The post SVKM’s NMIMS Hosts International Study Abroad Fair for Aspiring Students More than 50 globally renowned universities participate. appeared first on SPANDAN e-Magazine.
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SVKM’s NMIMS believes in providing its students with a global mindset, and this is evident in NMIMS’s more than 55 partnerships with renowned foreign universities like Virginia Tech, Purdue University, University of Bristol, The University of Queensland and Monash University, to name a few. The students have been benefitting from the unique learning opportunities offered by these collaborations.
Distinguished representatives from renowned academic institutions, including Queen Mary University of London, Arizona State University in the USA, Australian National University in Australia, University of Nottingham in the UK, IE Business School in Spain, Johns Hopkins Carey Business School in USA, University of Edinburgh in the UK, Western University in Canada, EDHEC Business School in France, and Domus Academy Milano in Italy. The fair was aimed at students from class VIII to postgraduates seeking flourishing academic and career opportunities abroad. Student attendees at the event received detailed information about the various undergraduate and postgraduate programs offered by these universities. The event covered a wide range of streams, including Engineering, Sciences, Pharmacy, Architecture, Commerce, Management, Economics, Marketing, Research, Liberal Arts, and Law among others, and the various programs provided by these universities.
The counselling sessions held at the fair were very helpful in clarifying the admission process for students. They provided valuable information about the different scholarships available to them and how to apply for them. The session also included tips on how to prepare for entrance tests.
The study abroad fair proved to be an excellent platform for the 600+ students from diverse academic backgrounds at the fair to connect with delegates and subject matter experts from across the globe and explore promising career opportunities in their fields. It was in line with NMIMS’ objective to become a global centre of excellence and provide its students with opportunities to study at the best foreign universities.
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]]>The post NMIMS University’s Arthritis Awareness Initiative Draws Crowds on World Physiotherapy Day 2023 appeared first on SPANDAN e-Magazine.
]]>The camp was inaugurated by Dr. Ramesh Bhatt, Vice Chancellor NMIMS Deemed-to-be University, and Dr. Ali Irani, HOD Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, Nanavati Max Hospital and Chairperson, International Affairs, Indian Association of Physiotherapists. The camp also saw the presence of dignitaries from NMIMS University, including Pro Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Meena Chintamaneni, Member of the Managing Board, Shri Shalin S Divatia and I/C Dean, Associate Professor & HOD, Biological Sciences, Sunandan Divatia School of Science, Dr. Purvi Bhatt.
World Physiotherapy Day is celebrated on 8th September across the world to raise awareness about treatments through physiotherapy and honoring the vital services provided by physiotherapists for restoring people’s physical health.
The day kicked off with an Arthritis Awareness Quiz tailored for students. This quiz was designed to challenge their knowledge of different types of arthritis and their clinical symptoms. It provided students with an opportunity to apply their theoretical understanding to real-world scenarios. Their active participation showcased a commitment to increasing awareness about this widespread condition.
A highlight of the day was the guest lecture delivered by Mumbai-based renowned arthroscopy surgeon, Dr. Nagraj Shetty. Dr. Shetty, celebrated for his expertise in orthopedic care, delivered an informative lecture on the crucial role of soft tissues in preventing knee arthritis. He spoke about preventive measures, treatment options, and the latest advancements in soft tissue management. The lecture not only educated but left a lasting impact on the audience, broadening their horizons about the essential role played by soft tissues in preventing arthritis.
Over two days, an extensive fitness analysis camp was held, with an impressive turnout of around 80 participants, including faculty and staff members of NMIMS University. The camp aimed to evaluate the different aspects of fitness like balance, strength, cardiovascular endurance, and flexibility by using clinical tests and measurements.
Master’s students in physiotherapy meticulously managed the various fitness stations that were arranged to ensure that each participant received a thorough assessment. After completing the assessments, participants were given detailed explanations of their results. These personalized insights highlighted their strengths and areas for improvement as well as tailored exercises and lifestyle modifications to improve their fitness.
