The GreenLine Effect

The GreenLine effect

The week following the last session (for the scholastic  year) of the GreenLine team with the students and coordinating staff, one of the student representatives, Atharva Chaturvedi spoke at the school assembly.  He outlined the initiatives and the projects for the school.  Here is his address:

·         After the enlightening session given by the Green line team, the students who attended the meeting were made aware about the threats to the various animals in India, the reasons for their extinction and the steps needed to conserve them.

·         As a part of our task we would be working on an activity called the ‘Project Sparrow’.

     The objective of this activity is to reuse waste material such as used plastic bottles and tetra packs to make bird feeders to support local sparrow population as we are aware that the number of sparrows is dwindling.  The leaders would be visiting the classrooms to speak to the students the procedures to go about this project.

• ·      The Green line team was really happy with the response that they received from you all during the last edition of the Green Runner Magazine based on the theme 'Fauna of Mumbai.'  We hope that you continue with better and more informative articles on relevant issues in the future.

The 2nd of February, every year is observed as world Wetland Day.  It is a day where actions aimed at spreading public awareness about role and importance of wetlands are carried out.  That's why the February issue of Green Runner Magazine will be all about: 'The wonders of our wetlands.'

Remember: Wetlands include marshes, creeks, seasonal or unseasonal water bodies and most importantly - Mangroves.

The Green line team is looking for:

Ø  Original write ups / articles / poems / facts that you'd like to share o the topic.

Ø  Original artwork related to the conservation of wetlands and mangroves.

Ø  Any information that you have related to the flora and fauna of wetland areas in Mumbai.

Ø  Reports of activities that you have carried out in the school or nature trips that you have been on.

Ø  Interesting nature photographs that you have taken.

Ø  Feedback on the previous issues and on the sessions.

Ø  You can send your entries to: newsletter.greeline@gmail.com

Thanks GreenLine.  A ripple effect indeed!

Protecting our nature - the GreenLine meets our students

Oh, to be a Green Hero!

-Ms. Sunita D’Souza and Master Atharva Chaturvedi

All good things come to an end.  And so it was with the GreenLine team that conducted its last and final session on 15^th Jan 2013 with the students of St. Joseph’s High School, Wadala, for the academic year 2012 -2013.

Two students from St. Joseph's, Aditya Dubey and Vaibhav Dwivedi, gave an extraordinary start to this session by presenting a power-point presentation that mainly talked about the commendable greening tasks undertaken by the students and teachers of the school this scholastic year.  Fr. Savio Silveira, Ms. Devyani and Mr. Aristo from the GreenLine team took the stage thereafter. The theme of their presentation this time around was 'Biodiversity: Threats and Conservation.'  They together brought into focus the need to conserve the natural habitat of animals especially the endangered species and highlighted the threats faced by them

Fr. Savio began his session by recapitulating the discussion on the 'Flora and Fauna' in the world that were the topics of the earlier sessions.  He then spoke about 'Bio-diversity'.  Pictures of endangered animals such as like the Giant Panda, Red Panda, Gangetic River Dolphin, Asiatic Cheetah, Caracal, Gharial, Sloth, … were screened for the participants.  The IUCN (an organisation set up for the conservation of animals) works for this cause. 

Ms. Devyani and Mr. Aristo exhibited a diagram depicting the least imperiled, near threatened, endangered and critically endangered animal species (the Royal Bengal Tiger and the Striped Hyena). They discussed the reasons that make animals extinct and endangered. 

The following factors were stated - deforestation and habitat loss, destruction of wetlands (mangroves), poaching and wild life trade, invasive species - exotic species and pollution. There could be well - thought out solutions to save the endangered species of animals viz. ecological cycles, conservation projects, bio-diversity services, project Butterfly and project Green Zone. We can become part of the solution; each of us can become a Green Hero!   It is time we are action-oriented.  There have been and are various instances of children in India who have done outstanding work to create a Green Zone in their own homes and surroundings. These children have been presented with national or international awards.

We decided on three projects to be taken up in real earnest to save the endangered animals:

* PROJECT SPARROW - create awareness about the endangered species of sparrows; provide food for them in birdfeeders prepared by us.

