The Centre for Social Justice and Equity (CSJE), Madras School of Social Work (MSSW), in collaboration with the Centre for the Study of Social Inclusion and Inclusive Policy at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University (MSU), Tirunelveli, organized a mass public awareness campaign titled “Samaththuvam Kaanbom” (Ensuring Equality) on December 20, 2024, at the VOC Auditorium, MSU. The initiative was part of the broader mission of the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, to promote equality and social harmony among students and youth. The campaign was organized in response to rising caste-based tensions in educational spaces, particularly following incidents in Nanguneri, Tirunelveli. Around 900 students participated, with 40 NCC volunteers and 10 faculty members coordinating the event. The program aimed to encourage students to foster equality in their campuses, challenge caste-based discrimination, and act as ambassadors of social justice.
The campaign began with the Thamizh Thaai Vazhththu, followed by a welcome address by Dr. R. Selvaraju, Director of the Centre for Study of Social Inclusion Research at MSU. Prof. (Dr.) J. Sacratees, Registrar, MSU, delivered the inaugural address emphasizing Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision of equality. Resource persons including Thiru Ganesan, Assistant Commissioner, Social Justice and Human Rights Unit, Tirunelveli, and Dr. K. Ragupathi, Member, Tamil Nadu State Commission for SC/ST, inspired students to understand and challenge caste inequalities. The event featured awareness posters, a “selfie booth” promoting digital outreach, and cultural performances by students and Kalaivanar Kalaikuzhu. A “Reel Competition” on the theme Samaththuvam Kaanbom was launched to extend the campaign’s impact. The campaign concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. P. Suseendhira, Programme Coordinator, CSJE, MSSW. Feedback from participants highlighted the campaign’s effectiveness and suggested further interactive and recurring awareness initiatives to sustain the message of equality and inclusion.
There have been several posters designed and pasted on the walls of the venue hall, and the students have seen the posters in the mass public awareness campaign.
