For the students of Toc-H Institute of Science and Technology (TIST) , the two-day techno-cultural fest “Advay” organized by their college was not just a platform to showcase their talent but a novel charity initiative to support poor patients at Ernakulam Government General Hospital.
The fund raised through registration and sponsorship for the fest held on February 23 and 24, was on
Thursday donated for providing free medicines and free dialysis to the poor patients. Nearly 52 colleges from the across the state participated in the fest. The college management also provided a financial assistance of Rs 50,000 to the family of Mr Babu Joseph who died due to renal failure.
“The students are aiming to extend the charity project for the benefit of poor patients at other hospitals in Kochi. We want the students to be highly socially- committed citizens. The fest has been a big success with nearly 15,000 students participating in it. From the time of conceiving such a fest, we decided to donate the fund for various charity programmes and the students whole heartedly supported it,” said TIST principal Dr Vincent H Wilson.
He added that the college would identify needy patients at the hospital in consultation with the hospital authorities and would undertake similar charity programmes in the coming days.
The fest emerged as a platform for the students to showcase their talents in various technical and cultural activities. Nearly 50 events, including performances by some of India’s best professional artistes, were organised as part of this year’s festival.