The celebration of World Physiotherapy Day 2023 at NMIMS University successfully raised awareness about arthritis and provided valuable insights from a leading expert. It also inspired participants to prioritize their health through fitness assessment and guidance. The eye-opening event highlighted the NMIMS’ Department of Physiotherapy’s relentless commitment to promoting a culture of wellness and health consciousness among its students, faculty, and staff.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Purvi Bhatt said, “We greatly appreciate the exceptional efforts of our physiotherapy department in promoting physical well-being. This two-day camp has been instrumental in educating the public about arthritis symptoms, prevention, and treatment. At NMIMS, our ongoing commitment is to raise awareness about critical health issues.”
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]]>The post SVKM’s NMIMS School of Science Ignites Passion for Nature on World Nature Conservation Day 2023 appeared first on SPANDAN e-Magazine.
]]>The celebration started with the “Waste Collection Drive” held from 24th to 28th July 2023, at Mithibai College, Mumbai. The five-day drive encouraged participants to contribute to conservation by donating e-waste, plastic waste, and paper waste. Old earphones, smartphones, laptops, chargers, plastic bottles, bags, notebooks, and newspapers were among the items accepted. The School of Science partnered with GreenCiti, Recycle India Foundation, ReCircle, and Robin Hood Army.
Further, to promote a spirit of healthy competition and education, two exciting events were scheduled for the 27th and 28th of July: Kaun Banega Conservationist: a thrilling event that challenged participants’ conservation knowledge and awareness, and offered exciting cash prizes for the winners. For Sculpt ‘N’ Sprout, participants showcased their creativity by transforming plastic bottles into beautiful pots, promoting the theme “Conservation of Forests.”The event was sponsored by ZeroMiles Technologies Services Pvt. Ltd. and winners of Sculpt N Sprout and Kaun Banega Conservationist were awarded the ‘ZeroMiles World Nature Conservation Day Award.’ Additionally, the exhibition at Mithibai College foyer showcased various conservation projects and initiatives.
A generous contribution of 22 trash bags brimming with waste was made. The donated saplings found purpose in Sculpt N Sprout. Moreover, resourceful BSc Animation and VFX students crafted sculptures from plastic waste, while a DIY origami hat-making corner emerged from discarded newspapers. Among the victorious students in these contests were Khushi Jain, Rukeshree Rajput, Ananya Sukhtankar, Maitri Jhaveri, Neha Amin, Shachi Shirwadkar, Yashaswini Ajay, Mayuri Shelar, Yashika Papne and Sushrut Vartak.
Dr. Purvi Bhatt, I/C Dean, SDSOS, shared the highlights from the transformative week-long conservation endeavor. She said, “ At Sunandan Divatia School of Science, NMIMS Mumbai, we embrace the essence of World Nature Conservation Day, a momentous occasion that is observed every 28th of July. Our dedication to safeguarding the environment and fostering awareness about the preservation of our precious wildlife and plant life was exemplified through this week-long celebration. This vibrant week comprised four impactful events, each carefully designed to echo the urgent call for conservation. We harnessed plastic waste, transforming it into community assets – benches, bins, and stationery. Our tri-fold drive united GreenCiti for e-waste reforestation and Robin Hood Army for educational nourishment, echoing our commitment to holistic conservation. Embracing the spirit of inquiry and innovation, our school envisions a curriculum where ‘Research’ is not just a component, but the very essence. Through this, we nurture a reservoir of exceptional scientific minds.”
Students, faculty, staff from SDSOS and other SVKM institutes and NMIMS Schools were a part of these inspiring events and contributed to the noble cause of nature conservation.
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]]>The post Boardroom Competition! appeared first on SPANDAN e-Magazine.
]]>We bring you insights from the first thrilling event by Student Council of the academic year: Boardroom Competition! The echoes of passionate minds collided as the students of BBMM and IMBA came together in an electrifying display of intellect, strategy, and innovation. It was a place where ideologies took flight, ambitions were ignited, and the quest for brilliance reigned supreme.