* PROJECT BUTTERFLY - grow plants which attract butterflies in our balconies.

* PROJECT GREEN ZONE - grow plants to recreate the animal's natural habitat!

Truly, simple yet significant activities of a GREEN HERO to make the world a GREENER PLACE to live in! 

TEACHERS' DAY OUT IN THE SHOES OF LEARNING DISABLED CHILDREN

TEACHERS' DAY OUT IN THE SHOES OF LEARNING DISABLED CHILDREN

- Sunita D’Souza

The theory on Multiple Intelligences by Howard Gardner has inspired a generation, and it continues to impact the lives of educators and students alike. The ‘Inclusive Education Programme’ is one such system that identifies and educates students with specific learning disabilities. Fr. Edward D’Souza, sdb, was here at St. Joseph’s to present this topic to the staff (Pre-Primary, Stds. I to VII) on 10^th January 2013.

Rev. Edward D'Souza began the morning session - after the prayer and introduction by the Principal, Fr. Bernard Fernandes - by placing us the teachers in the shoes of students faced with specific learning disabilities. Through the intelligence curve, the teachers got a chance to figure out the difference between slow learners and students with learning disabilities. The term 'Learning Disability' was coined by Dr. Samuel Kirk in 1962. The teachers were given special information based on the cause of learning disabilities (determined by the functions of the right and left hemisphere of the brain as detected in the medical tests with respect to sounds, sights and words). We became more aware of the symptoms of students faced with learning disabilities, their learning difficulties, and the facilities and concessions made available to them to sail through school life joyfully!

The power-point presentations highlighted the examples of famous personalities in art, music, science, etc. all over the world (who were learning disabled in their childhood) thus proving that they did not have an intelligence problem. Learning Disability is merely a neurobiological disorder. We gained deeper insight into the reasons behind the student's learning difficulties.

SETS (Special Education Teachers' Support) is a system to gradually compensate the concessions given to the students with learning disabilities over a period of time as they become better equipped to stand on their own feet and tackle their learning difficulties head on!

 After a sumptuous lunch break, the model of the Continuum of Alternative Placements for the students with learning disabilities was discussed with the participants. The display on the screen enabled us to get a clearer view of the comprehensive plan (that records the student's progress every year based on the teacher's observations) to help these students in different ways - general education class, resource room, separate class, separate school, residential facility or homebound/hospital environment - depending on the nature of the disability. This was to be done with the guidance of special educators.

Emphasis was also placed on ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). The characteristics, criteria, symptoms, assessment and treatment of these students too came up for discussion. The information thus accumulated was indeed thought-provoking. We recognized that the discrepancy between the student's potential and achievement was the basis of all learning disabilities! This was motivation and inspiration enough for us to do what it takes to make life easier for the learning disabled children. The checklist provided to us teachers by Rev. Fr. Edward D'Souza furnished us with a deeper insight into the world of the learning disabled students.  We got to see a clearer picture of the potential ability of a student with a learning disability!

The day’s session complete, Fr. Edward was thanked by one of the teachers on behalf of the Management, Staff and students of St. Joseph's, and was offered a token of love and appreciation. For us teachers, walking in the shoes of students with learning disabilities (for a day)  paved the way for a whole new approach to teaching and learning, where the students with learning disabilities will feel at par with the other students and believe that they can and will accomplish greater heights!

MSSA handball champions (u-12), runners -up (u-16)

School Handball teams sign off in style

The victorious u-12 Handball team

St. Joseph’s High School

Wadala,

18^th Jan 2013

In a year with many sporting highs, the three school handball teams added to the growing list of trophies in sport during this scholastic year.  While the under-12 handball team brushed aside the challenges of all the leading contenders for the crown to lay hands on the glittering champions’ trophy, the u-16 team came close to winning it.  The under-14 fought gallantly to claim the fourth position in their category.

The u-16 handball team: runners-up at MSSA tournament

The MSSA organized tournament, like the DSO, is turning out to be a grueling affair, with close to three to four matches fixed for the day.  The boys stood the test, and scraped the barrel to outsmart and overpower their opponents.  The u-12 won the finals played on 16^th Jan. 2013 against Pawar Public School 12-9 to win the coveted crown, while defeating Jamnabai and Gopi Birla on the road to the finals.  The Azad maidan witnessed two more of our teams fighting for a place in the finals on the same day.  The u-16 handball team won 12-6 against Gopi Birla, before losing to Garodia 2-8 in the finals.  The u-14 team lost their semifinals to Gopi Birla as also the third and fourth place play-off match against Garodia.

