Showing posts with label Environment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Environment. Show all posts
My Story: Arpit Srivastava
MY STORY: Arpit Srivastava, Amity University Uttar Pradesh
“The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.”
In this context, I, LEADer ARPIT SRIVASTAVA, from spiritual city Varanasi, will present my leadership story. It’s a phenomenal fact that behind any positive implementation there are nurtured ideas whose existence defines valuable humanity. For me the biggest challenge was my attributes, as I don’t know about my internal properties and in consequences. Every time I feel myself weak in different field like communications or academics, I saw myself as just an average which forces me to feel as a failure and lose my self identity.
But, by joining LEAD program after an orientation at IIT-BHU, I got courage and confidence and I realized that I do have many choices; many doors are now also open for me in form of opportunities. Thus I took a valuable decision for myself and I have done two projects “SAMANVAY” & “VRIKSHAROPAN”.
 |
| Vriksharopan project |
“VRIKSHAROPAN” is near to my heart as I feel direct connect with nature. I used waste materials like large drums and containers which were in stores in a useless way. Thus, I took an initiative to give identity to those useless non living materials to protect living beings. I planted many plants in those waste materials and I also used my roof area to plant small herbs and vegetables like coriander leaves, tulsi, garlic, chilli, lemon, tomato, beans, and aloe vera. I this way I am contributing my efforts in protecting the environment and nature, and I think that our society will also look forward in contribution on their own level and can help in conserving nature in a sustainable way. “Everything present on this Earth has its own identity, it’s just a way of perception”; which gives me enough strength to prove that I do have potential to make things alive.
 |
| Playing with slum children in Varanasi |
As an Social Media Intern with LEAD, I also got to observe things which were new for me from all the four sides. It has given me an innovative experience; forces me to think from all the sides.Thus for me as an Intern I do realize that both quality & quantity were necessary to exemplify the attributes. So now I know my attributes, now I know how I can evaluate myself; to implement positive ideas for society, by society and to society.
 |
| Winning my award for "BioDex" |
Being a LEADer & an entrepreneur, as well as a LEAD intern, I am using my academic & social strength for the betterment of society & “what was my weakness, today that is my strength”. The outcome is now positive for me; it teaches me that how to inculcate, evaluate myself on a socio-technical platform, it teaches me how to explain my views in a professional way. LEAD, not only gives me a platform but also it gave me an identity which cannot be earn by other means.
”If nature exists, then only we exists”.
Awareness of Pollution by LEADer Rathnakar
LEADer Rathnakar from GSCET is a student who is passionate about saving our environment from pollution. It is for this reason that he used the LEAD platform to create his project, "Awareness of Pollution".
Rathnakar knew he wanted to create awareness within his community about pollution by showing people videos, images, and information about the state of our environment today because of pollution. After speaking with his uncle about his project, he suggested that he direct his message to the young people, as they will better be able to understand the message and are still young enough to change their ways and make a big difference over their lifetimes.
Rathnakar took this as a challenge, and conducted his "Awareness of Pollution" project at Vasudha High School in Nizamabad. While this was a challenge, Rathnkar felt very proud to gain compliments and thanks from the teachers and students of the school after his project.
During this project, Rathnakar learned to speak in front of strangers and has learned a to about communication skills all throughout his LEAD journey. He also notes that this project helped him improve his confidence when speaking to elders, such as the school principals and teachers. The motivation Rathnaker got from the LEAD is what he says encouraged him to do this project and ultimately gain these skills for the long term.
Generating Electricity through Driving with LEADer Darshan Belagavi
LEADer Darshan Belagavi from VSMIT Nipani knew all about the energy crisis. "In this modern age, more and more energy is required for daily consumption in all walks of life. Sources and quantum of fossil energy are dwindling day by day and getting exhausted at very fast rate. ... There is crying need for production of energy from non conventional sources at the earliest availability."
Instead of just being concerned about this, this LEADer took initiative to come up with a product that could help to address this issue.
By installing a small wind turbine in strategic locations on the exterior of fast-moving vehicles that travel long distances, Darshan can convert the wind energy within the turbines from mechanical energy to electrical energy that can be immediately used or stored in a battery.
When asked what his biggest challenge was, Darshan was honest: "from beginning to end, this project was a challenge". This project involved Darshan having to learn many new skills, including skills he can continue to use throughout his college, career, and life.
So far, Darshan has raised over 3 times the funding he received from LEAD, and has implemented his wind turbine device on 10 buses. Using only 1 dynamo, Darshan managed to produce up to 95 volts. He eventually hopes to mount up to 20 dynamos at a time to create more electricity and a bigger impact.
