SANATANA DHARMA COLLEGE, ALAPPUZHA
INTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE CELL
The distinctiveness of Sanatana Dharma College is vividly signified by the epithet “Sanatanam Saparya”. The Sanskrit word “Saparya” represents service, selfless dedication and devotion to a noble cause. Sanatana Dharma College embodies these virtues through its devotion to social service and holistic development of youth. Its multifarious initiatives converge to the point of national building through education. “Saparya” also signifies the learning received by students in the institution. They imbibe the virtue of dedicated service through their involvement in various academic and extension activities of the college. They prepare themselves for serving the nation. Sanatana Dharma College in Alappuzha stands as a distinguished educational institution deeply embedded in the cultural and academic heritage of Kerala. Established in 1946, during the pre-independence era, the college has a storied history of providing exceptional education and nurturing intellectual development among its students. With a legacy spanning 77 years, the college has played a pivotal role in shaping the socio- economic, intellectual, and cultural fabric of Alappuzha.The roots of Sanatana Dharma College trace back to Sanatana Dharma Vidyasala, which was founded in 1905 under the auspices of the Theosophical Society of India. At a time when formal education was still uncommon in the region, Sanatana Dharma Vidyasala emerged as a beacon of primary education, catering to the educational needs of the local community. Recognizing the dearth of higher education opportunities in the coastal district of Alappuzha, Sanatana Dharma
Vidyasala took the visionary step of establishing Sanatana Dharma College. It is the first higher education institution in Alappuzha district. The institution was founded with a noble mission to guide young minds out of ignorance and towards truth, wisdom, and constructive action through a holistic approach to education that integrates knowledge, skills, and human values. The motto of the institution, “Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram”, is self explanatory which inculcate in a holistic educational vision and practice leading to the realisation of a fuller human life and to nation building. For
the past seventy-seven years, the college has diligently pursued its mission guided by the values of justice, tolerance, and secularism as enshrined in the Constitution of India, and inspired by the vision of its founders.Since majority of the students come from economically and socially weaker sections of the area, the institution has been serving to uplift society by providing quality education at affordable cost. Transparency, democracy, participation, and a robust organizational structure underscore every facet of the college's operations, ensuring accountability and maintaining excellence across academic and administrative domains. Sanatana Dharma college has 13 UG departments including a career-related B.A in Communicative English and a BSc programme in Microbiology. and 9 PG departments
which are itself research centres affliated to University of Kerala. They promote constructive academic dialogues, interdisciplinary research and the application of expertise for social causes. It is our mission to take learning beyond classrooms and harness the creative potential of young minds. The student-centric activities of the institution are crafted with the goal of achieving holistic development, encompassing five expected outcomes of the institution. Effective communication, Scientific outlook and Research aptitude, Skill and Employability, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Ethics, Values and Social responsibility.
Effective communication :- In addition to various aspects specified in curriculum, extra curricular and outreach programmes are being conducted for students so as to improve their communication skills. Various public speech programmes are organised for overcoming stage fright, structuring speeches, and delivering impactful presentations. Debates, digital communication seminars, leadership and team building exercises, writing competitions, capstone projects and presentations etc. are organised during the last five years with a view to inculcate critical thinking, writing skills, cultural understanding, leadership qualities, creative writing and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing among students.
Scientific outlook and Research aptitude :- Fostering scientific outlook and research aptitude not only enhances personal and professional growth but also contributes significantly to societal progress and the advancement of knowledge. A vast varieties of programmes were conducted in department and college level which were intended to provide hands-on experience with research tools and software, research ethics, practical exposure for research skills, problem solving skills, innovative thinking and interdisciplinary approaches etc.
Skills and Employability :- Skills and employability among students is crucial for their personal development, career success, and positive approach towards society. Educational institutions, play key roles in promoting a conducive environment for skills development and preparing students for the dynamic and competitive global workforce. Various skill acquisition programmes are conducted for making students competent in job market, proving adaptibility and resilience, boosting self confidence and personal growth, intending career advancement etc. In addition to hard skills such as technical skills, Industry knowledge, certificate programmes etc, programmes are organised in such a manner that enhance soft skills such as effective communication, team work, time management etc. of students.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship:- By integrating innovation and entrepreneurship into education, students not only acquire valuable skills and knowledge but also develop a mindset that empowers them to create positive impact, embrace change, and contribute to economic and societal advancement. This prepares them to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape where innovation and entrepreneurial thinking are increasingly valued. Entrepreneurship Courses and Programs,Innovation and Design Thinking Workshops,Innovation Labs and Makerspaces, Meet the Entrepreneur etc. were conducted as a part of Innovation and Entrepreneurship aspect of the institution.
Ethics, Values and Social responsibility:- Instilling a strong sense of ethics, values, and social responsibility in students is a prime duty of institution for preparing them to make ethical decisions, contribute positively to their communities, and uphold principles of integrity throughout their lives and careers. Various programmes such as social responsibility initiatives, volunteering activities, ethics in research and academia related, Peer mentorship initiatives, outreach activities etc are being in practice for the last 5 years.
In conclusion, the social responsibility of SD college in a rural area of Alappuzha is deeply intertwined with the principles of Santana Dharma. By providing quality education, engaging with the community, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting environmental stewardship, the college fulfills its duty to society and contribute to the holistic development of the region. In doing so, it not only upholds the timeless values of Santana Dharma but also serves as a beacon of hope and progress for generations to come.