Action Campaigns - Bharata Mata College
Transcript of Action Campaigns - Bharata Mata College
Action Campaigns
“Awareness Creates Difference- Do and Motivate”
Awareness programmes and campaigns constitute a major part of the environmental
initiatives of the institution. The college is involved in umpteen numbers of projects and
campaigns, many of which are executed in collaboration with several bodies or organizations.
The stakeholders of the institution firmly believe in making a difference through action
campaigns. As propagators of change, this transformation is initiated from within by engaging
in motivational activities and campaigns. The departments, in accordance with the nature and
scope of their discipline, align the activities towards a greener campus by engaging in a
plethora of activities: observance of days related to ecology and planet system, conducting
rallies, quizzes, debates, making wall magazines with environmental themes, planting and
distributing saplings, agriculture learning sessions etc.
Departments of Physics, Chemistry, Botany and Zoology observe
World Environment day, International Ozone day, World Wetlands Day
and National Science Day every year, in collaboration with Kerala State
Council for Science, Technology and Environment.
ACTION CAMPAIGNS 2019
Environment protection and initiatives constitute the very ethos of the institution, and the
different departments of the institution vigorously organize diverse ecological and sustainable
practices and campaigns yearlong. The plethora of activity-based learning effectively instils
environment consciousness among the students, which is the need of the hour. The
environment enhancement and protection activities undertaken by the students positively
contribute to lessen the environmental degradation. The following are the details of the
environment-related activities conducted in the odd semester of the academic year 2019-20.
Inthinai 2019, a three-day Residential Camp
Humans Are Responsible For Environment Disasters
-KureepuzhaSreekumar
The Department of Malayalam, Bharata Mata College, Thrikkakara, organized
Inthinai 2019, a three-day residential camp and study tour, at the camp centre of Pathirappally
Sarvodayapuram Socio-Economic Foundation. The camp, aimed at introducing
Environmental Studies to students, was inaugurated by renowned poet Kureepuzha
Sreekumar. In his inaugural address, the poet called humans the sole species that destroys the
very planet that sustains their lives and said that we ourselves are responsible for all
environment disasters. From being the state that would remain unaffected even after weeks of
torrential rain, Kerala has now become the land that floods with just a single day’s rain.
The indiscriminate filling up of rivers and paddy fields is the reason behind this
degradation of the land. Human encroachment and exploitation of the environment are the
reasons behind the large-scale destructions that took place in Kavalappara and Puthumala. It
is the need of the hour that at least from now, such unregulated and indiscriminate
exploitations of the environment are stopped. This demands the joint efforts of everyone,
especially the younger generations. The key note address was delivered by Adv Pradeep
Koottala. Dr Thomas Panakkalam, Head of the Department of Malayalam, presided over the
function. Faculty members Fr Varghese Paul Thottiyil and Dr Liji Joseph spoke on the
occasion. The inaugural function was followed by a panel discussion on Environment and
Human Rights moderated by Dr Devi K Varma.
The members on the panel were environment activist K V Dayal, T Mohanan and
Jayan Thomas. Day two of the camp was spent visiting the ecologically sensitive regions and
cultural institutions of Alappuzha District while on Day three, Kuttanad’s iconic paddy fields
and the Vembanadu Lake were visited. The three-day residential camp and study tour offered
a novel experience for the students. They were able to gather first-hand information on the
kind of atrocities that the environment is put through in contemporary times. The tour was
organised according to the five geographical distinctions, namely Kurinchi, Mullai, Palai,
Marutham and Neythal, explained in Tolkapiyam, a major text of Dravidian aesthetics. The
camp was in keeping with the syllabus for the paper Environmental Studies and Human
Rights prescribed for the students of fifth semester under Mahatma Gandhi University,
Kottayam.
Inthinai 2019: A Journey through the Lands and Rivers of the Five Thinais
The three-day residential camp and study tour Inthinai 2019 organised by the
Department of Malayalam, Bharata Mata College, Thrikkakara, offered an opportunity for
experiential learning about the environment to the students. The tour, which presented a
novel experience for the students, was organised according to the five geographical
distinctions, namely Kurinchi, Mullai, Palai, Marutham and Neythal, explained in
Tolkapiyam, a major text of Dravidian aesthetics. The camp was in keeping with the syllabus
for the paper Environmental Studies and Human Rights prescribed for the students of fifth
semester under Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam.