The u-14 handball team

With these victories our handball teams have once more confirmed the status of St. Joseph’s as a powerhouse of handball in the city of Mumbai, while warming the cockles of the hearts of all Josephites. We salute the victors and laud the efforts of the coach Mr. Raj ably assisted by Mr. Avinash.  Three cheers! 

Website prodigy and Android developer

Adair Incorporation delegate, Android developer – Meet our social website prodigy, Aditya Dubey

St. Joseph's High School, Wadala

16th Jan 2013

Aditya caught our attention on the social networking site – will be surprised if you don’t bat an eyelid, after all, at the age of thirteen,  he is too young to be visiting social networking sites when he should be down to his books! Blazing a trail to discover, learn and pass it on is noteworthy.

In his own words:

It all started when I was redirected on Google Japan - I searched for Google India - there I saw a link "Google Days | India".  I clicked there and found that really very interesting. I registered for the event; there were some really difficult questions, but I answered them correctly. The criteria for the test were the time to answer, and the overall accuracy of the answer. I waited for some days - Kept checking for E-Mails and then after 4 days I received an email. "Word's Out, You're In" - It was a confirmation of my email. The email included a barcode image which was uniquely coded for my entry. I went there on behalf of my company "Adair Incorporation" as a delegate.

WHAT I SAW THERE..

There were many developers and to my surprise I was the youngest amongst all of them. The g|india had got almost 8000 registrations and 1000 of them got entry into the event. The venue took place at Goregaon. There were many events being held time-to-time in 4 different halls (tracks). I had attended the whole Android and Android Development Session as I am an android developer. At last I also had a photograph with the Google Country-Head - Mr. Sunil Rao. There were many competitions held which included one which was of Twitter - The most tweets the #gindia hashtag. Although I came second in the competition, I won a Google India T'shirt. It was really a memorable session for me - Also will try to become a speaker in the next season - 2013.

Visit to Technovanza at VJTI

VISIT TO TECHNOVANZA AT VJTI

-Ram Pandey (VII B), Mrs. Namita and Mr. Sunny

Technovanza is VJTI's annual techno-management festival with the motto of 'Taking Technology to the Society'. This year too, Technovanza was a grand three day fest that included a number of social initiatives and outreach programmes. 

Technovanza provides the platform for students to apply the theoretical knowledge they gather in class-rooms and use it practically through exhibits explaining engineering principles to lay people. It presents a great opportunity for students to showcase their potential and provides them a learning experience: They make the exhibits with their own hands and then explain the concepts to the people who visit their stalls. The confidence built in acquiring a concept, developing the prototype and then demonstrating it before an audience goes a long way in making the students ready to face the real world.

On 7^th and 8^th of January 2013, the IT batch of students from Std. V to VIII visited the VJTI college at Matunga to view this technological Science Exhibition organized by the students from various schools – our own school was represented by three of our students with their creative project on display- and the college itself.  We observed inundating creativity and thirst for innovation from the participating students. They worked as a team with integrity and professionalism and their ultimate aim was to “Take Technology to the Society”.

We observed various activities of interest for all categories of visitors, young and old, who came to visit or participate in the event. There were many lectures by eminent speakers and group discussions involving experts in various fields. For visiting students and youngsters, there were a lot of competitions in which we could take part and win prizes. For the parents and elders, the exhibition provided an understanding of the various gadgets used in every-day life.

We gathered immense knowledge of novel technology with simple machineries’.  The VJTI college students introduced some devices and gadgets to us and explained their uses in detail. Some of these find a mention here:

Sign Language Indicator: This could convert their signs into a language and then display it on the indicator. This was a means to understand the language of deaf and dumb and thus make for an easier communication.

Smart Traffic System: This system or device can be used by ambulance or a fire brigade to rescue the people. The installation of this system in the vehicle will allow for a change in the signal system if there is a change in direction of the vehicle, thus reducing the noise pollution that is usually created by the siren of an ambulance or a fire brigade.

