The Red Ribbon Club (RRC) is a voluntary organization dedicated to raising awareness and fighting the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. It operates under the aegis of the Kerala State AIDS Control Society (KSACS) and is a vital component of India’s national HIV prevention and control program. The primary objective of the Red Ribbon Club is to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and its prevention, as well as to reduce the stigma and discrimination faced by individuals living with the virus.
The club mainly targets young people, with the aims to empower and educate the youth, who are considered a vulnerable group with regards to HIV/AIDS. The RRC conducts various awareness campaigns, workshops, and seminars on topics like prevention, testing, and living with HIV. One of the crucial aspects of RRC is combating the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS. The club promote a more compassionate and understanding society, fostering acceptance for individuals living with the virus. Blood donation is often closely associated with the Red Ribbon Club as part of our broader efforts to combat HIV/AIDS and promote public health.
Faculty Coordinator
Events@2025-2026
The NSS Red Ribbon Club (RRC) of BVM Holy Cross College actively demonstrates its
commitment to social responsibility by being ever ready to support emergency blood
donation requirements. The club maintains a proactive approach in mobilizing student
volunteers whenever there is an urgent need for blood.
Mar Sleeva Medicity Hospital, which is located in close proximity to the college, frequently
benefits from this support system. In emergency situations, NSS RRC student volunteers
promptly respond and willingly donate blood as required by the hospital authorities. This
immediate availability of donors has played a crucial role in supporting patients during
critical medical situations.
The active participation and readiness of the students reflect the strong humanitarian values
promoted by the NSS RRC club. Their voluntary service not only helps save lives but also
strengthens the collaboration between the college and the nearby healthcare institution.
Few photos and certificates related to the blood donation activities are attached herewith for
reference.
As part of the observance of World AIDS Day, the NSS Red Ribbon Club (RRC) Unit organized various awareness activities on 1st December 2026 to educate volunteers about HIV/AIDS and to promote responsible behavior.
The programme began with a pledge ceremony, during which the NSS RRC volunteers took a pledge to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS, eliminate stigma and discrimination, and support people living with HIV.
Following the pledge, the NSS RRC Unit conducted a quiz competition for the volunteers to assess and enhance their knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS, its prevention, and related social issues. The quiz generated enthusiastic participation and active involvement among the volunteers.
A total of 50 volunteers participated in the programme. Prizes were distributed to the winners of the quiz competition as a token of appreciation and encouragement. The programme was successful in creating awareness and reinforcing the importance of collective responsibility in combating HIV/AIDS.
A cancer awareness class was conducted for the NSS Red Ribbon Club (RRC) volunteers of the college in association with Mar Sleeva Medicity Hospital, Pala on 18th September 2025. The programme aimed to create awareness among students about cancer prevention, early detection, and the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle.
The session was led by Dr. Rony Benson, who provided detailed insights into the different types of cancer, common risk factors, early warning signs, and the significance of timely medical intervention. He also emphasized the role of awareness, regular screening, and lifestyle modifications in reducing cancer-related risks.
The class was highly informative and interactive, with students actively participating in the discussion and clarifying their doubts. The programme helped enhance the volunteers’ understanding of cancer and equipped them to act as awareness ambassadors in the community.
The NSS RRC Unit of the college organized a Narrative Performance to create awareness about HIV/AIDS among college students on 11th September 2026 at the college campus. The programme aimed to educate students about the causes, prevention, myths, and social stigma related to HIV/AIDS and to promote empathy and responsible behavior.
The programme began with a brief introduction highlighting the importance of HIV/AIDS awareness among youth. The resource person, Ms. Kayamkulam Vimala, delivered an informative and engaging session through narrative performance. Her presentation effectively conveyed real-life experiences, challenges faced by people living with HIV/AIDS, and the importance of awareness, early diagnosis, and social support.
The narrative performance deeply impressed the students and helped them understand the issue beyond textbooks. It also emphasized the need to eliminate discrimination and misinformation surrounding HIV/AIDS. The interactive style of the performance encouraged students to reflect on social responsibility and compassion.
The programme was informative, impactful, and successful in achieving its objectives of spreading awareness and sensitizing students on HIV/AIDS.
The NSS Red Ribbon Club (RRC) of the college organized a Basic Life Support (BLS) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Training Programme for the students on 7th August 2025, in association with Mar Sleeva Medicity Hospital, Pala.
The programme aimed to equip students with essential life-saving skills and to create awareness about the importance of immediate response during medical emergencies. Ms. Sruthy S., Registered Nurse, Mar Sleeva Medicity Hospital, served as the resource person for the session.
The training included both theoretical explanations and practical demonstrations on BLS and CPR techniques. Students were trained in assessing emergency situations, performing chest compressions, providing rescue breaths, and handling unconscious victims effectively. The resource person explained the steps clearly and encouraged active participation, making the session highly interactive and informative.
The programme was well received by the students, who actively engaged in the hands-on practice sessions. The training helped enhance their confidence and preparedness to respond to emergency situations.
The NSS RRC Club of BVM Holy Cross College organised a Blood Donation Camp in the college campus in association with the Government Medical College, Kottayam on 30th July 2025. The programme was conducted with the objective of promoting voluntary blood donation and creating awareness among students about the importance of donating blood to save lives. A team of qualified doctors, nurses, and technicians from the Government Medical College, Kottayam efficiently managed the medical procedures and ensured that all safety and hygiene protocols were strictly followed. Prior to donation, donors underwent proper medical screening, including checking of haemoglobin levels, blood pressure, and general health conditions. The event witnessed active participation from students across various departments. A total of 60 students voluntarily donated blood, reflecting their strong sense of social responsibility and commitment to humanitarian service. The volunteers of the NSS RRC Club played a key role in coordinating the programme, assisting donors, and maintaining discipline throughout the camp.The blood donation camp was successfully conducted and received positive feedback from both the medical team and participants. The programme served as a meaningful initiative in fostering social awareness and reinforcing the values of service and compassion among students.