Inthinai 2019 was held at the camp centre of Pathirappally Sarvodayapuram Socio-
Economic Foundation, Alappuzha. The camp, aimed at introducing Environmental Studies to
students, was inaugurated by renowned poet Kureepuzha Sreekumar. The key note address
was delivered by Adv Pradeep Koottala. Dr Thomas Pankkalam, Head of the Department of
Malayalam, presided over the function. Faculty members Fr Varghese Paul Thottiyil and Dr
Liji Joseph spoke on the occasion. The inaugural function was followed by a panel discussion
on Environment and Human Rights moderated by Dr Devi K Varma. The members on the
panel were environment activist K V Dayal, T Mohanan and Jayan Thomas.
Day two of the camp was spent visiting the ecologically sensitive regions and cultural
institutions of Alappuzha district. The campers were received in S D College, Alappuzha by
its Malayalam Department. Dr Ajayakumar, Head of the Department of Malayalam, S D
College, spoke on the topic Environmental Concerns in Malayalam Poetry. Poet Shijimon,
students Ambili and Sila recited poems. Following this, the campers visited Thottapilly
Spillway, Pozhi and Harbour. Poet Kailas Thottapilly recited a poem and engaged a session
on the worldview of Kumaranasan’s poetry at Kumarakodi, Pallana. The campers were
addressed by poet Kavalam Balachandran at the Karumadikuttan Memmorial. They then
visited S B College, Changanachery. Were they were received by the Malayalam Department.
Department Head Dr P Antony, Dr Joseph Scaria and Ajeesh Thomas engagaed in
conversation with the students on the importance of Environment Studies. Prof T J Mathai
spoke on the EcoFriendly Means of Waste Management.
The study tour then reached Manaykachira Idom, Changanachery, where Anthrayose
Maratukalam and Lallu Susan explained the science of Acupressure treatment to the students.
The play Kayalkadamba, written by Sunil K Anand, was presented. On the third day of the
camp, Kuttanad’s iconic paddy fields and the Vembanadu Lake were visited. Pathiramanal, a
natural island on the Vembanadu Lake, and the threats to it became topics of debate and
discussion in the study tour.
Organised under the leadership of Dr Thomas Panakkalam, Head of the Department
of Malayalam, Bharata Mata College, Thrikkakara, faculty members Dr Liji Joseph, Fr
Varghese Paul Thottiyil, Jineeshlal Raj and Ramsiya M A, and student leaders Anandu Anil,
Maria S Pillai, the camp and study tour was a resounding success with 40 participant
students.
World Environment day 2019
On 7th June 2019, Department of Zoology, Bharata Mata College, Thrikkakara, observed The
World Environment day with full vigor and enthusiasm. An Awareness Rally was conducted
to the college ground. The Official inauguration was held at the college ground by the chief
guest Prof. S. Sitaraman (Kerala State River Protection Council, President), by planting fruit
tree saplings. 201 saplings were purchased from the Social Forestry of Kerala Forest
Department, among which almost 60 saplings were planted by the Manager, Principal,
Teachers and Students.
‘Adorn with Green’ - awareness rally on environment protection by the zoology students
‘Adorn with Green’ - awareness rally on environment protection by the staff and students of
Zoology department, BMC, Thrikkakara
‘ADORN WITH GREEN’ – A Green Initiative of Dept. of Zoology as a part of World
Environment Day Observation 2019
Planting of fruit tree saplings by Prof. S. Sitaraman, Manager and Principal as part of ‘Adorn
with Green’ a green initiative by the department of Zoology.
Technical session by Prof. (Dr.) S. Sitaraman, a renowned environmentalist
State level seminar on the theme ‘GREEN EARTH – CLEAN AIR’
The Department of Zoology, Bharata Mata College in collaboration with Kerala State
Council for Science, Technology & Environment (KSCSTE) organized a one-day state level
seminar on 15.06.2019 on the theme ‘GREEN EARTH – CLEAN AIR’. The seminar was
inaugurated by the college Manager, Rev. Fr. Jacob G. Palackappilly. Principal Dr. Shiny
Palaty presided over the function. Dr. C.M. Joy, retired Professor (S.H.College, Thevara)
and a reputed environmentalist, inaugurated ‘Adopt a Tree’ campaign. Technical
sessions were led by Adv. Harish Vasudevan, Dr. C.M Joy and Dr. S. Bijoy Nandan (HOD,
Marine Science department). A Documentary on ‘Air Pollution’ was shown. Intercollegiate
Painting competition on the theme ‘Green Earth – Clean Air was also held. Cash Prizes were
given to the winners by Dr. S. Bijoy Nandan during the valedictory function.