Protecting Trees with Rakhis by LEADer Aaliza Naseem
She tied more than 100 rakhis to the trees and more than 50 rakhis were distributed to her villagers to tie on trees in order to save the trees.
She also tied rakhis on the wrists of police, doctors, and government officers. They were all asking, "why are you doing this?". Aaliza and her team wanted to thank those who still do their duty on the days of the festivals, and wanted to show their appreciation. The team also distributed chocolates to these regarded individuals.
Aaliza and her LEAD team also got a promise from government officials that they will not cut trees, will try save trees and do the plantation. They spread awareness to over 300 people and more than 50 people did tree plantings in their home. She saved more than 150 trees by tying up them with rakhis. The community was very happy and appreciated her initiative.
"I am very thankful for the LEAD platform which has given me an opportunity to utilize my skills for solving social causes. This platform not only helped in building my leadership skills, but also time management, convincing skills, and appreciating team members for their hard work in order to motivate them." She continues to motivate other students to join LEAD program and to take up new challenges.
“Plant a tree, plant a tree, so that next generation can get air for free”.
“One tree can make a million matches; one match can destroy a million trees”.
Rangoli Colours to Save Environment
If we don’t stop and think today, tomorrow
the earth could die.
It is
crucial for people to safe the environment for future generations. As
environmental issues have became acute, Stuti Mishra from DIET College in
Lucknow decided to organize an environmental awareness campaign called “Rangoli
Colours to Save Environment”. This project was organized on 5 January 2015,
when 200 people including staff and trainees started to create environmental
awareness through Rangoli colors in Lucknow. Stuti’s objective was to create a
real awareness when people would take care about nature, keep the surroundings
clean and go green in every sphere of life. Many of the trainees participated
in the project showing different ways how to save the environment. Some of the
solutions were very creative and some have even taken a global approach. Some
trainees were focused on the ways and methods of saving environment, while
others encouraged people to use these methods in every day life. For Stuti’s
project, LEADer asked participants to express themselves using Rangoli colours
and paint their solutions having environment in their mind. At the end of the
project, there was an exhibition of pictures depicting optimistic condition of
our environment in the future.
Conservation Camp: An Initiative of LEAD Sirsi Students
A group of students decided to build their consciousness of their surroundings and the value of the natural world in a unique way. LEader Ganapati Hegde (MES College of Commerce, Sirsi) initiated a 2-day camp in Kanmane, for this purpose, which 30 selected students participated in. The camp involved activities such as leadership activities, trucking, sessions on forest conservation and the relationship between nature and humans. A unique element of this camp was the exhibition of Karapatra, the old local newspapers in the time of freedom fighting. The resource person Mr. Shivand Kalve (freelance writer and conservationist) shared with the participants information about these old newspapers, and advised the students on initiatives they can take to save our natural world.
LEader B.Sai Kiran to Eliminate Plastics
LEader B.Sai Kiran and his colleagues Kalyan , Nagavardhini and Meenakshi (KCEA) noticed that people are using plastics more than ever these days, and this habit is having a very negative impact on the environment. As a means to combat this ecological problem, these leaders went door-to-door and encouraged people, in 30+ homes and shops, to reduce their plastic usage or avoid it altogether, as there are many replacement materials that can be better recycled and have less of a negative effect on our planet and our health.
LEADer Converts Plastic to Crude Oil
Atheeq, like many others, had been observing the plastic
crisis for a while. Plastics are a
huge threat since they are not biodegradable. Many solutions to rid our planet of deadly plastics have
started to take form, but most of these solutions are still not affordable
enough to be adopted. With Atheeq's
device, plastic can be burned and converted into crude oil, an unrefined
petroleum product which can later be refined to produce useful products such as
gasoline, diesel and more.
Essentially, hot air is fed into a process vessel. This air is continually recycled in a
loop to maximize heat loss. The
process vessel is isolated from oxygen and is exposed to a vacuum
environment. This energy is used
to depolymerize the plastic into crude oil. Atheeq's method is more affordable than others
because it relies on charcoal to catalyze the process, whereas other models do
not rely on any catalysts. Atheeq is
still working on my model to make it more cost effective. Gulbarga LEADer Cleans Slum Area
LEADer Dattu Kambale of NV Degree College, Gulbarga, was disgusted by the condition that he found in a slum area. The colony was covered in waste because there was no dustbin available for the residents to dispose of their waste properly. Mountains of trash littered the roadsides, creating a smelly, unhygienic environment. Dattu approached corporation and made them aware of the problem. He convinced them that the area was in dire need of a dustbin.
