St Aloysius University holds national seminar ‘SAMPRATHI 2024′ – KONKANCATHOLIC.COM

St Aloysius University holds national seminar ‘SAMPRATHI 2024′

February 7, 2024

Mangaluru: The Department of Postgraduate Studies and Research in Social Work, St Aloysius Deemed to be University, organized a one-day national seminar ‘SAMPRATHI 2024’ on the theme ‘Environmental Justice in India: Issues, Challenges, and Prospects’ on February 6, 2024, in Eric Mathias Hall, Maffei Block.

Mr Rajendra Kalbavi, Executive Director of Nirmithi Kendra, Mangaluru, was the chief guest. Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, SJ, Vice Chancellor in-charge presided over the programme. Dr Alwyn D’Sa, Registrar & Controller of Examinations; Dr Loveena Lobo, Director of Maffei Block; Dr Shwetha Rasquinha, HoD of PG Social Work; and Aldine D’Souza, Student Coordinator of SAMPRATHI 2024, were on the dais.

The President of the programme, Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, in his presidential remarks, congratulated the organisers for choosing a very relevant topic for the seminar. He commended the excellent work done by the eco-warriors of the college in making the campus greener and cleaner. He spoke on the effects of the negative environment, which have psychological effects on human beings. He also said that the concept of learning about the environment is a basic necessity for students to change their mindset towards healthy living. He urged the students to take the pledge that ‘I can make the environment clean’.

The Chief Guest, Mr Rajendra Kalbavi, said in his speech that we should praise and worship the environment. He spoke on many issues and prospects for sustainable development. He emphasized on the importance of rainwater harvesting and the conservation of water bodies. He suggested that every house should have a recharge pit to save water and the environment. He underlined the importance of using cloth bags instead of plastic bags. He also said that together we can make a difference in the environment.

There were three panel discussions during the programme. Mr Aby Augustine, Assistant Professor, Department of Media Studies, Kristu Jayanti College (Autonomous), Bengaluru, spoke on media-led initiatives for environmental justice; Ms Divya Hegde, Founder and CEO of Baeru Environmental Services, Udupi, spoke on Voluntary Organisation’s approaches to environmental justice; and Ms Deepa Sasidharan, Director and Head, Corporate Communications, CSR & Sustainability, Continental, Bengaluru, spoke on environmental justice & corporate social responsibility. Besides this, there were paper presentations by the participants and sharing of initiatives by change agents.

Adline DSouza proposed the vote of thanks.

The valedictory programme was held in the evening at 4.15 p.m. Ms Helalalitha, Advocate, High Court of Telengana & Andhra Pradesh, and National Convenor, Praja Vudyumaala Sangeebhava Committee, were the chief guests. Rev. Fr Vincent Pinto, SJ, Finance Officer in-charge, St Aloysius Deemed to be University, presided over the programme.