Parivarthana, the social outreach program of SCMS Cochin School of Business, Aluva, is an annual month-long initiative designed to sensitize students to socially relevant issues. This year, the program focused on the theme “Say No to Drugs,” aiming to raise awareness among school children about the dangers of drug abuse.
Parivarthana 2023 involved 105 students from SCMS, divided into eleven groups, each tasked with visiting two schools. This ensured comprehensive outreach and participation. Prior to the presentations, students coordinated logistics with the schools to facilitate smooth operations.
Parivarthana 2023 reached over 4,300 students across 21 schools within three days. The initiative not only educated these students about drug abuse prevention but also extended its impact to their homes and families, spreading the message to a wider community. By targeting students in grades 7 to 10, Parivarthana addressed a vulnerable age group, equipping them with the knowledge to make informed decisions. The program also promoted values of social responsibility and active citizenship, preparing the younger generation to contribute positively to society
Parivarthana is a student-driven outreach initiative dedicated to creating positive social change through awareness, interaction, and community engagement. The program empowers students to visit schools and connect with younger learners, helping them understand important social issues in a simple, relatable, and meaningful way. Over the years, Parivarthana has touched on various themes that promote responsible citizenship and holistic growth.
For this cycle, Parivarthana focuses on mental wellbeing, a crucial area for today’s young learners. Students in Grades 6–8 often navigate emotional, academic, and social pressures that can affect their mental health. The program aims to support them by promoting awareness, building resilience, and sharing practical strategies to maintain emotional balance.
The sessions are designed to be interactive, friendly, and age-appropriate. Rather than overwhelming students with complex ideas, the program highlights simple and useful concepts such as:
The goal is to help children recognise that mental health is as important as physical health.
One of Parivarthana’s strongest features is its peer-led model. Slightly older students conduct the sessions, creating an environment that feels natural and approachable. Younger students often relate better to peers who understand their world, speak their language, and share real-life experiences. This method encourages open communication, builds trust, and allows students to express themselves more freely.
During the sessions, students learn about empathy, communication, and the importance of supporting one another. They are taught to:
Activities and discussions help make conversations about mental health natural and stigma-free.
The Parivarthana outreach program was implemented across multiple schools, with six dedicated teams working in pairs to deliver impactful awareness sessions. The teams included:
Each team was assigned a school and prepared engaging presentations, activities, and demonstrations tailored for students aged 11–14 years. Volunteers used skits, mime acts, group discussions, and interactive elements to explain:
The sessions encouraged participation and allowed students to ask questions, share experiences, and engage in meaningful dialogue.
The event concluded successfully across all locations, with each team delivering powerful, age-appropriate messages. Parivarthana continues to stand as a platform where students uplift their communities and contribute to positive social development. The program also offered valuable learning experiences for the volunteers, enhancing their leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. Overall, Parivarthana strengthened supportive and empathetic school environments and reaffirmed its role as a powerful platform for inspiring students to contribute positively to the wellbeing of their communities.