A boardroom competition is a modified debate where participants are assigned corporate designations (CEO, CTO, CFO, COO, Director etc) of a company and presented with a fictional challenge in the form of a case study / crisis situation. They then simulate a boardroom and engage in discussions and debates to come up with solutions and strategies.
A preliminary round of group discussion was conducted on 11th of July, Tuesday. The groups indulged into discussions on Topics like “To what extent is privatization good for the Indian economy”, “Is JIO’s GTM strategy of offering long term freemiums (like we saw in cases of JIO sim, JioCinema etc) unfair and anti-competitive?” and “In the context of gender & regional gaps, unprofitable valuation bubbles, job insecurity etc., Is entrepreneurship in India really headed in the right direction?” Out of 40 participants, 6 made it to the finals i.e., Boardroom round and will be representing various C – suits in the final and other 6 battled in the semi-final round i.e., rapid fire round where the candidates were paired up and quizzed objectively and subjectively on various business topics
The Final was a simulation of a corporate boardroom. All members were to go through a case to understand the company profile, their designations, and the crisis itself. The group of finalists were to proceed the meeting in accordance to their respective roles. New elements of surprise were introduced in the form of press releases and the entire board was questioned by the judges. After a tough consideration and discussion, the judges finally announced the winners:
1)Winner- Bhavya Agarwal (CLO)
2)Runner up- Pranav Khandelwal (CEO)
3)Second Runner up- Samriddhi Gupta (CMO)
Each of the finalist showcased incredible skill and passion, their unwavering commitment and relentless pursuit of excellence captivated each of us.
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]]>The post Stand Up & You Grow Girl, with Navya Nanda at NMIMS Bengaluru Empowers Students and Sparks Meaningful Conversations appeared first on SPANDAN e-Magazine.
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The event brought together students, and esteemed guests who gained valuable insights from Navya Nanda’s experiences. Navya Nanda, as Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan’s grand-daughter, has charted her own path and become an inspiration to many. Navya is known for her active presence on social media, where she shares aspects of her personal life and promotes her business ventures.
Navya Nanda has always been vocal about women empowerment. She inspired the students to become agents of change and encouraged them to pursue their passions fearlessly. “To be a part of the Stand up & You Grow Girl initiative at NMIMS Bangalore is encouraging, as I witness the student’s determination in addressing the challenges faced by our society and working towards a more inclusive and empowered future,” she said. “I feel an alignment of my vision with that of their organisation. I appreciate their amazing team. I think our mission and vision are very aligned. I really wanted to travel, go to different cities and talk to students , so at least for me that’s how it came about.” She further added. 
In partnership with L’Oreal Paris initiative, Yuvaa conducted a survey which showed that 80% of women have experienced sexual harassment, a cause not only global but also for India. There is a conclusion of the 5D methodology – The first thing one should do in case of harassment, is- Distract if witnessing someone being threatened. Delegate and ask if someone can come forward when someone is being threatened, then Document in video while being careful for social media. Delay the person, a sign of clear sympathy, and Direct – ask the harasser to stop or step in while being careful not to get into an argument.
Expressing her gratitude towards the initiative, Dr. Narayani Ramachandran, Deputy Director, NMIMS Bangalore, said, “The Stand Up & You Grow Girl initiative has been an incredible opportunity for our students to expand their horizons and explore important topics that impact our society. We believe that initiatives like these contribute towards creating a more inclusive and empowered generation.”
The event received overwhelming participation and appreciation from the students. Clustera and Yuvaa expressed their gratitude to NMIMS Bangalore. The initiative spans 25 colleges across 7 major cities in India. It aims to understand the issues faced by the youth and create effective solutions by actively listening to and engaging with them.
About Clustera: Clustera is a Youth Marketing Agency that focuses on empowering young people across India. They engage with college students on various important topics to understand and address the challenges faced by the youth in our country.