While Dattu waited for the response from corporation, he put together a team and they took initiative to clean the area. In addition to cleaning, the students also approached the colony residents and educated them about the importance of maintaining hygiene.
After the area had been fully cleaned by the students, corporation agreed to place a dustbin in the colony.
Dattu's project was showcased during Yuva Summit 2014.
Talikoti LEADer Promotes Local Tourism
Talikoti is abundant with many places of historical interests, but visitors never get to know about them. In order to promote tourism in Talikoti, LEADer Mohmad Jahid K Mulla printed a small book containing descriptions about the historical places in Talikoti to be kept in the city bus stops and distributed at local colleges, schools, and organizations. He also arranged for sign boards at each historical place containing introductions about the landmarks. Finally, he and his team cleaned all 10 historical places throughout Talikoti to welcome tourists.
Mohmad's project was showcased at Yuva Summit 2014.
Mohmad's project was showcased at Yuva Summit 2014.
LEADer Reduces Cracker Pollution in Davangere by 10% Through Anti-Cracker Awareness Programs
Although playing with crackers can be fun, they do pose some problems. Every year during holidays and festivals, people get hurt from cracker incidents. What's more, cracker wrappers are usually not disposed of and pollute our environment. LEADer Anuj Kulkarni of Nutan College wanted to do his part in reducing cracker pollution. He conducted "anti-cracker awareness" programs in 15 schools of Harihar, Davangere, and Chitradurga. During these sessions he collected signatures from students who had pledged to not burst crackers during festival time. Approximately 5, 600 student signatures were collected. He even collaborated with the Karnataka Pollution Control Board to host an anti-crackers awareness program in his college. Studies show that there has been a 10% decrease in pollution after festivals in Davangere. His project received lots of local media attention.
Anuj deserves special recognition for capitalizing on the opportunities presented in his project. Whenever he visited schools to conduct anti-cracker awareness programs, he also collected old clothes and books from the students to redistribute to needy children.
Anuj's project was showcased at Yuva Summit 2014.
Chitradurga LEADer Cleans Local Bus Stand and Demonstrates Amazing Collaboration Efforts
In her project, Mamatha made a team of fellow students and painted the dirty walls of the bus stand, collected and disposed of the garbage that had littered the ground, met with nearby shopkeepers and encouraged them to do their part in keeping the bus stand clean. She trained the municipal staff in how to maintain cleanliness, approached the government for the sanction of sign boards, and told private bus owners to educate their passengers regarding waste management.
Mamatha's project is benefiting an estimated 5,000 people that move in and out of the bus stand every day. She received an appreciation letter from the District Commissioner for her initiative. Her project was showcased at Yuva Summit 2014.
Belgaum LEADer Invents "Trash-A-Nator" To Solve Waste Pollution Problem
As dry waste accumulates and is not being disposed of fast enough, cities and towns run the risk of becoming over-polluted. What's worse, people try to control the buildup by waste by burning it, which releases dangerous toxins into the air that our lungs survive by. GIT, Belgaum LEADer, Anirudh, was also concerned about the increasing waste and pollution problem, and his latest invention, the "Trash-A-Nator" provides a beautiful solution. Anirudh's "Trash-A-Nator" can burn up to 200 liters of dry waste in just a few minutes. Moreover, the "Trash-A-Nator" converts dangerous Carbon monoxide byproduct, a toxic gas and also the main cause of global warming, into Carbon dioxide, thereby producing significantly less air pollution. The ash produced from the burning can be mixed with manure to be used as fertilizer for plants.
Anirudh spent a year working hard on developing the "Trash-A-Nator". The machine has been approved by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board.
Davangere LEADer Implements Terrace Gardening to Provide Sustainable Solutions for Numerous Problems
Terrace gardening, the
art of recycling waste material to create personal gardens, has various
benefits for the environment and for our health. Not only does terrace
gardening allow us to make use of non-biodegradable plastics, but it is
also a good way to grow healthy, organic plants and vegetables right in
our own home. LEADer Swaroop has a vision to spread terrace gardening
throughout the city of Davangere. So far, he has distributed pamphlets
and seeds to 30 homes to spread information about terrace gardening. He
even spread knowledge about terrace gardening in his college by
inaugurating a terrace garden in his college on Kannada Rajoytsava.
Belgaum LEADer Changes Dirty Habits: Promoting a Green Kittur Utsav
Kittur Utsav is a time of lots of enjoyment, but as we spend time enjoying and celebrating we do not put much thought or consideration into the devastating harm we are causing to our environment. During this 3-day cultural festival, thousands of people, come, enjoy...but also litter. LEADer Sanjeev, a PG student of Rani Channamma University, thought to break this vicious cycle. He gathered a team and together, they approached people and convinced them to enjoy the festival without littering.
