The Higher Education Review

Coming from an economically backward class, for Dr. Mohamed Ismail, pursuing a quality education at an affordable fee was a far-fetched dream, until he came across E. G. S. Pillay Arts & Science College (EGSP Arts Science College). An alumnus of the 2003-2005 batch of students, Dr. Ismail after working with different positions in eminent organizations, is now serving as the Additional Principal at his own alma-mater, EGSP Arts Science College. He shares, "When I was studying at EGSP Arts Science College, the student strength was merely 400, but over the years due to the quality and cost-effective education that the institute has been rendering, today the student count has gone up to around 5500." Situated in the Thethi village of Nagapattinam city, Tamil Nadu, and affiliated to the Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, EGSP Arts Science College since its establishment in 1996 has been changing the lives of numerous youth in the region by gifting them the jewel of knowledge and ushering a path to success.

Interestingly, EGSP Arts Science College that started as only Boys College converted into a co-ed College in 2000 and currently the institute boasts of a student population where the number of female students has outgrown the male counterpart. "The region where EGSP Arts Science College is placed mostly consists of people from agricultural background resulted which they had a very less access to quality education. The existence of EGSP Arts Science College has helped a number of talented students to find their respective true callings and accordingly provide them an ideal platform," pinpoints Dr. Ismail.

Widening the scope of students in choosing their preferred course, the institute runs 13 Under Graduate, 10 Post Graduate "Our Management team is quite conscious regarding enabling the students to stay relaxed in the matter of paying the fee, given which, students are allowed to pay the fee in multiple installments. The more stress is on building a competent workforce," says Dr. Ismail. The institute provides ample financial assistance to students throughout the year based on sport, academic and extra-curricular excellence. As the institute focuses on empowering the rural youth, a heavily skill-based curriculum is been imparted to the students. There is moreover, Wi-Fi facilities for the students encouraging them to utilize technology to the fullest and earn essential knowledge.

"To support the students in having a smooth transition from campus to professional circumstance, the institute has the backing of a highly qualified and proficient 220 faculty members"

Constructing a Better Future

EGSP Arts Science College is not a regular institute with an impractical list of goals, instead, EGSP Arts Science College is set up on the foundation of a noble cause - uplifting the lifestyle of the socially and economically section of the region. "Every day we dedicate at least an hour in grooming the students through conducting classes on personality development, soft skill, writing skill and so on. All these take place in addition to the prescribed curriculum," claims Dr. Ismail. The institute has tied-up with industry giants like HCL and others, for carrying out a variety of activities seamlessly - ranging from training to placement opportunities. To support the students in having a smooth transition from campus to professional circumstance, the institute has the backing of a highly qualified and proficient 220 faculty members. Dr. Ismail adds, "The Management from time to time motivates the faculty members to indulge in research activities and appear for competitive examinations

such as NET and SLET."

There is a committed Internal Quality Assurance Cell of the institute which entitles the faculty members to maintain a higher quality in education. "Besides the inputs from faculty members and the guest lecturers, our alumni play a great role in sharing their experiences and network with the ongoing students of the college. In every six months, we organize alumni meet in the campus," shares Dr. Ismail. At EGSP Arts Science College, students are facilitated with a range of activities beyond the classrooms which includes stimulating them to participate in sports and celebrate special programmes like Pongal fest and Women's Day, where well-known celebrities and delegates are been invited. Given these, the instituted is endowed with a list of students who have played in State and National level. Dr. Ismail adds, "The reward of free education is been conferred to such students. After all, the idea is to see our students succeeding in different fields."

When the graduates of EGSP Arts Science College leave the institute after completion of the programme, they are not only handed over the conventional degree but also are provided with a Certificate/ Diploma/ Advanced Diploma in the value-added course, which each student are subjected to earn in parallel to their respective degrees. Standing out from the crowd, the students of EGSP Arts Science College by the end of their courses, owing to the hard work put by the Placement Cell, get access to job placements in companies like Wipro, Eureka Forbes, HGS and many more. "We are preparing for the NAAC accreditation in full swing as apparently; the committee is going to visit the campus in next three months. However, in long-term goals, we are determined to achieve the autonomous status followed by emerging as Deemed-to-be-University through continuing to generate holistically groomed graduates," concludes Dr. Ismail.