DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC POLICY
Public Policy
Events
Events 2025-26
Policy Award Ceremony 2026 – June 05, 2026
The Policy Award Ceremony 2026 was organized by the Department of Public Policy with the primary objective of recognizing and celebrating the outstanding academic and creative efforts of students in the field of public policy drafting. The event aimed to foster a culture of policy awareness, critical thinking, and civic engagement among students. A total of eight (8) policies were submitted by student teams throughout the academic year. These policies underwent rigorous evaluation by the faculty and department supervisors. The ceremony served as a prestigious platform to acknowledge the best policy draft of 2026, thereby motivating students to engage meaningfully with real-world governance challenges.
Dr. R. Radhai, Head of the Department extended a warm welcome to all the dignitaries, faculty members, students, and guests. She outlined the significance of the Policy Award Ceremony and highlighted the department’s commitment to nurturing future policy leaders.
Dr. Ayub Khan Dawood, Dean, SSSH Dean of the School of Social Sciences and Humanities, delivered an inspiring felicitation address, appreciating the efforts of the students and encouraging them to pursue impactful careers in public service and governance.
Mr. Ilanchezhian, Programme Director addressed the students with words of motivation and encouragement, emphasising the importance of practical policy engagement and inspiring them to contribute meaningfully to society through evidence-based policymaking.
Dr. Nisha Nujumudeen, Deputy Director of the Department, addressed the students with heartfelt motivational insights, urging them to remain committed to academic excellence and social responsibility.
Dr.Venkata Lokesh, Assistant Professor presented a comprehensive overview of the Policy Draft 2026 process. The presentation covered the journey of all eight student policy teams, the evaluation methodology, thematic areas addressed, and the overall learning outcomes of the initiative.
The Chief Guest, Ms. Mariam Habeeb Abdur Rahman Buhari, Trustee and Joint Correspondent of Crescent Group of Institutions for Girls, was warmly felicitated by the department. In her address, she celebrated the students’ intellectual endeavours, acknowledged the importance of policy education, and shared her vision for empowering the next generation of change makers.
Ms. Devadarshini, a final year student, represented her peers in sharing the student experience of the policy drafting process. Her heartfelt reflections highlighted the challenges, learning, teamwork, and personal growth gained through this unique academic initiative.
The formal proceedings of the event concluded with the Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Towseef Ahmad, Assistant Professor, Department of Public Policy. He expressed sincere gratitude to the Chief Guest, all the dignitaries, faculty members, supporting staff, and the student community for making the Policy Award Ceremony 2026 a grand success.
The Policy Award Ceremony 2026 was a resounding success, reflecting the Department of Public Policy’s commitment to academic excellence and student development. The event provided students with a meaningful platform to present their policy research, receive recognition, and be inspired by distinguished personalities from academia and institutional leadership.
Events 2024-25
Madras Day Celebration
On August 22, 2024, B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology celebrated Madras Day, honoring Chennai’s rich history and cultural heritage. The highlight of the event was a guest lecture by Dr. E. Rajashekar, who explored Chennai’s historical transformation and cultural significance, emphasizing its contributions to arts and education. Organized by the Department of Public Policy, the celebration fostered appreciation and awareness of the city’s legacy, making it a memorable occasion for faculty and students alike. Overall, the event successfully reinforced the institute’s commitment to promoting cultural understanding.
Policy Making Workshop
On August 1, 2024, the Department of Public Policy hosted a workshop titled “Bridging the Gap: Participation of Vulnerable Sections in Policy Making” at BSACIST, featuring Ms. Vanessa Peter as the chief guest. The workshop aimed to address challenges faced by vulnerable groups in the policy-making process and explore strategies to enhance their participation. Ms. Peter delivered a keynote presentation discussing systemic barriers and shared a case study from Perumbakkam, highlighting personal testimonies from residents facing resettlement challenges. The event concluded with an open discussion, fostering engagement and providing practical insights. Overall, the workshop emphasized the importance of inclusive policy-making and offered valuable perspectives for future initiatives.
