As part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan 2025 initiative, NIFT-TEA College and Southern Railway, Tiruppur, came together to promote cleanliness, hygiene, and community involvement. The collaborative event aimed to raise social awareness and inspire active participation among students and the public, aligning with the mission’s broader objectives.
The initiative began with a large-scale cleanliness drive conducted within the railway premises under the NSS program of NIFT-TEA College. Students and volunteers took part enthusiastically, highlighting the importance of maintaining clean public spaces and fostering civic responsibility. The event also featured an exhibition where students showcased artworks created from waste materials, demonstrating creativity and environmental consciousness. Among the highlights was the “Vande Bharat Gravity Art,” which attracted admiration from visitors and railway officials alike.
To recognize the students’ contributions, a felicitation ceremony was held on the NIFT-TEA College campus. The event saw the presence of several dignitaries, including JV Suresh Kumar, DRUCC Member, Salem Division; officials from the Southern Railway, Tiruppur Station; Dr. V. R. Sampath, Dean of NIFT-TEA College; and Dr. P. P. Gopalakrishnan, Principal.
During the event, Suresh Kumar lauded the students of NIFT-TEA for their continued commitment to social welfare and environmental causes. He also encouraged Southern Railway to conduct more such collaborative programs that blend education with social responsibility. Krishna Nandan Pandit shared insights into the Rail One App, a digital platform developed by the railway department to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency.
Adding an educational dimension to the occasion, Dean Dr. V. R. Sampath delivered a special lecture titled “Indian Railways – Tracks of Time.” In his talk, he traced the evolution of Indian Railways, beginning with the first passenger train journey on April 16, 1853, from Mumbai (Bori Bunder) to Thane. The historic journey, powered by three locomotives—Sahib, Sindh, and Sultan—carried 400 passengers across 14 carriages, marking the dawn of railway travel in India.
Dr. Sampath also revisited the earliest proposal for railways in India, made in 1832 in Madras, which led to the construction of a short track from Red Hills to Chintadripet Bridge. He detailed how the East Indian Railway and the Great Indian Peninsular Railway played a vital role in connecting different regions of the country, transforming India’s transportation landscape.
Highlighting modern advancements, he discussed the Vande Bharat Express, capable of speeds up to 180 km/h with its 9000 HP electric engine, and the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project, designed to reach 300 km/h. These examples reflected how Indian Railways continues to evolve while staying rooted in its rich legacy.
Students participated actively throughout the event, engaging with speakers and officials with curiosity and enthusiasm. Faculty members of NIFT-TEA College ensured the event’s smooth coordination, creating an atmosphere that was both informative and inspiring.
This joint initiative between NIFT-TEA College and Southern Railway stands as a testament to how educational institutions and public departments can collaborate meaningfully to promote social awareness. As part of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan 2025, the program not only reinforced the values of cleanliness and responsibility but also celebrated the role of youth in shaping a more conscious and community-driven future.
