Workshop on Implementing Zero-waste practices and Low-Cost Teaching Aids 

Jalandhar, November 28, 2024: Kanya Maha Vidyalaya (Autonomous) organised a two day national workshop on  “Implementing Zero-waste practices and Low-Cost Teaching Aids". 

The workshop was organised under a research project granted by the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC), Department of Science and Technology, Government of India to Dr. Pardeep Arora (PI) and Dr. Harpreet Kaur (Co-PI) the faculty of KMV on the topic Developing Low Cost Teaching Aids in Promoting Sustainable Waste Management: Swachh Bharat Paradigms. 

Himanshu Aggarwal, Deputy Commissioner Jalandhar, was invited  as the esteemed chief guest for the workshop aimed at educating students on the importance of cleanliness. 

Principal Prof. Dr. Atima Sharma Dwivedi extended a warm welcome to all the school students who had gathered from various regions, acknowledging their presence with enthusiasm and greeting them as ‘hero’s’ of the mission. She also took the opportunity to greet the distinguished chief guests in attendance, setting a positive tone for the event. During her address, she elaborated on the workshop centred around the concept of Zero Waste, emphasising its significance in promoting sustainable practices and environmental responsibility among the youth. Himanshu Aggarwal engagement provided valuable insights into maintaining hygiene and fostering a clean environment, which is essential for public health and community well-being. He also gave practical hands-on examples and tips for adopting Swachhta as a way of life. He enthused each one to take the mission of cleaning one’s own surroundings which would eventually clean the local areas, cities, state and eventually the whole country. The session was designed to raise awareness among the youth about their role in promoting cleanliness within their surroundings. 

Neelam Mahey, Deputy Director for Employment Generation and Skill Development, inspired the students by emphasising the principles of Reduce, Refuse, Reuse and Recycle. Her motivational talk highlighted the significance of these practices in minimising waste and promoting sustainable living. By encouraging students to adopt these habits, she aimed to instil a sense of responsibility towards the environment and empower them to make informed choices that contribute to a healthier planet. 

Dr. Puran Singh, Project Director of the Swachh Bharat Mission, Punjab, delivered a keynote address at the  event and focused on achieving cleanliness and environmental sustainability through simple practical applications. He emphasised the importance of the Swachh Bharat initiative in creating a cleaner, healthier India and called for collective efforts in improving cleanliness across urban and rural areas. 

Dr. Singh stressed the significance of effective waste segregation, urging communities to separate biodegradable from non-biodegradable waste to reduce landfill burdens and promote recycling. He shared successful waste management examples and encouraged attendees to implement these practices locally. He also advocated for replacing plastic with sustainable paper alternatives, highlighting the harmful effects of plastic pollution on the environment and health. Dr. Singh urged participants to consider the long-term benefits of this transition for future generations. 

Additionally, Seema Bhandari Soni, the Regional Programming Director at Radio City, addressed the topic of sustainability during the workshop. Her discussion focused on the broader implications of sustainable practices and the necessity of integrating them into daily life. By sharing her expertise, she aimed to enlighten the students about the interconnectedness of environmental stewardship and social responsibility, thereby fostering a generation that is more conscious of its impact on the world. RJ Himanshu, representing Radio City, engaged students in an enjoyable and interactive activity centred around the theme of cleanliness. This initiative aimed to not only entertain but also instill a sense of responsibility among the participants regarding their environment. By incorporating elements of fun, the activity encouraged students to actively participate and reflect on the importance of maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings. 

Bharat Bansal, serving as the Program Manager at Reap Benefit, delivered an insightful presentation on the principles of zero waste practices. He actively involved students in a hands-on, chart-based activity designed to encourage them to conceptualise and illustrate various strategies aimed at minimising waste. This interactive approach not only facilitated learning but also fostered creativity among the participants as they explored practical solutions to environmental challenges. 

It is pertinent to mention that more than 700 students from S.S.S.S Lamba Pind, S.S.S.S Chowgitti, S.O.E Maqsuda, S.S.S.S Gandhi Camp, S.S.S.S Randhawa Masanda Jalandhar, Seth Hukam Chand S.D Public School, Sodal road Jalandhar & Sada Sukh Chopra Public School, Jalandhar etc. participated in this workshop. Madam Principal lauded the efforts of Dr. Pardeep Arora, Head, Department of AI & Data Science, Dr Harpreet Kaur, Head, P. G. Department of Fashion Designing, Research Associate Ms. Harleen and the whole organising committee for successfully organising the workshop.