Gym Energy

Gym Energy:  The gadgets used in the gymnasium could be connected to run the home appliances.  This would mean that the energy generated while exercising could run the home appliances thus saving power and conserving electricity.

Fire Fighting Robot: Robot made to fight fire and defuse it efficiently.

There were the other projects such as the Cube Art of Mr. Ratan Tata, Virtual Drum, Mobile Detectors, Hologram, Morpheus Alert, FITA (To find major flood  zones), MAGLAV (trains running without railway tracks with the help of magnet energy), LI-FI, Railway Rewamp, that were worth watching.

Eco dye

 Reaching out to students, industry and the society in general, Technovanza 2013 was indeed very grand.

The news makers meet - NIE

THE NEWS MAKERS MEET

Parth Tawde –Std. VII B

St. Joseph’s High School,

Wadala

14^th Jan 2013

                What is news? An editor once defined it as, "Anything that interests a large part of the community and has never been brought to its attention before." In other words, news is what people are talking about. News is new. To introduce us further into the nuances of news reporting, the Times of India group of newspapers, organized ‘the Newsmakers meet’ at Birla Mathoshri Sabhaghar, Fort on 8^th Jan 2013. Three students from St. Joseph’s High School, Wadala participated in this event that is an annual feature encouraging young budding journalists.

                Over 650 school students from all over Mumbai & Navi Mumbai were present for the event. We were asked to report at the venue by 9:00 am for the registration.  Once done, we were directed to the auditorium for the main event. We began with a quiz consisting of 25 questions that related mainly to the current events and issues published on NIE (students’ edition of TOI).  The questions were displayed on the screen, and we were to jot down the answers on the answer sheets provided to us.  The twenty fifth question in the form of picture of tennis ace Leander Paes as well as his upcoming movie poster initiated us into report – writing.  We were asked to write a report on Leander outlining his journey from sports to films.  The answers to the questions of the quiz, and the report would provide the criteria for the judges to select the top 30 students as the Star correspondents for the year.  These would also be provided the platform to cover the lead stories as well as interview some well known personalities. 

The honored chief guest for the day was the Chairman and Managing Director of Videocon company, Mr.  Venugopal Dhut.  All of us participants were excited to be in his company, and were thrilled to know that we would get an opportunity to ask him questions and interview him. Mr. Dhut was felicitated upon his arrival, and he addressed us students immediately thereafter.  It was then our turn to ask him questions, and though not all of us could interview him due to the time constraints – he was with us for about an hour – we were however inspired by his words.

It was time for all of us to leave too – not before we were treated to some refreshment and snacks – after having gathered loads of information in the field of journalism, report writing, and dissemination of news and information. 

Fins, Feathers, Paws

UNDERSTANDING NATURE'S BEAUTY

- Atharva Chaturvedi  (VIII B)

Mumbai University's Kalina campus ushered in the New Year by doubling up as a temporary shelter for chirpy exotic birds and a slice of acquatic life.  University officials organized an educational exhibition with the pet lovers association, Sanjeevan Trust from 3^rd Jan 2013 to 6^th Jan 2013.  Breeders from the city set up stalls with unusual pets from around the globe.  There were about 120 schools registered to attend this exhibition.  St. Joseph's High School (Wadala) was one of them.

Fifty-one students (representatives from Stds. IV to VIII) from our school were given an opportunity to take part in this exhibition.  At the site, the students collected an enormous amount of information on the exotic fishes and birds.  Everyone present there were amazed to see that majority of the birds there were not caged!  There was enough supply of food and food products for the birds and some of these were kept for sale too. 

We came across a variety of exotic birds - the long tailed fin, the lava sparrow, the sulphur crested cockatoo, the eclectus parrot, the blue and yellow macaw, the Goffins cockatoo, Barnard's parakeet, the great palm cockatoo and many more.

The variety of fishes were amazing – there were the eels, the tire track eel, the tiger fish, the flower horn, the black piranha, arowana, the golden Oscar, starfish, the black ghost, the feather queen… to name a few.

