Mangalore Diocese News

Media Release

Mangaluru, March 23, 2024 : The School of Social Work (Autonomous) Roshni Nilaya, Mangaluru, in association with the Forum for Sustainable Development and the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) organised SAMUDAYA SAMBRAMA 2024 which was inaugurated here on March 22, 2024, at 9.30 am by Padma Shri awardee Harekala Hajabba.

During his speech, Fr. Arun Louis SJ, Director, Ashirvad, Bangalore and the keynote Speaker highlighted three crucial areas of concern. Firstly, he provided a detailed overview of the current environmental scenario, underlining the urgent need for immediate action to address pressing environmental issues. He emphasized the importance of proactive measures to combat environmental degradation and promote sustainability. Secondly, Fr. Louis delved into the rights associated with environmental sustainability, emphasizing the pivotal role of social workers and institutions in advocating for these rights. He emphasised the significance of recognizing and upholding these rights as essential components of a sustainable future. Furthermore, Fr. Arun also spoke about the detrimental impact of climate change, citing loss of biodiversity and over exploitation as significant challenges. He stressed the importance of not only acquiring knowledge but also implementing holistic approaches towards sustainability. He advocated for community empowerment and environmental justice as integral components of sustainable practices. He concluded his speech by emphasising the value of experiencing "Samudaya Sambrama" through living with communities, immersing oneself in their culture, and fostering harmony as essential elements in the journey towards environmental sustainability.

During her presidential address Prof Rita Noronha, Director, Centre for Development Studies and Education, Mangalore drew attention to the harsh disparity between economic progress and environmental degradation. She specifically highlighted pressing environmental issues such as drying borewells and water scarcity, emphasizing the disproportionate impact these challenges have on vulnerable groups like women and children. Rita underscored the urgent need for a collective embrace of sustainability to prevent irreversible damage to our environment, stressing the importance of inclusive approaches that consider the needs of marginalized communities and individuals.

Rita Noronha also delved into the crucial link between environmental pollution and sustainability, emphasizing that true progress in addressing these issues can only be achieved by actively including and empowering marginalized groups in decision-making processes. She called for a holistic approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of environmental challenges and social justice, advocating for a sustainable future that prioritizes the well-being of all individuals and communities.

During the first session on an innovative approach to harmonizing environmental policies with societal well-being, Prof. Dr. Lancelot D'Cruz SJ highlighted the challenges stemming from the gap between laws and their implementation. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the vast knowledge and resources held by aadivasis, who inhabit areas rich in biodiversity. With 22% of the world's tribal population residing in India, there is a wealth of traditional knowledge related to medicinal plants, with 15,000 to 20,000 species known only to aadivasis but not classified due to a lack of research. Prof. D'Cruz specifically mentioned the Dediyapada taluka, a tribal reserve area where the inhabitants possess extensive knowledge of medicinal plants, leading to the identification of 50 plant species added to official reports. His research aims to benefit common people by leveraging aadivasi knowledge to create income sources for these marginalized communities, who may lack resources and money but possess valuable expertise in plants and medicine. Through market studies, five plants with market potential were identified for cultivation, demonstrating a sustainable approach to economic empowerment.

In collaboration with the government, Prof. D'Cruz's work involved conducting ethnobotanical studies, networking with traditional medicine practitioners, and establishing mini-forests in five tribal schools. These initiatives aimed to preserve and promote the rich traditional knowledge of aadivasis while creating opportunities for economic growth and community development. Additionally, a database comprising information on 100 plant species was prepared, further contributing to the documentation and conservation of valuable indigenous knowledge. By bridging the gap between policy implementation and grassroots expertise, Prof. D'Cruz's efforts exemplify a holistic approach to environmental sustainability that prioritizes both biodiversity conservation and the well-being of marginalized communities.

Earlier, Prof. Anuradha Shetty provided an overview of the day's events and introduced the theme of the program, emphasizing the critical importance of sustainability for both present and future generations through effective environmental policies. Harekala Hajabba, Prof. Reeta Noronha, Prof. Evelyn Benis, Prof. Juliet C. J, Prof. Vineetha, and Prof. Anuradha Shetty were recognized and congratulated for their outstanding contributions to community development and environmental sustainability. Vice Principal Dr. Jenis Mary was present during the occasion.

Prof. Eveleen Bennis HOD of MSW welcomed the gathering. Fr. Lawrence Cutinha proposed the vote of thanks. Fr. Amar Rai compeered. More than 250 delegates participated.

The panel discussion commenced at 12:15 pm with Mr. Nitin Vas, an Environmentalist, Ms. Shubhra Sotie, an Environmental Advocate, Dr. Maheshwari Kumari Singh, an Environmental Officer, and Dr. Shreesha Bhat, an Educationalist, serving as panellists, with Asst. Prof. Anuradha Shetty moderating the session. The panellists were briefly introduced at the outset.

Mr. Nitin Vas, an Environmentalist and Director of Paper Seed NGO, presented his organization's initiatives, including the development of eco-friendly products such as paper seed pens, pencils, and masks crafted from recycled materials. He emphasized the importance of shifting personal perspectives towards environmental issues, advocating for change from within.

Ms. Shubhra Sotie, an Environmental Lawyer, highlighted existing environmental laws and policies, expressing concern over their inadequate implementation by individuals.

Dr. Maheshwari Kumari Singh, an Environmental Officer representing the Karnataka Pollution Control Centre, stressed the necessity of preserving renewable resources and urged against blaming governmental bodies for societal ignorance.

Ms. Shreesha Bhat, an Educationist, discussed the declining sense of social responsibility among youth post-COVID, attributing it partly to excessive mobile phone usage. She encouraged students to engage with local governance bodies, such as gram panchayats, to protect natural resources as if they were personal assets.

Following the panellist’s presentations, the floor was opened to the audience for questions and clarifications, culminating in a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Neil before the lunch break commenced.

Following the lunch break, competitions commenced simultaneously in three different locations. A quiz competition took place in the auditorium, moderated by Dr. Reneeitha Maria D’Souza, a lecturer from Aloysius College, Mangalore. Meanwhile, a photography competition was held in the CD classroom, judged by Dr. Kiran and Dr. Rosa Matthew. Concurrently, a poster competition unfolded in the Seminar Hall, adjudicated by Mr. Preetam, Dr. Sebastian K.V, and Prof. Jinsa Joseph.

Subsequently, a Thematic competition unfolded in the Auditorium, featuring participation from five colleges. Each college was assigned a code number and presented their interpretations innovatively. Judging this event were Dr. Sandra, Dr. Meena Monteiro, and Mr. Sandesh.

Following the conclusion of the Thematic program, a brief tea break was provided, followed by the Valedictory session. Professor Anuradha Organizing Secretary escorted the dignitaries to the dais, including Dr. Juliet CJ, Provincial of DHM, Dr. Fr. Lancelot D’Cruz SJ, Prof. Eveleen Benis, HOD, Prof. Cecilia Goveas, IQAC Coordinator, Fr. Amar Rai, Forum Secretary, and Sr. Sabina Subba, Forum Treasurer. Dr. Juliet CJ delivered the presidential address, followed by the announcement of winners and the distribution of prizes and certificates.

The SAMUDAYA SAMBRAMA 2024 was then officially declared closed by the Master of the Ceremony, followed by group photos.