Date: 20th September 2026
Venue: Jeevadaan Charitable Trust
Organised by: AICUF Karnataka
1. Introduction:
AICUF Karnataka organised Nourish Drive 2026 as an initiative to promote the values of sharing, caring, service and solidarity. The drive aimed to collect essential food items from students and members of different AICUF units and share them with children and people in need.
The programme was conducted under the guidance of Fr. Merwyn Loyd Fernandes SJ and with the active support of the AICUF Karnataka State Core Committee.
2. Participating Colleges
Students and representatives from the following institutions participated in the initiative:
- St. Agnes College
- St. Joseph Engineering College (SJEC)
- St. Aloysius Deemed to-be University College
Five students from St. Joseph Engineering College were also part of the programme and actively participated in the activities at Jeevadaan Charitable Trust.
3. Collection of Food Items
As part of the Nourish Drive, students from the participating colleges contributed various essential and non-perishable food items. The items included:
- Rice, cereals and grains
- Lentils and pulses
- Wheat flour / Atta / Maida
- Rava
- Cooking oil
- Sugar and salt
- Spices and masalas
- Tea / Coffee powder
- Millets
- Other non-perishable food items
The collected items from the college-level drives were brought together for the state-level initiative and later taken to Jeevadaan Charitable Trust.
4. Visit to Jeevadaan Charitable Trust
On 20th September 2026, the collected food items were taken to Jeevadaan Charitable Trust and donated for the benefit of the children. The programme was conducted especially for children living with HIV. The visit was not limited to the distribution of food items. The volunteers also spent time with the children and created a friendly and welcoming environment through various interactive activities.
5. Interactive Activities
To make the programme enjoyable and engaging, the volunteers conducted games and action songs for the children. The children actively participated in the activities, making the session lively and interactive.
The interaction gave the volunteers an opportunity to spend quality time with the children, share happiness and build a sense of friendship and togetherness.
6. Participation and Coordination
The programme received active participation from students of the three colleges. The AICUF Karnataka State Core Committee members were present and supported the coordination and execution of the programme. The guidance of Fr. Merwyn Loyd Fernandes SJ, along with the cooperation of the State Core Committee and participating students, contributed to the smooth conduct of the initiative.
7. Experience and Learning
The Nourish Drive was a meaningful learning experience for all the participants. The visit helped the students understand that service is not only about donating material resources but also about giving time, attention, friendship and care.
Interacting with the children through games and action songs created an atmosphere of joy and helped the volunteers experience the importance of acceptance, compassion, empathy and solidarity. The programme also strengthened the bond among AICUF students from different colleges and encouraged them to participate actively in social outreach and service activities.
8. Conclusion
Nourish Drive 2026 was a meaningful initiative that brought together students from St. Agnes College, St. Joseph Engineering College and St. Aloysius College in the spirit of service and solidarity.
The donation of essential food items, combined with the joyful interaction with the children at Jeevadaan Charitable Trust, made the programme a memorable experience. The initiative reminded the participants that even a small contribution can make a meaningful difference in someone's life.With the guidance of Fr. Merwyn Loyd Fernandes SJ and the support of the AICUF Karnataka State Core Committee, the programme successfully carried forward the message: “Share Food. Spread Hope.”