Aficionados of fins and feathers making a beeline to a pet shop or a park will find the brief information about the most viewed pets at the exhibition noteworthy:

1. The macaw: Originally from South America, colourful macaws are fruit and seed- eating birds.  There are 999 known species of macaws, and breeders admit that the birds find Indian weather conditions comfortable and conducive.  The military macaw is one of the largest birds in the macaw family.  They live in large flocks with a lifespan of 50 - 60 years in the wild.

2. The flower horn cichlids: This is an ornamental man-made fish that does not exist naturally and lives for about nine years.  Found in Taiwan they cost up to Rs. 30,000 each.  The male is identified by the nuchal hump, while the female doesn't possess the head bulge.

3. Golden Pheasant: Native to the mountains of China and despite their showy appearance, the birds are difficult to spot in their natural habitat.  Although they can fly in short bursts, they spend most of their time on ground.

4. Sun Conure:  Native to South America, baby birds will have green-tipped wings.  But as they grow, they twin predominantly yellow with hints of orange. 

5. African grey parrot: Found in rain forests of Africa, this species of parrot usually lives to about 80 years.  Compared to other parrots, breeders consider them to be the quick learners and say their IQ matches that of a five year old child.

6. Zebra Eel: Zebra morays are found primarily in rocky and coral reefs on the east coast of Africa to the Red Sea.  Unlike most other moray eels, it feeds almost exclusively on crustaceans, sea urchins and mollusks.  One of the most docile of eels, it is naturally reclusive staying hidden, emerging only when food is offered. 

7. Pouter: Pouter pigeons are found in the dessert region of America and live for an average of seven years. 

8. Cockatoo: Pet lovers call the cockatoo the most affectionate bird in the sky.  Native to Australia and Indonesia, the Goffin cockatoo is white in colour while the Moluccan Cockatoo is salmon-crested and the black variant is pitch black except for a red tail.  Gallah cockatoo is pink in colour.

The exhibition of Fins, Feathers and Paws proved to be an enriching educational programme filled with thrills and laced with a sense of wonder.  The mad rush among friends and companions to share notes of this visit is an indication of the excitement and exhilaration that follows a rewarding activity. 

Young Aditya Khilari hits the jackpot

Young Aditya Khilari hits the jackpot

St. Joseph’s High School,

Wadala,

10^th Jan. 2012

Art is his passion, and winning prizes is his habit.  Winner of a number of awards at different art events and competitions right from an early age, Master Aditya Khilari of Std. IV is once again the cynosure of all eyes, thanks to his brilliant performance in an art competition conducted by Artvilla.in.

Artvilla.in Creations LLP is a group that is taking massive steps to raise the art industry in India, and the members of this group want educational institutes to act as Art propagators.  It was at a chance meeting that the authorities of the school stumbled upon this creative group promoting art.  They urged the school to encourage the students to participate in one of their ambitious ventures, ‘Artdom’, an event  advertising bumper prizes for the winners of the art competition, and an opportunity to exhibit their art if found creative and innovative.  Some of the parents took it forward and got their students enrolled for this novel competition. 

Master Aditya came out trumps winning the first prize in Innocent Stars (Grade 1^st to 4^th) for Artdom 2012, and winning a cash prize of Rs. 25,000/- for his effort.  Further, his art will be exhibited at the prestigious Nehru Centre from 19^th Feb. 2013 to 25^th Feb. 2013.  Indeed a proud moment for all Josephites and art lovers! 

NCC cadets' certificate examination

Drilled and grilled – NCC cadets’ exam

St. Joseph’s Wadala

8^th January 2013

24 students of our school who form the school NCC cadet troupe were tested for their knowledge, skill and discipline.  These our NCC cadets answered their certificate examination on 7^th Januaray 2013 at the hands of the external examiners, Mr. S. K. Singh, P.O., and Mr. M. S. Dunge, L.R.O.  The initial round of examination consisted of drills and orals conducted by these examiners for our cadets, after which our students answered the written examination.  The examiners found our cadets prepared, skilled and disciplined, and commended the hard work and efforts put in by the NCC chief in the school, Mr. Raj.  A great future lies ahead for our promising NCC cadets, and we wish them success and a great year ahead. 