About Yuvaa: Yuvaa is a socially conscious youth media platform that aims to empower young people in India by listening to, engaging with, and sharing their stories. They provide data insights and community engagement opportunities to create a positive impact.
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]]>The post Unleashing Funding Opportunities on the Entrepreneurial Journey appeared first on SPANDAN e-Magazine.
]]>Pravin Dalal School of Entrepreneurship & Family Business Management (SBM’s initiative) extend heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Salim Shaikh, our esteemed guest speaker, for his invaluable presence at our Mumbai campus. His enlightening session left an indelible impact on our young, aspiring minds, inspiring them to embrace the limitless possibilities of entrepreneurship and become doers in their respective fields.
During the session, Mr. Salim shared his extensive experience in building five successful companies: Symbio Generrics India Pvt. Ltd., Spring Bio Solution, Blumen Biovitals Healthkare Pvt. Ltd., WiStride, and now Strider DCT – A Spring Bio Solution Company. He emphasized the significance of choosing a name that encapsulates the company’s story and effectively delivering that narrative to the world. The practical advice and personal anecdotes shared by Mr. Salim bridged the gap between theory and practice, resonating deeply with our students and igniting their passion for excellence.
A powerful reminder emerged from Mr. Salim’s talk – success is rarely a linear path but rather requires perseverance, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace failure as a catalyst for growth. The session’s key takeaway revolved around Mr. Salim’s journey of bootstrapping his various companies and recognizing the opportune moment for external funding. Many pressing questions were addressed, shedding light on this important topic.
As our students embark on their own professional journeys, let us uphold the momentum and embrace the wisdom imparted by Mr. Salim. Together, we can create a future where knowledge, innovation, and inspiration know no bounds.
#NMIMSian #Gratitude #Inspiration #Empowerment #GuestSpeaker #FutureLeadership
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]]>The post NMIMS, Department of Psychology organizes riveting therapy and launches it’s ‘The Psychlic Zone’ magazine on World Mental Health Day appeared first on SPANDAN e-Magazine.
]]>The Chief Guest on the occasion was Dr. Meena Chintamaneni, Pro-Vice Chancellor, NMIMS, Dr. Purvi Bhatt, HOD, Biological Sciences, and RJ Yamini Sharma, from 93.5 Red FM, Bajate Raho! along with the Core Faculties of NMIMS, SDSOS
There were a number of diverse stalls providing delectable dishes to deft d.i.y.’s to help alleviate stress was a major attraction. These stalls were designed based on research keeping in mind how each item at the stall can contribute to an individual’s well-being. Dark chocolate containing baked goods was a major point of attraction at one of the stalls which elevated the mood of participants. Students improved their mood with motivational and positive content written on a board. A stall for face painting was also put up for the students.
Dance performances and spell-binding singing performances increased the fervour of all participants tenfold. The audience was sizzling with energy and engaging in therapy through music and dance. To spread awareness about ‘Peer Pressure’ a Nukkad Naatak was presented. The vociferous and quirky performance enraptured the audience and put forth the message to prioritize mental health in all circumstances.
First-ever magazine “The Psychlic Zone”, was officially launched on this occasion. The magazine includes the work and arts done by the students. It has various segment like, Psychlopedia, Psyart, Psycheye and many more
Speaking on this momentous occasion, Ms. Madhumati Mulik, Assistant Professor, Amity University highlighted Industrial Psychology and Workplace inclusion said, “The environment created in your office plays an important role for your subordinates. In addition to the existing technological innovations such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, a new segment called behavioural economics is coming up which is nothing but decision-making. It is important to understand human behaviour in your decision-making process and thus, become a multi-disciplinary decision-maker.”
Dr. Ruttuja More, HOD, Psychology said, “I am enthralled to attend this memorable event. According to the World Health Organization, mental health is one of the most neglected areas of public health. Close to 1 billion people are living with mental disorders. Yet, relatively few people around the world have access to quality mental health services. In these circumstances, events like this would certainly help people release stress.”
The event was a huge success and the energy which was incorporated in organizing proved worth it. This event will carry some of the fondest and most prized memories for the future.