While many people criticized their efforts, Sanjeev and his team did not give up. They approached people time and time again, and posted posters to get their message across to the public. They even performed a skit to enhance the importance of their message. Their relentlessness led to results. The team observed that most people made the extra effort to dispose of their waste packets and bottles in existing dustbins. If no dustbins were close by, they would keep their waste wrappers and packets inside their pockets until they found an available dustbin.
Sanjeev is just one example of our many LEADers who are creating change by changing the mindsets of those around them.
Hubli LEADer Implements Groundwater Recharge Plant to Save Water
With growing urbanization, the demand for drinking water in cities is soaring. Rainfall is not always enough to replenish these underground freshwater resources. As a result, urban cities are now facing the risk of water stress. LEADer Naveen HP from BVBCET wanted to protect this from happening in Hubli. He conducted a survey of groundwater levels in Hubli and the surrounding areas. Naveen presented his results to the SRDS, who then supported him in implementing a groundwater recharge plant in Hallikeri.
"Best of Waste" Competition Puts Creative Spin on Waste Management
The growing accumulation of waste threatens our environment. As a society, we still have yet to devise a method to deal with this waste management issue. LEADers Soumya, Ramya, and Shweta from Women's College, Dharwad, had an idea to tackle this issue in a creative way. They conducted a "Best Out of Waste" competition for 40 students. The participants were given the task to create new products and uses out of waste plastics, plants, coconut shells, and more. Faculty members and HODs of college were surprised to see that students had such creative abilities, and they appreciated the LEADers and encouraged them to conduct this competition on a bigger level. 
"Best Out of Waste" Competition Instills Creative and Environmental Consciousness In 40 Children
In today's society, accumulating waste has become a serious environmental threat. One way to solve this problem is to find new uses for old waste. This approach, however, requires creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. BVBCET LEADer Medha Hege took advantage of her LEAD platform to instill this creative, and necessary, mindset within young children. She visited Seva Student Home for Boys and conducted a competition among the children for creating "best out of waste", eco-friendly models. 40 boys participated in the competition. 
LEAD Launches in Nizamabad with Four Successful Initiatives
LEAD has just been recently launched in Nizamabad, Andhrapradesh,
in the Kakatiya Sandbox region (Nizamabad, Karimnagar, and Medak) and on October 6th, Deshpande Foundation LEAD students
from several Nizamabad colleges united with a common goal: to create positive changes
throughout Nizamabad. With coordination support from Mr. Santosh Ittanagi, over 60 student LEAD members from Nishita Degree and PG College, Vijay Rural Engineering
College, Vijay College of Engineering for Women, Khatriya College of
Engineering, Kakatiya Institute of Engineering for Women, and S.S.R. Degree
College led initiatives tackling four persisting problems in Nizamabad.
LEAD members congregated at the LEAD office (located at Rukmini Chambers, Vinayaknagar) at 7:30 AM and moved
towards the Nizamabad District Hospital. In the presence of Mr. Satyanarayana (Hospital Superintendent) and Mr.
Sravan Kumar (RMO), the LEADers worked together to improve the hospital
compound. After cleaning up the
hospital ground, the students planted several saplings and painted the exterior walls and parking zones. Mr. Satyanarayana mentioned
that he was very impressed by the initiative. 
At 10:30 AM, the LEADers moved from the Government Hospital,
divided themselves into groups, and hit the streets of Nizamabad to spread
awareness about the importance of protecting the environment by saving fuel.
Fuel is harmful for the environment, and a lot of fuel gets wasted when drivers
leave their motors turned on while stopped at traffic junctions. Carrying banners, the students approached drivers and encouraged them to turn off their motors while stopped at traffic junctions.
10 LEAD students went to the District Railway Station. Traffic was a major problem at the Railway
Station. Although a parking zone
had been allocated by the Railway Department, most drivers were not aware of
location of the parking zone and instead parked their vehicles wherever they
chose, thereby creating heavy traffic congestion and disorganization at the
station. The students improved
this traffic problem by creating signs to direct incoming drivers towards the
allocated parking zone. 
The day ended with a candle march against women harassment, one of
India’s most prevalent problems. The 60 LEAD students marched together
throughout the city carrying candles and placards to give remembrance for past
victims of women harassment, and to create awareness in order to stop women
harassment from occurring in the future.
The peaceful rally inspired the public, and many people expressed
appreciation for the students. 
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