State Level One Day Seminar on ‘Green Earth – Clean Air’ being inaugurated by the
Manager, Rev. Fr. Jacob G. Palackappilly.
‘Adopt a Tree’Campaign being inaugurated by Dr. C. M. Joy by adopting and planting a
tree sapling which would be known and cared on his name.
Prof. Francis Joseph Edathrakary (Former HOD) and Prof. Grace Jacob (Retd. Faculty)
planting fruit tree saplings as a part of ‘Adopt a Tree’ campaign.
Adv. Harish Vasudevan delivering a lecture on ‘Environment Conservation through
Environment Laws in India- How far is it successful?’
Dr.C.M Joy delivering a talk on ‘Global scenario of Air pollution’
Dr. S. Bijoy Nandan planting a fruit tree sapling as part of ‘Adopt a Tree’ Campaign
following his talk on ‘Some Thoughts on Environmental Pollution’
Display of the paintings drawn by the participants of Inter collegiate Painting Competition on
the theme ‘Green Earth Clean Air’
Cash Award being presented to the winners of inter collegiate painting competition by
Dr. S Bijoy Nandan
Industrial Visit – Department of Zoology
On August 3, 2019 the IInd DC zoology students of the 2018-21 batch visited the
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary at Kottayam and Thanneermukkam bund, a Ramsar site of
ecological importance at Alappuzha . The primary interest of the field trip was to learn more
about the wetland flora and fauna and the habits of the migratory birds that are annual
visitors of the bird sanctuary. The group comprised 39 students and 3 staff. The field trip
was educational and informative. The Kumarakom bird sanctuary is one of the largest
heronries in Kerala and home to many species of birds, fishes, amphibians, reptiles and to a
number of wetland medicinal plants.
Resource person leading the class at Kumarakom
Numerous double crested Cormorants on trees
Staff and students during their field trip at Kumarakom
Open Course students of 2019-20 batch were taken for a Field Visit to Sahrudaya Agro
Gardens, Ponnurunni. Dr. Simi Joseph P and Ms. Aswathy S accompanied the students.
OBSERVANCE OF DAYS OF SCIENTIFIC IMPORTANCE
COMMEMORATED HIROSHIMA/NAGASAKI DAY BY THE DEPARTMENT OF
ZOOLOGY ON 20th AUGUST 2019
In commemoration of Hiroshima Day and Nagasaki day on August 6th and 9th respectively,
the zoology students of Bharata Mata College, Thrikkakara played a skit
‘ATHIJEEVANAM’ followed by a flash mob. The skit played on the college courtyard
featured ‘Peace’ and ‘Justice’ on Japanese people and it depicted the sequence of events that
happened during World War II and the fateful day on which the Americans bombed the
major Japanese cities: Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6th and 9th respectively. The play
conveyed a positive message of how recovery from vast devastation is possible with a wilful
heart and determined mind of society. The skit was concluded by a flash mob on the theme
‘Peace’. Manager and Principal felicitated on the occasion. Dr. Simi Joseph P. delivered the
vote of thanks.
Clippings of the SKIT: ‘ATHIJEEVANAM’
OBSERVANCE WORLD OZONE DAY ON 25.09.2019 AT COLLEGE PORTICO
Zoology students performed a flash mob on 25.09.2019 during the lunch break in the college
portico through which was conveyed a message to the college fraternity “Earth does not
need us, but we need Mother Earth – Let us protect her’. How the mourning grey earth
resulted by anthropogenic greed (through tree felling & plastic menace) could be converted to
a smiley blue-green earth was beautifully enacted by the students through the flash mob. Also
there was a 2 minute narration of 2019 theme of World Ozone Day ’32 years of Healing’.