About Sunandan Divatia School of Science
Sunandan Divatia School of Science was started in 2007 with a view to provide undergraduate and postgraduate students an opportunity to be a part of the unique learning methodology of the university, which lays emphasis on academic excellence combined with industry oriented training. With the boom in information technology and more and more sophistication in instrumentation techniques, there is now a very thin dividing line between the various disciplines of science. Therefore, there is a greater need for flexibility in scientific thought as well as training manpower on an interdisciplinary plane. With this thought in view, the SVKM’s NMIMS introduced highly innovative and unique interdisciplinary courses at the Sunandan Divatia School of Science from the academic year 2007-2008. The goal of the Sunandan Divatia School of Science is to be a Center of Excellence in the domain of Pure and Applied Science by providing quality education and research.
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]]>The post World Physiotherapy Day: NMIMS School of Science Organised Health Camp at Mumbai Campus appeared first on SPANDAN e-Magazine.
]]>Mumbai, 15th September 2022: Sunandan Divatia School of Science, part of the prestigious SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), commemorated the occasion of ‘World Physiotherapy Day’ by organising a two-day free health camp which was inaugurated by Dr. Ramesh Bhat, Vice Chancellor, NMIMS. The camp was for its faculty, staff and students.
The World Physiotherapy Day is being celebrated on 8th September across the globe to raise awareness about treatments through physiotherapy and honouring the vital services provided by physiotherapists for restoring people’s physical health.
This year, the day focused on ‘osteoarthritis’, a most common form of bone degeneration effecting over 500 million people around the world. The ailment occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time.
The camp, organised by the department of physiotherapy at Sunandan Divatia School of Science, on September 7 and September 8, offered diagnosis and treatment advice to its faculty, staff and students. The physiotherapy team also engaged with the staff members to educate them about osteoarthritis and responded to their queries.
Dr. Purvi Bhatt, Associate Professor & HOD, Biological Sciences, Sunandan Divatia School of Science, NMIMS said: “At NMIMS, it is our constant endeavor to bring in a positive difference in the community through awareness campaigns on such health issues. We recognize the remarkable work done by our physiotherapy department in ensuring physical well being of the people. The two day camp has seen an extraordinary effort in sensitizing the public about symptoms, prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis.”
Dr. Ali Irani, Honorary Professor, Physiotherapy at Sunandan Divatia School of Science, gave a special talk and guidance on the occasion about measures that can be useful to prevent joint pain. Focussing on the importance of physical activity, exercise, right eating habits and correct body postures, Dr Irani said: “About 80 percent of us are suffering from some kind of joint pain and the main reasons for that are unhealthy food, sedentary lifestyles that lead to lethargy & obesity. In today’s fast paced life it is extremely important that we take some time out everyday and dedicate it to our own health and wellness. Simple activities like walking daily or swimming can prove to be beneficial for our joints in the long run. We need to invest now in our health rather than look for shortcuts later”
Dr. Mansi Bhartiya, Assistant Professor, Physiotherapy at Sunandan Divatia School of Science, NMIMS said, “The last few years of Covid lockdown has put a serious dent on the physical movement and activity of people across the world. Osteoarthritis, a silent disease inflicting millions across the globe. General public should ensure that they maintain physical activity, a normative weight and healthy diet, to keep Osteoarthritis at bay. They should also seek appropriate medical and physiotherapy advice once signs like pain, stiffness, muscle soreness and restricted joint mobility develop”.
About Sunandan Divatia School of Science
Sunandan Divatia School of Science is a Centre of Excellence in the domain of pure and Applied Science and was initiated with a focus on research in biological sciences. SDSOS offers programs at undergraduate, post graduate and doctoral levels that are highly innovative and interdisciplinary. The focus is to generate a pool of highly qualified scientific talent to fulfil the needs of academic and research institutions as well as demands in an industry setting.
