 Module 1 was called Researching Nature. The campaign focused on water, water pollution, water shortage and other issues related with water management. Students were given a tour of an effluent discharge facility where they saw the process of water purification first hand and learned about the causes and impacts of bacteriological & chemical water contamination. They were also given scientific data to demonstrate the health impacts of low water availability and were shown the various methods of water conservation and purification.
Competitions were organized to motivate students to do their own reading & research and present their take on the problem of water contamination and misuse. A word search on the Wetlands of International Importance in India, a quiz and poster competition were also conducted.
A major inter-school competition called 'Researching Nature' was organized. This required students to conduct a research study on an environmental issue and present their findings to a panel of judges. The judges included prominent environmentalists like Dr. Swaminath, Director General of the Environment Management and Policy Research Institute (EMPRI); Dr. Susarla, Additional Director of the Ministry of Environment and Forests and Mr. Thippeswamy, Chief Engineer (Super Time), Bangalore Water Supply Sewerage Board.
 Sri Kumaran Children's Home School, won the first prize for their presentation on the 'versatility of herbs'. The team showcased different herbs like Ashvagandha, Amla, Neem - detailing their habitat & medicinal properties. They talked about some interesting 'grandmother recipes' using herbs like Aloe Vera gel to fight mosquitoes, Holy Basil for cough and a list of other herbal cures. The students also conducted a small survey to find out common perceptions about herbs. According to their findings most people seem to be quite unaware of the benefits of herbal medicines. In their concluding remarks they stated:
"We should use herbs for various common diseases instead of consuming high dosage of medicines, which would harm our immunity. We also request others to do the same. Above all we must identify and protect our herbs and their quality."
The module ended with more fun competitions organized around the themes of 'water' and 'herbs'. Students enjoyed themselves designing products that conserved water and showcasing these makeshift technology solutions to the audience.  They also participated in Dumb Charades and a Quiz, which tested their knowledge of spellings of diseases caused & spread by water.
The college students too had a chance to test their creative talent and general knowledge through the mad ads and quiz competition. It was interesting to notice the amazing insight participants had about water scarcity and other related issues.
Dr S D Badrinath, former United Nations Development Program (UNDP) advisor and Deputy Director, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NERERI), was a special invitee for this event. He appreciated the student's interest in protecting the environment & commended the work of Himalaya in promoting this initiative. |
