Early Times Report
CHANDIGARH, Nov 9: Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women observed BRICS Sustainable Lifestyle Week with a series of initiatives promoting sustainable living among students, staff and the wider community. Organised by the college's Eco-Club 'Parivesh', NSS Units, Renewable Energy Committee and Waste Management Committee, the activities were conducted in accordance with the directions of the Department of Higher Education and the Department of Environment, Chandigarh Administration.
The week-long campaign, themed 'One Week, Seven Actions, One Planet', is aligned with India's Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and focuses on seven areas: healthy lifestyles, energy and water conservation, sustainable food choices, reduction of single-use plastics, e-waste management and general waste reduction. The NSS Units initiated the campaign with an orientation for a seven-day online yoga programme for hostel students under Project Jagriti - A Step Towards a Healthy & Addiction-Free Life. The session highlighted yoga, mindful living and substance-abuse prevention, while addressing peer pressure and examination stress. For Energy Conservation Day, Eco-Club Parivesh, the NSS Units and the Renewable Energy Committee organised an outreach session at Government Model High School, Village Badheri, Sector 41-D. Eco-Club volunteer Aman encouraged students to follow the principles of 'Notice, Switch Off and Inspire' and become Energy Ambassadors. The college also observed a Switch-Off Hour, while water conservation measures included repairing leaks and ensuring proper maintenance of water storage facilities and purification systems. Promoting sustainable food choices, B.Sc. Microbial and Food Technology students showcased traditional and millet-based delicacies, including Himachali siddu, wheat momos with millet stuffing and ragi tikki, at the college Diwali Fest. Guided by Dr. Vandana Sharma, Dr. Sandeep Kaur and Dr. Deepika Malik, the students highlighted the incorporation of millets and traditional ingredients into everyday diets. The Waste Management Committee, in association with the Department of Microbial and Food Technology, also organised an awareness session on waste segregation and sustainable wet-waste treatment. Assistant Professors Dr. Vandana Sharma and Dr. Sandeep Kaur discussed composting, vermicomposting and biogas production. In collaboration with the Indian Pollution Control Association (IPCA), Eco-Club Parivesh, NSS Units and the Waste Management Committee installed a plastic collection bin at the campus under Phase III of the 'Develop Responsible Outlook for Plastic' (D.R.O.P.) initiative. IPCA representative Mr. Harpreet Singh sensitised participants about plastic pollution and responsible disposal. Approximately 20 kg of plastic waste was collected and handed over to IPCA. An e-waste drive also collected discarded mobile phones, chargers, cables, adapters, remote controls and batteries for responsible disposal.
Officiating Principal Ms. Neena Sharma appreciated the efforts of the organising committees, faculty members and volunteers, observing that the initiatives reaffirmed the college's commitment to translating environmental awareness into collective action for a healthier and more sustainable future. |