Established in 1981, NMIMS is today recognized as a globally reputed university with strong industry linkages. It offers multiple disciplines across eight campuses that consist of 17 specialized schools, more than 17,000 full-time participants, and 800+ full-time faculty members, 10 faculty members with Fulbright Scholarship and Humboldt International Scholarship for post-doctoral researchers. Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal (SVKM) laid the foundation stone of this esteemed university, with the aim to cater to the rising demand of management institutes in the country. It is known for its consistent academic quality and research-focused approach towards holistic education. SVKM’s NMIMS has been granted Category-I University status by Graded Autonomy Regulation 2018 by MHRD/UGC, and NMIMS Mumbai Campus is NAAC accredited with A+ (CGPA of 3.59.)
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]]>The post Battery operated reusable mask for protection from airborne human pathogens developed by NMIMS SDSOS, Mumbai. appeared first on SPANDAN e-Magazine.
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SVKM’s NMIMS Sunandan Divatia School of Science (SDSOS) developed a mask that ensures protection from airborne human pathogens. The technology is transferred for commercialization and marketing to Milton Group of Pharma Company Mumbai on 21st June 2021, in the presence of the Honorable Chancellor of NMIMS University, Shri. Amrishbhai Patel, Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Registrar of NMIMS University and Dean of SDSOS, NMIMS University.
In this pandemic outbreak of COVID -19 situation, wearing a face mask has become a basic a necessity in public places since the pathogen is widespread in the community. The large gatherings, public transport, offices, schools, and colleges are where chances of getting infected are very high. The regular masks protect from aerogel and large dust particles; however, they do not protect against most human pathogens. Considering the above facts and the pathogenicity of the virus, the Sunandan Divatia School of Science (SDSOS), NMIMS University, have developed a unique mask that more effective ensures protection against pathogens.
The unique mask is the brainchild of Dr. Neetin Desai, Dean, SVKM’s NMIMS Sunandan Divatia School of Science, along with his colleague Dr. Vrushali Joshi, Post-Doctoral Fellow at NMIMS Sunandan Divatia School of Science. The battery-operated mask is safe to use while using mobile or headphone. The mask developed is four-layered cotton with a metallic mesh, which acts as an electrical filter. During inhaling and exhaling, the pathogens coming in contact with the mask get neutralized instantly, ensuring complete protection to the user. The mask is reusable, self-sterilizing, and environment-friendly. The battery lasts for more than six months if used with proper care and is replaceable. Priced at ₹800-1000, the mask is available online. This mask replaces more than 240 regular masks reducing the environmental burden, and is thus eco-friendly.
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]]>The post Ek Prayas – A Social Conclave appeared first on SPANDAN e-Magazine.
]]>The students of MBA Part time, MBA Part time – Social Entrepreneurship and Executive MBA programs organized the first ever Social Conclave of part time and executive programs on Sunday, 1st March 2020. Event was scheduled at 2 pm in Mukesh Patel Auditorium at Vile Parle (West). The theme for this year was ‘Ek Prayas’ to celebrate the journey of 2020 Padmashri Awardees and facilitate Smt. Rahibai Popere, popularly known as ‘Seed Mother’ and Shri. Popatrao Pawar, former Sarpanch, Hiware Bazaar, Ahmednagar. Both the Padmashri awardees are examples of life-time commitment to a cause & hence the title, Ek Prayas, which translates into giant effort.
The event had the Panel Discussion that covered their journey and learnings. Dr. Rajan Saxena, Vice Chancellor SVKM’s NMIMS and Dr. Ramesh Bhat, Provost and Dean SBM, SVKM’s NMIMS were the other panelists. Dr. Madhavi Gokhale, Professor, SBM moderated the Panel Discussion.