There is a ray of hope in this year’s celebration as it is understood, parts of ozone layer have
recovered at the rate of 1 – 3% per decade since 2000. The narration also depicted the
importance of ozone layer, how careless human activities and mismanagement of plastic and
such other waste contribute to Global Warming. Following the flash mob, Principal Dr. Shiny
Palaty addressed the gathering and gave a message. She emphasized the importance of Ozone
layer, how it becomes a protective layer to Mother Earth, extended all support to students for
such acts of eco-consciousness and called for such initiatives to be extended outside the
campus to the public. Association secretary Eve Anchal Vaj proposed vote of thanks.
Observance of World Ocean Day
In connection with World Ocean Day observed on June 8th of every year, the English
Association of the Post Graduate Department of English, Bharata Mata College, released a
wall magazine on 19th June 2019 at 1: 45 pm at the department. The wall magazine themed
‘Ocean and Gender’ was well explored and crafted by the students of II BA English. Dr.
Priyalakshmi G, Head of the Department of Zoology released the magazine in the presence of
around hundred students and all the teachers of the department. The inauguration was
followed by a speech by Dr. Priyalakshmi on the topic of gender inequality existing in the
fields related to the discipline of oceanography and fisheries. She appreciated the department
for initiating such activities stressing on the relevance for creating awareness regarding the
challenges faced by the international community in connection with ocean, and the need for
conserving ocean and its resources. Aparna Mary John of II BA English spoke about the
theme of the wall magazine- Ocean and gender. The Head of the Department, Ms.
LissyKachappilly also spoke about the subject acknowledging the thought of the students to
celebrate the World Ocean Day by unveiling magazine relating to the theme of the year.
Arathy Sunilkumar of II BA English delivered the vote of thanks. The gathering was
dispersed after the distribution of sweets.
Healthy Lifestyle towards Sustainability
On 4th September 2019, in connection with Nutrition week celebration, Food Fest
was conducted under the aegis of the department of Botany, in which nutrition rich
plant based food items: Vegetable salad, Fruit Salad, Fruit Juices, Sprouts, Dry
fruits were served.
‘Friday Strike for Future’
In solidarity with climate change activist Greta Thunberg, the department of
Economics conducted a distinct programme on 27th September 2019 in the college
courtyard. The programme was inaugurated by college manager Rev Fr Jacob G
Palackappalli and was attended by Dr Shiny Palatty, college principal. The
programme stood apart due to the participation of almost all the students from the
department spreading the message that environmental protection is not just for the
activists, but rather should be practiced by every citizen.
Field Visit
On 6th September 2019, as part of syllabus of Open course, 26 students from various
departments were taken to a horticultural Nursery, under the aegis of the department of
Botany. They got opportunity to observe plants raised by different propagation methods like
budding, grafting, tissue culture etc. Information on different types of gardening like
ornamental garden, indoor garden, and kitchen garden were given.
Zonal Seminar ‘OZONE – 2019’
Zonal Seminar ‘OZONE – 2019’ was organised by the department of Botany in
connection with World Ozone Day celebration. Participants were invited from various
institutions. Technical sessions were carried out by following resource persons:
1. Dr. REGIL T (Cochin University of Science andTechnology)
2. JOJO T D (Ashoka Trust for Research and Ecology and the Environment)
On 18thJune 2019, a Collage making competition was held in connection with the
World Environment Day celebration. The competition was organized around the
theme for World Environment Day 2019 - “Air Pollution”.
World Wetlands Day 2019
The Department of Physics of Bharata Mata
College, Thrikkakkara celebrated World
Wetlands Day on February 6th and 7th 2019 in
association with Kerala State Council for
Science, Technology and Environment
Intercollegiate Poster Design Competition based on the theme ‘Climate Change’ and the
exhibition of posters as part of World Wetland Day Celebrations
World Environment Day 2018
Department of Zoology, Bharata Mata College, Thrikkakara in collaboration with Kerala
State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) celebrated World
Environment Day (Eco - Day 2018) with the focal theme ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’ on 5th June
2018. Renowned Environmentalist Prof. M K Prasad (Former Pro-Vice Chancellor of Calicut
University) inaugurated the event. The fest included Intercollegiate Essay writing and
Painting competitions.
Intercollegiate Essay writing and Painting competition being held as part of ‘World
Environment Day’ Programme (ECO DAY 2018) organized by the Department of Zoology
Reading Week 2018
The Post Graduate Department of English observed Reading Week from 18th to 22nd of June
with several inter and intra-departmental competitions to inspire and inculcate reading habits
in students including Book reviews, poetry writing and poetry reading based on the focal
theme, Eco-Consciousness.
