, HCC received the Education World Award, ranking 12th in Tamil Nadu and 26th in India. The Institution's Innovation Council (IIC) awarded HCC a 4-star rating, making it the only institution in the Kanyakumari District to receive the highest rating. Additionally, the Tamil Nadu government honoured HCC with the Green Champion Award, along with a monetary reward of Rs. 1,00,000. The college has also received 13 other awards from various organizations, recognizing its exceptional contributions in different domains.
Directional Impetus
The academic year at Holy Cross College has been centered around the theme "Initiate Innovate Collaborate," focusing on fostering a spirit of innovation, collaboration, and growth among staff and students. This report highlights the various activities and accomplishments of the institution in pursuit of its objectives.
Staff Development and Performance Appraisal: To promote individual growth and professionalism, all staff members were oriented to create Vidwan IDs, enabling them to access online resources and engage in continuous learning. The Human Resource Development Centre (HRDC) of the college formulated a scorecard for performance appraisal, providing a comprehensive evaluation framework. These initiatives have contributed to the improvement of staff members' skills and expertise.
Research and Publications: Holy Cross College emphasizes research and scholarly activities, as evidenced by the publication of 327 papers by both staff and students in the academic year. This remarkable achievement demonstrates the institution's commitment to fostering a culture of academic excellence and knowledge creation.
Social Responsibility: In line with the objective of inculcating social consciousness among students, two new National Service Scheme (NSS) units were formed. Additionally, permission was obtained to establish a National Cadet Corps (NCC) unit. These initiatives provide platforms for students to actively engage in community service and contribute to the betterment of society.
Alumni Engagement: Holy Cross College maintains strong ties with its alumni, fostering an amicable relationship. As a testament to this commitment, 40 alumni chapters were formed, facilitating interaction and collaboration among former students. Chapter meetings were organized in Tuticorin, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi, enabling alumni to connect and contribute to the growth and development of the institution.
Promoting Millet Utilization: Recognizing the significance of the International Year of Millets, Holy Cross College organized competitions to promote the use of millets. Students actively participated in these events and showcased their culinary skills by preparing 72 varieties of dishes made with millets. This initiative highlights the institution's dedication to promoting healthy and sustainable food choices.
Collaborations and Partnerships: To enhance academic and research collaborations, Holy Cross College signed 20 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with other reputed institutions, fostering exchange programs and joint research endeavours. Additionally, 34 MoUs were established between different departments within the college, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. Furthermore, 6 MoUs were signed with various clubs, enhancing co-curricular and extracurricular opportunities for students.
Skill Development: Holy Cross College conducted a total of 80 value-added courses and certificate courses to develop students' skills and competencies. These courses provide students with additional knowledge and practical insights, preparing them for the challenges of the professional world.
Perception Rate Improvement: As a result of these activities and initiatives, the perception rate of Holy Cross College has increased significantly from 3.07 to 5.24. This remarkable improvement showcases the institution's commitment to excellence and its ability to create a positive impact on stakeholders.
Holy Cross College's focus on "Initiate Innovate Collaborate" has yielded numerous achievements and advancements in various aspects of academic and holistic development. The institution's dedication to research, community engagement, alumni relations, and skill enhancement has contributed to its growth and reputation. Holy Cross College continues to inspire and empower its staff and students, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration for the betterment of society.