Mr. Popatrao Pawar took the audience through his journey from his education in Pune, cricketing days and returning to Hiware Bazaar and transformation of the village. He explained the initiatives he undertook in water conservation as Sarpanch of the village, challenges and innovative solutions to overcome the challenges. The most prominent initiative is the concept of Water Budgeting. Water Budgeting hinges on the concept of “amount of water village uses is equal to the amount of water the village conserves”. He also explained how the village moved away from high water consuming sugarcane which made a lot of difference in conserving water. In Maharashtra about 73% of water is used in sugarcane fields which constitute only about 3 % of the cultivated area. Apart from water conservation, his other initiatives were making Hiware Bazaar Open Defecation Free (ODF), which happened in 1992 and also alcohol and mosquito free. Women empowerment was his another initiative and all houses in Hiware Bazaar have the name of the lady first followed by the name of man of the house. The legal title of the house is in the name of the lady. Due to all these initiatives Hiware Bazaar is today a prosperous village with no BPL families. Improved agricultural infrastructure and prosperity reversed the trend of rural to urban migration with 70 families earlier belonging to the village reverse migrating from Mumbai, Thane and Pune to their village.
Seed mother Smt. Rahibai Popere explained her journey of conserving native varieties of seeds and encouraging farmers to give up hybrid and genetically modified variety of crops. As an agriculturist Smt. Popere was motivated to take up organic farming using native variety of seeds. This was in contrast to the intensive use of chemicals and fertilizers which was over years degraded the soil and was harmful for the consumers of such grains, vegetables and fruits. As explained by Smt Popere the older generation used to live up to 100-110 years while the current generation struggles to live up to 60-70 years and are prone to diseases such as heart ailments, cancer and diabetes which can be prevented by consuming organic agricultural produce. With support from her family and the self-help groups through the concept of Seed Exchange she conserved traditional seed varieties and distributes them to farmers for cultivation.
In her talk, she emphasized the need to reduce the chemicals in the crops to reduce the ailments. She also emphasized the need to have a kitchen garden for the benefit of good health and longevity. She said even if one meal is there for the family but it needs to be nutritious and organic meal. She concluded the talk with the inspirational words “today I have all the wealth but I will continue to work on the field with my 3,000 women”.
Dr. Ramesh Bhat explained his engagement with the Social Cause in the areas of mental health in the villages of Gujarat. In his research project with NIMHANS Bengaluru and B.J. Medical College Ahmedabad he studied villagers’ behaviour and responses towards mental health by conducting behavioural experiments. He also highlighted his association with SEWA in their insurance schemes for the economically weaker sections of the society.
Dr. Rajan Saxena explained the famous Shirpur Model of Water Conservation initiated by Chancellor Shri Amrishbhai Patel and how the arid region of Shirpur was transformed into an agriculturally rich region. He also explained the transformation brought about by the Hon. Chancellor in the region through providing quality education and employment opportunities. The Audio Visual show presented this inspiring work.
Our Alumnus Shri Bhagwan Kesbhat was felicitated and awarded the distinguished alumnus award for his contribution to the social sector. His initiatives include water conservation as part of Paani Foundation and environmental awareness through his NGO Waatavaran.
In the end, Vote of Thanks was proposed by Dr. Meena Galliara, Director Jasani Center and she thanked everyone who has been part of organizing the function and the audience.
Brief Profiles
Popatrao Pawar: Popatrao Baguji Pawar (born 1960) is the former Sarpanch of Hiware Bazar, a gram panchayat in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra India. He is the Executive Director of Maharashtra state government’s Model Village program. He is credited to have transformed it from an impoverished village into a model of development that the government of Maharashtra wishes to implement across the state. Pawar led Hiware Bazar’s transformation from a drought- prone village to a green and prosperous model village. He featured in an India Today cover story as the person who demonstrated how rural water resources could be revived. The Hiware bazar gram panchayat, with Pawar as its sarpanch, won the first National Award for community led water conservation in 2007.
Rahibai Popere: Rahibai Soma Popere born in 1964, is an Indian farmer and conservationist. She helps other farmers return to native varieties of crops, preparing hyacinth beans for self-help groups. She is among three Indians in the BBC list of “100 Women 2018”. Scientist Raghunath Mashelkar gave Rahibai the epithet “Seed Mother”.
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