Crescent Sustainability Initiatives
Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)
The B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology (BSACIST) is dedicated to fostering an inclusive educational environment that promotes lifelong learning opportunities for all individuals, particularly those from economically weaker backgrounds. This commitment aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 1 (SDG 1) – No Poverty, which aims to end poverty in all its forms everywhere. By implementing various initiatives, including scholarship programs and community engagement activities, BSACIST actively contributes to reducing poverty and empowering students to pursue higher education.
The Visionary Legacy of Dr. B.S. Abdur Rahman: Pioneering Educational Upliftment for All
The legacy of Dr. B.S. Abdur Rahman is epitomized in the establishment of the B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, a realization of his dream to uplift society through education. As a great philanthropist, reformer, and a first-generation self-made entrepreneur, Dr. Abdur Rahman shared the profits of his 6 billion USD business in India and abroad to create “Not for Profit” institutions focused on empowering women and socially disadvantaged groups. He championed equal opportunities, founded on principles of honesty and transparency, and his Zakath Fund during Ramadan provides free scholarships amounting to over Rs. 3 Crore annually to support the poor.
A staunch advocate for the education of the poor, Dr. Abdur Rahman has established a vast network of educational institutions that cater to the needy. Founding the Seethakathi Trust in 1967 and the All India Islamic Foundation in 1979, he created a total of 12 educational institutions, including a leading engineering university, women’s college, Arabic college, multiple schools for boys and girls, a nursing college, a teacher training institute, a B.Ed college for women, as well as hospitals and orphanages in urban and rural Tamil Nadu. The B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology is committed to providing educational assistance to individuals from all backgrounds, specifically targeting school dropouts and those unable to continue their higher education, regardless of caste, creed, sex, or religion.
Commitment to Educational Equity
BSACIST’s policies reflect a strong commitment to ensuring equitable access to quality education. The institute’s Lifelong Learning Access Policy emphasizes the importance of providing educational resources to all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic background. This policy aims to enhance access to educational opportunities, thereby promoting social equity and contributing to the broader goals of sustainable development.
A. Scholarships for Economically Weaker Students
One of the key initiatives BSACIST has undertaken to support economically weaker students is the BSA Crescent Alumni Zakat Scholarship program. This program is designed to assist needy college students in Tamil Nadu by providing financial support to help them pursue their education. The scholarship program aligns with the mission of alleviating poverty and empowering individuals through education.
Figure XVII (3.1) – 1 : BSA Crescent Alumni Association – Annual Report for the year 2022-23
In the year 2022, the BSA Crescent Alumni Association distributed a total of ₹14,98,977/- (Rupees Fourteen Lakhs Ninety-Eight Thousand Nine Hundred and Seventy-Seven only) in scholarships, benefiting 140 students. This financial assistance plays a crucial role in enabling students from low-income families to access higher education, thereby breaking the cycle of poverty. The scholarship program not only addresses immediate financial needs but also instils a sense of hope and dignity among recipients, empowering them to aspire for better futures.
B. Community Engagement – Bridging the Digital Divide for Enhanced Learning Opportunities
B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology (BSACIST) has actively engaged in educational outreach activities beyond its campus, demonstrating a commitment to community development and the enhancement of local education. A notable initiative involved distributing computers to primary school children in the adopted villages of Padappai and Rattinamangalam on September 12, 2022.
The distribution of computers is a significant step in bridging the digital divide and enhancing learning opportunities for young students in these villages. By providing access to technology, BSACIST equips children with essential tools for their education and fosters an environment where they can develop digital literacy skills crucial for their future academic and professional endeavours.
This initiative reflects the university’s understanding of integrating technology into education, particularly in rural settings with limited resources.
Figure XVII (3.1) – 2 : Empowering Young Minds: BSACIST’s Educational Outreach Initiative in Padappai and Rattinamangalam – Distributing Computers and Enhancing Learning Opportunities for Local Schools
C. Community Engagement – Enhance Opportunities for Individuals in the Public Sector
The BSA Crescent Alumni Association’s recent initiative to donate TNPSC preparation books to the Abiramam Trust in the Ramanathapuram District exemplifies the commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 1: No Poverty. By providing essential educational resources to underserved communities, this project aims to enhance opportunities for individuals seeking employment in the public sector. Such endeavors not only empower individuals through education but also contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty by enabling access to stable job prospects. The initiative underscores the belief that education is a fundamental tool for social mobility and economic upliftment, aligning perfectly with the mission to foster equality and opportunity for all.
Figure XVII (3.1) – 3 : Empowering Minds: Donation of TNPSC Preparation Books to Abiramam Trust in Ramanathapuram
B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology is committed to supporting economically weaker students through scholarships and community engagement initiatives. By aligning its policies with the principles of SDG 1 – No Poverty, the institute actively contributes to reducing poverty and promoting educational equity. Through programs like the BSA Crescent Alumni Zakat Scholarship and various outreach activities, BSACIST empowers individuals to pursue higher education, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and community development. As the institute continues to expand its initiatives, it remains dedicated to serving society and promoting knowledge for all, regardless of socio-economic status.
Rubrics for SDG 1: No Poverty
| 4 to 5 | There is significant progress in effective implementation compared to the previous year |
| 3 to 4 | The necessary processes/activities (Support to students based on income, assistance to local start-ups) have been implemented |
| 2 to 3 | There is an explicit plan to address the ‘No Poverty’ and necessitated processes have been initiated |
| 1 to 2 | There is an understanding and willingness to contribute effectively for achieving the UN targets of SDG 1 |
| 0 to 1 | There is no/partial willingness and plan to contribute for achieving the UN targets of SDG 1 No Poverty |
Please find the Report: SDG ACCORD REPORT
