News from NICO | Wickets for Welfare: NICO's Charity Cricket Tournament

Nitte Institute of Communication, demonstrated sportsmanship and concern for the underprivileged with 'Wickets for Welfare,' an Intercollege Charity Cricket Tournament held on 20th & 21st April 2024, at the KSHEMA Grounds, Deralakatte.

This CSR activity was a student-driven campaign that focused on seamlessly integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application, enabling students to utilize their skills for a noble cause. The event, spearheaded by enthusiastic students resulted in the collection of Rs. 1,76,000 to be donated towards charity.

The event was inaugurated by Dr. Satheesh Kumar Bhandary, Vice President, Institutional Social Responsibility, Nitte University and Fr. Siby Kaitharan, Director, Snehasadan. In his inaugural speech, Dr Bhandary lauded the efforts of students in wanting to do their bit for the needy and said Nitte University has always embodied the spirit of giving to the less fortunate, through its many CSR activities.

The valedictory program, on the next day saw Mr. Samuel Jayaraj, well known Cricket Coach, as Chief Guest and Col. B.S. Ghivari, Asst. Director, Student Affairs as Guest of Honour.

Prof. Raviraj, Head of NICO, Faculty Coordinator, Ms. Anjali Rai, Student Coordinators Arfan Ahmed, Johnson D’Souza and Nikita Nair along with the students of ll B.A ensured the smooth conduct of the tournament. The two-day overarm cricket league tournament, featured 8 teams - K S Hegde Medical Academy, A B Shetty Institute of Dental Sciences, NGSM Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, P A College of Engineering, Nitte Institute of Speech & Hearing, Yenepoya Institute of Allied Health Sciences, Nitte Institute of Architecture along with the hosts Nitte Institute of Communication. The competition, characterized by 6-over matches using tennis balls, promised a display of cricketing talent. Players exhibited commendable sportsmanship, with K S Hegde Medical Academy emerging victorious and A B Shetty Institute of Dental Sciences securing the runners-up position. Both winning teams in a remarkable gesture of sportsmanship and benevolence donated the prize money (First prize - Rs.10,000 and Second Prize - Rs.5,000) to charity. Snehasadan, beneficiaries of the event, were presented with a cheque of Rs. 50,000. Located at Gurupur-Kaikamba, Mangalore, since 2001, Snehasadan has been providing comprehensive care and support for children living with HIV. The remaining amount will be allocated to support the marginalized sections of society.