All Kerala Science Fest ENSEMBLE 2018
The Post Graduate Department of Chemistry and Research Centre conducted all Kerala
Academic Science Fest, Ensemble 2018 during 27-28 February 2018 in collaboration with
Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment, as part of Science Day
Celebrations. Dr. K.N. Ninan, Rtd. Deputy Director, ISRO was the chief guest.
International Ozone Day 2017
The Post Graduate Department of Chemistry & Research Centre, Bharata Mata College,
Thrikkakara in collaboration with Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and
Environment (KSCSTE) celebrated International Ozone Day 2017 with the focal theme
‘Caring for all life under the sun’ on 18th September 2017. Dr. C.M.Joy, Retd. Prof. of
Botany, S.H. College, Thevara was the keynote speaker. The faculty and students of the
department took oath on protecting our mother earth
Oath taking by the Faculty and Students of Chemistry department during Ozone day
celebrations
Every year, Department of Zoology organizes a debate competition in the state
level on a topic related to the protection and preservation of mother earth as part
of Rev.Fr. Jacob Kariatty memorial competition. The competition successfully
sensitizes the youth to their role in conserving the nature and impeding the
reckless exploitation of nature through responsible management of its resources.
State level Debate competition on the topic “Greening Kerala – Dream or Reality” for Rev.
Fr. Jacob Kariatty memorial ever rolling trophy, conducted by the Department of Zoology
on 6th January 2018.
The documentary titled “The Plastic Cow” was screened for the participants, which conveyed
the message of the pernicious effects of plastics and their negligent disposals by humans that
are detrimental to the ecosystem and its species. In the interactive session that followed, the
students actively participated and shared their ideas and views on how to minimise the usage
of plastic and promote nature friendly products.
Awareness Programme on Environmental Sustainability
Ms. Maya
Varghese and Ms. Simi
Stephen of the Rotary
Club Cochin North
delivered talks on
environmental hazards
caused by the erroneous
disposal of plastic
bottles, which had its evil
part played in the recent
Kerala floods.
Ms Tara and Ms Simi Stephen of the Rotary Club Cochin North inspired the students
on Environmental Sustainability with their awareness talk on 16 October 2018 regarding the
environmental hazards caused by the erroneous disposal of plastic bottles, which had its evil part
played in the recent Kerala floods. They sensitized a gathering of around hundred students towards
the immediacy of actions to be taken to recycle plastic bottles sensibly. The Department of English
has responded positively to this cause by joining hands with #I Challenge Plastic Bottles, initiated by
Rev.Fr Davis Chirammel, Kidney Foundation of India
Habit Green Challenge 2016
In the wake of increased use of pesticides and burgeoning life style diseases, it is essential to
develop the practice of kitchen gardening. The department of MSW launched a World
Environment Day special green initiative, Habit Green Challenge 2016, as part of which,
organically grown curry-leaf leaves’ saplings were distributed in the community. The
programme was organised in collaboration with Peotive E- Commerce Private Limited,
Thrikkakara Municipality and Habit Green challenge Campaign. About 500 saplings were
distributed. Ms. K.K Neenu (chairperson, Thrikkakara), C.A Nishad (Ward counsellor),
Traffic S.I Pradeep, and the Manager of the college, Rev. Fr. Jacob G Palackapilly, had
distributed the saplings along with the students.
As part of World Environment Day 2016, Department of MSW distributing saplings of
curry leaves to the passengers in Edappally National Highway.
World Environment Day 2015
Departments of Botany & MSW distributing saplings of fruit trees to the students of the college
and Kudumbasree units in Thrikkakara Municipality on World Environment Day 2015
International Seminar on Eco feminism: Prehistoric Roots and Modern
Relevance
An international session on Eco feminism: Prehistoric Roots and Modern Relevance
by Dr. Yukio Kamino was held at Bharata Mata College, Thrikkakara on March 19, 2019.
Dr. Kamino is a Senior Researcher and Coordinator of OISCA International, a Tokyo
based NGO in Japan. The session conducted under the auspices of the Department of
English aimed at sensitizing the youth towards developing empathy towards the exploited
nature and marginalised women, and stimulating them towards the attainment of a
sustainable environment. Around 85 PG students from English Department and MBA
benefitted from the session.