Commemoration Of Kargil Vijay Diwas
On July 26, 2024, the Department of Public Policy commemorated the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas at BSACIST with an event honoring the bravery and sacrifices of Indian soldiers during the Kargil War. Chief Guest Mr. D. Balaji, an ex-soldier, shared poignant experiences from the battlefield, emphasizing the dedication and resilience of military service. NCC faculty member Mr. M. Murugan also recounted the hardships faced by soldiers, fostering deep respect and gratitude among attendees. The event successfully instilled a renewed sense of patriotism and encouraged students to consider joining national service organizations. Concluding with a vote of thanks, the commemoration highlighted the significance of honoring those who serve the nation.
Policy Making Award Ceremony
On July 12, 2024, the Department of Public Policy at BSACIST held an award ceremony to recognize exemplary policy drafts created by final-year students. The event featured guest speaker Shri Saravanakumaran, an IRS officer, who emphasized the significance of effective policy-making skills for societal progress and governance. Students presented innovative solutions to current issues, with one group awarded a cash prize for their outstanding policy on urban aesthetics. The ceremony celebrated student achievements and inspired future leaders in public service. Dr. R. Radhai concluded the event with a vote of thanks, reinforcing the importance of policy development in shaping effective governance.
Events 2023-24
Civil Services Day
On April 21, 2024, the Department of Public Policy hosted Civil Services Day at BSACIST, featuring Shri R. Rangarajan, a former IAS officer and author, as the guest speaker. The event focused on the history and significance of the Indian Civil Services, with Rangarajan sharing insights from his career and introducing his book, Polity Simplified. The workshop included an engaging Q&A session and concluded with awards recognizing student achievements. Overall, the event inspired students and highlighted the vital role of civil services in nation-building.
Panel Discussion On SDG-5
On March 18, 2024, the Department of Public Policy hosted a panel discussion on achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls at the Incubation Centre Seminar Hall. The event featured esteemed speakers, including Ms. Nivedita Hamsadhwani Louis, Ms. Geetha Ilangovan, and Ms. J. Deepalakshmi, who shared insights on various challenges and strategies related to gender equality. Dr. D. Ayub Khan Dawood and Dr. R. Radhai set the stage with opening addresses that highlighted the importance of the discussion. Each panelist presented unique perspectives, covering topics such as women’s rights, societal challenges, and the role of inclusive policymaking. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by student Ms. Nandhika, leaving attendees inspired to advocate for gender equality in their communities.
Workshop On Therapeutic Yoga
On February 1, 2024, the Department of Public Policy organized a one-day workshop titled “Therapeutic Yoga for Human Excellence” at the Incubation Center, led by Mrs. Marudham Arumugam, an expert in therapeutic yoga. The workshop aimed to explore the mental health benefits of yoga and included a mix of presentations, practical demonstrations of yoga techniques, and engaging discussions. Participants actively engaged in both theoretical and practical aspects, experiencing firsthand the stress-relieving effects of yoga. The event concluded with a Q&A session and positive feedback from attendees, who appreciated the interactive format and practical insights. Recommendations for future workshops included follow-up sessions and additional resources to support ongoing practice. Overall, the workshop successfully promoted holistic wellness and enhanced well-being among participants.
Panel Discussion On Youth And Civic Responsibilities
On September 20, 2023, B S Abdur Rahman Institute of Science and Technology hosted the “Youth and Civic Responsibilities” workshop, aimed at empowering youth for effective civic engagement. Opening remarks by Dr. Ayub Khan Dawood and presentations from experts highlighted the importance of responsible citizenship, political engagement, and social responsibilities. Interactive sessions fostered hands-on learning, culminating in a vote of thanks from Dr. Ramshin Rehman. The workshop successfully equipped participants with valuable insights and tools for community involvement.