Events@2024-2025
On 8th November 2024, Suryajith Sajimon, Justin Jose, and Sidharth M Nair, students from the Commerce Department of Bishop Vayalil Memorial Holy Cross College, Cherpunkal, demonstrated exemplary community spirit by donating blood at Mar Sleeva Medicity, Pala. Their altruistic act highlights the significant role of youth in supporting life-saving healthcare initiatives and reflects the college’s commitment to fostering social responsibility and compassionate service among its students.
On October 25, 2024, Tinson Tomy and Arnold Jaison, students from the Computer Department at Bishop Vayalil Memorial Holy Cross College, Cherpunkal, showed remarkable community spirit by donating blood at Medical College, Kottayam. Their selfless contribution underscores the vital role of young people in supporting life-saving healthcare efforts and exemplifies the college’s dedication to promoting social responsibility and compassionate service among its students.
On September 12, 2024, six students from Bishop Vayalil Memorial Holy Cross College, Cherpunkal, exemplified outstanding community service by donating blood at Mar Sleeva Medicity, Pala. The donors included Alex John Paul from the Commerce Department (A-6671), Ganga G from the Social Work Department (A-6688), Alan Sobin from the Computer Department (A-6564), Arnold Sabu from the Media Department (A-6484), Sivakrishnan S from the Computer Department (A-6530), and Alen Thomas from the Computer Department (A-6422). Their collective act of kindness demonstrates the importance of youth engagement in life-saving healthcare initiatives. Blood donation is a noble gesture that plays a crucial role in saving lives and addressing critical medical needs. These students’ participation highlights the spirit of social responsibility and compassion encouraged by the college. Such actions set an inspiring example for their peers to contribute meaningfully to society. Their dedication reflects the power of collective effort in supporting public health and welfare.
On August 27, 2024, Gavin Thomas from the Commerce Department and Joyal John Mathew from the Mathematics Department of Bishop Vayalil Memorial Holy Cross College, Cherpunkal, demonstrated exemplary community service by voluntarily donating blood at Mar Sleeva Medicity, Pala. Their selfless act reflects the vital role of youth in lifesaving initiatives and emphasizes the significance of contributing to public health efforts. This commendable gesture by students from diverse academic streams showcases the collective responsibility of young people in fostering a culture of compassion and support for healthcare causes.
A blood donation camp was organized by the Red Ribbon Club and NSS of Bishop Vayalil Memorial Holy Cross College, in association with Kottayam Medical College, on August 7, 2024. The event was inaugurated by Principal Rev. Dr. Baby Sebastian and was led by doctors from Kottayam Medical College, including Medical Officer Dr. Chitra James, Counselor Anoop P J, and Nursing Officer Sheeja James, along with technicians and NSS &RRC program officers. The camp was a success, with 40 people, including faculty and students, donating blood to help save precious lives. The event was held from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm and was a heartwarming example of the community coming together to support a noble cause. The blood donation camp was a joint effort of the college and medical college, and its success is a testament to the dedication and commitment of the organizers and participants.
On 2nd August 2024, Jerin James and Ahul George, first-year BBA students, exhibited commendable community spirit by donating blood at Caritas Hospital, Kottayam. Their contribution highlights the importance of young individuals in lifesaving acts and community service. Additionally, Adithyakrishna Anil, a fifth-semester BCA student (Admission Number A-6210), and Adithya Ashok, a fifth-semester BSW student (Admission Number A-6325), also demonstrated their dedication to societal welfare by donating blood at Mar Sleeva Medicity in Pala. These actions by students from different disciplines underscore the collective responsibility and the positive impact they can make in supporting healthcare initiatives.
On 8th July 2024, a commendable act of altruism was displayed by the students of BVM Holy Cross College, Cherpunkal, as they participated in a blood donation drive at the Medical College in Kottayam. This noble initiative was coordinated by the Red Ribbon Club of BVM Holy Cross College, which aims to promote awareness and encourage voluntary blood donation among students.
A total of five students from various departments came forward to donate blood, exemplifying the spirit of community service and social responsibility. The students who participated in the blood donation drive were:
Each of these students made a significant contribution by donating blood, which will help save lives and support patients in need at the Medical College. The event was conducted smoothly, with the support and guidance of the medical staff, ensuring that all safety protocols and health guidelines were followed.
Events@2023-2024
World Blood Donor Day is observed on June 14th each year, dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of voluntary blood donation and recognizing the critical role that donors play in saving lives. In honor of this significant occasion, NSS unit in association with Red Ribbon Club and Social work Department organized a blood donation drive on June 14th, 2023 at Marian Medical Centre Pala. Fifteen people including NSS volunteers and Mr. Jibin Alex NSS Programme Officer participated in the blood donation drive and fifteen units of blood were collected during the drive. This contribution can potentially save numerous lives in critical situations. The event successfully raised awareness about voluntary blood donation and dispelled myths and misconceptions related to the process. Donors and participants expressed their satisfaction with the event, emphasizing its well-organized and supportive nature. This initiative exemplifies the spirit of social responsibility and altruism among college students, contributing to the betterment of society and the health and well-being of those in need.
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