NITCAA (formerly RECCAA) Programs, over the years
NITCAA Cochin Chapter has taken up various projects and organized several events over the years. Its one of the most active alumni organizations in India.
Prof. Jussay proposed a housing project in 1985 to allow alumnus to own a residential plot. It was a daring venture due to various obstacles and paucity of funds. But firm determination and resolve of alumnus overcame such challenges. 7 acres of land was acquired to realise the 'RECCAA Enclave' residential area at Padamugal in Kakkanad. RECCAA Enclave was huge success with more than 50 villa units build and occupied by Alumnus.
The Cochin RECCAA Centre was formed in 1989 with Dr. Babu T. Jose as President and Satheesh Baboo as Secretary to manage assets on behalf of alumni members. About 4 acres of land was purchased in the name of Cochin RECCAA Centre near the Ernakulam Collectorate.
The success of these projects inspired the formation of a registered RECCAA Housing Society in 1990 to carry out the mandatory procedures required to acquire housing plots for its members. The dedicated and selfless work of Prof. P M. Jussay, Dr. Babu T. Jose, A. M. Sadick, M. R. Devadas, Joseph Philip, Avarachen A. G., K. M. Michael, Mathew M. Mathew, Joseph Laligro and K. P Alexander saw the acquisition of about 14 acres of land in RECCAA Valley, Kakkanad, which will later on become home of renowned RECCAA Club!
The Cochin chapter conducted two Industrial Exhibitions, one in 1992 at the Marine Drive grounds and the second in 1995 at Manattiparambu. It is pertinent to note that these were the only major industrial exhibitions in Kerala State until recently. The exhibition was considered prestigious, even Maruti Suzuki chose to launch one of their automobiles in Kerala in 1992. The profit from these exhibitions were used to purchase an office space for the chapter at Ernakulam North.
Number of engineering colleges in Kerala has mushroomed in the last few years. It was not surprising that students were confused about the standards and facilities in these colleges, while making a choice for admission. RECCAA conducted two rating exercises of engineering colleges in Kerala to assist such aspirants. A detailed questionnaire, which was commended by Dr. A. Sridharan, former Chairman AICTE Regional Committee, as the best of its kind ever formulated in India, was circulated among the engineering colleges. Alumnus from all districts of the state enthusiastically supported the survey activity. Interesting to note that, credibility of that survey was remarkably high, many institutions even used the ratings in their prospectus and press briefings. This exercise helped the Cochin chapter to spread its alumni activity over the entire state.
The Cochin chapter had the honour of conducting the World NITCA Meet (WNM) in August 2011, the Golden Jubilee year of the National Institute of Technology, Calicut under the able leadership of its President Sri Fazal Ali.
In commemoration of WNM, NITCAA instituted two prestigious awards:
- Prof K M Bahauddin Award of Rs.1 lakh to the distinguished engineering teacher of Kerala State
- Prof P M Jussay Award for the best outgoing student of NIT Calicut.
In the same year, scholarships were awarded to needy students of government engineering colleges of the state.
Another award was instituted for the best PhD thesis of the state from 2020 on January 26th every year. NITCAA Cochin attracted the attention of the engineering community of the state when these awards are presented.
NITCAA Tower is latest residential project for alumnus by Cochin Chapter under leadership of Mr. K. P. Mohandas, President (2016-18). This project is currently in progress.
