India is experiencing exponential growth in the higher education sector propelled by several factors. The deployment of the revised National Education Policy and government initiatives like “BetiBachao, BetiPadhao” have been able to create an awareness about the importance of education even in the remotest regions of the country where inhabitants are from underserved and tribal communities. Many privately funded organizations have also undertaken promising initiatives, trying to bring about a change in the overall system. Despite numerous efforts, there is still a significant part of the geographical region that needs to be covered, not only in terms of education but also to create awareness about its importance. The country requires philanthropic leaders who can create higher education institutions in these underserved regions and create an everlasting impact on the socio-economic backgrounds of the inhabitants. However, the literacy rate of Kerala is much better with a 96 percent literacy rate compared to other states of the country. There are 600 libraries in Kozhikode district alone and it can be witnessed that many initiatives to promote education are being taken by the government authorities as well as private institutions.

Little Flower Institute of Social Sciences & Health (LISSAH) is a one-of-a-kind institution that considered this challenge in the industry and started from Kaithapoil in Kozhikode district, Kerala, a remote area where education was just beginning to spread. It is managed by the St. Thomas Province of the Little Flower Congregation of CST Fathers and is affiliated with the University of Calicut. After the establishment of this college in 2003, the region's socio-economic status started changing with students from all over Kerala coming to study.

Initially, in 2003, the institution started with only a Mas­ter’s degree in Social work with only 14 students. Eventu­ally, it grew and today, it provides education to more than 800 students with UG and PG courses in subjects like Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, English Language and Litera­ture, Commerce, Journalism and Computer Science. Over the years, the Institute has produced numerous University toppers across various programs. “We believe in providing complete education to all the students and try and equip them with all the industry-oriented knowledge and exper­tise. There has been a continued focus on practical education and training students to become more socially responsible citizens”, mentioned Niju Thomas, Director, LISSAH.

We believe in providing complete education to all the students & try and equip them with all the industry-oriented knowledge & expertise. There has been a continued focuses on practical education & training students to become more socially responsible citizens

Focus on Community Intervention

The primary motto of the institution is empowering the students with practical knowledge and education relevant to the dynamic changes of the complete ecosystem. It has signed MoUs with various NGOs and private corporations that are active in Kerala to provide practical learning hours to students. LISSAH has also established research collaboration with Coventry University UK. Here, students are exposed to real-life work from their respective streams and can gain accurate knowledge based on their own experiences. One shining example that can be given in this regard is the establishment of clinics in local schools by LISSAH. 10 schools have been selected by the institution where it has opened counseling clinics. Students from the Psychology streams visit these schools once every week to learn about the problems faced by children. Because children from underserved regions and underprivileged communities study in these schools, a lot of real understanding can be gained by communicating with them. LISSAH has built a separate counseling cell where children from these schools are provided with guidance and knowledge about social responsibilities and it has been active for three years now.

Another example of LISSAH's relentless efforts at the betterment of society can be seen through its association with the district jails. Even in this case, the Psychology students go and live with the inmates for 2-3 days a month and make efforts to listen and understand their grievances. Through this exercise, the college wants to provide a ray of hope to the criminals by providing them with proper counseling and moral support. “Our college also undertakes social work projects related to creative interventions in drug addiction, woman empowerment, health & hygiene, and others. We have been declared the best socially committed college in last consecutive times under the Campuses of Calicut Initiative by the Calicut District Administration", stated Dr Benny Joseph, Principal, LISSAH.

LISSAH is a NAAC accredited A Grade College and provides its students with the latest infrastructure and facilities. LISSAH also earned the ISO 9001: 2015 accreditations and is striving to help young minds to live life in its fullness. It has a vast library, an audio-visual hall, fully equipped computer labs, ICT-enabled classrooms with WiFi connectivity, state-of-the-art sports facilities, and a student canteen. LISSAH has a diverse range of Clubs and Cells Including National Service Scheme, Women Cell, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre, theatre club, etc. The college excels in organising National conferences and fests like LISSOM, PSYFEST, and LISSAURA.It arranges various workshops and seminars inside the campus where many industry professionals and leaders come and provide students with the latest information about their respective domains. “We also have special scholarships for female students who have a good educational record but are economically backward”, he added.

Looking Ahead

LISSAH has gained significant trust and recognition in the region it is currently working on and has been able to provide quality education to thousands of students until now. Looking ahead, it wants to carry on with the good work, add more courses to its portfolio, and implement an industry-oriented learning infrastructure. LISSAH plans to increase the number of students and build a separate academic block in the coming years.