Silver in inter school gymnastics

Yash strikes silver in gymnastics

Our budding gymnast Yash Pardeshi from Std. V is in the news yet again. In the recently concluded 15^th edition of the MSSA organized inter-school gymnastic competition, Master Yash struck silver with his agile performance in the u-12 FX category.  Yash has already won accolades for the school at different levels of the competition in gymnastics at the state and National tournaments.  This year too he has been selected to represent the state of Maharashtra in the Nationals.  We wish him a rolling success in this event and the events to follow. 

Six of our young students excel at Homi Bhaba Science exam

Six bright sparks at the Homi Bhaba Science Examination

Six of our young bright students made it to the Practical level of the prestigious Homi Bhaba Science Examination conducted by the State to identify talent and promote scientific temper.   Of the twenty eight students from our school who appeared, six were from Std. IX and the remaining twenty-two from Std. VI.  Seventeen ( of these, two were from Std. IX) of these were selected for the certificate, while five of them (all from Std. VI) excelled to make it to the Practical examination level. The five students appearing for the practical exam are:

1.  Anirudh Bhattacharya

2.  Darshit Trevadia

3.  Karan Das

4.  Nishant Sarang

5.  Vedang Thakur

6.  Kshitij Kadam

Congratulations to these our students, and we wish them success that will take them to the next stage that involves the Action research project. 

A visit with the GreenLine team to the Sanjay Gandhi National Park

'AN ENCOUNTER WITH THE WILD'

- Nodiyal Jaikishan and Arokia Eliyas (Std. IX)

26th November 2012 was an experience-filled day for us. The hustle and bustle of the Diwali vacations did not stop the many nature lovers and enthusiasts from the different schools of Mumbai visiting the Sanjay Gandhi National Park – a trip made possible by the Greenline Team!

Earlier known as the Borivali National Park, Sanjay Gandhi National Park is one of the major national parks existing within the Mumbai metropolis limit and is one of the most visited parks in the world! Its rich flora and fauna attract more than two million tourists every year. The 2400 year old KANHERI CAVES sculpted out of the rocky cliffs which lie within the park are a visitor’s delight. It is said that they were sculpted by Buddhist residents starting in the first century! The undulating green lands of the park have a natural environment where people love to retreat to for moments of quiet meditation. The great view of the forest hills, lakes and green areas have a therapeutic effect on the mind, body and soul. The park is nestled in the hill ranges around the suburbs of Borivali, Mumbai. It occupies most of the northern suburbs. To the west lies the township of Goregaon, Malad, Kandivali, Borivali and Dahisar. To the east lie Bhandup and Mulund. To the south lies the Aarey Milk Colony. To the north reaches of this forest lies the Thane district. The park is naturally blessed with two lakes, the Vihar Lake and the Tulsi Lake which meets parts of the city's water requirements. 

This park houses various species of animals, birds and exotic plants. Some of the birds found here are woodpeckers, kingfishers, sunbirds, etc. The beautiful peacocks can capture anyone’s heart with their lovely bright colours. The park boasts of many varied animals and reptiles. These include spotted deer, wild bear, sambar deer, Hanuman langurs, etc. Snakes like the cobra, monitor lizards, pythons, are also found here. The Tulsi Lake houses a number of crocodiles that makes an interesting site in the park. The park is home to a number of endangered species of flora and fauna. The forest area of the park houses over 1000 plant species, land and water birds, mammals, reptiles, butterflies and fish. The Golden Orioles, rocket tailed dronges, robins, sunbirds, peacocks and woodpeckers are the amazing birds that find shelter in the park.

An ambitious nature lover can view the wild animals from a close range through the Lion Safari and the Tiger Safari!  The Lion Safari is a 20 minute ride through a fenced forest in one of the park's green buses. There are a total of about 25 lions and lionesses. We saw two lions up close from inside the caged buses! There are four tigers that are kept semi-confined in fenced areas that are toured by the buses. Besides the safaris, there are several public walking trails in the park. A boating facility with a two person pedal-powered boat on rental provides further recreation for the visitors. There is also the famous Jain temple, Trimurti that provides solace to the searching soul.

 A day at the Sanjay National Gandhi park was indeed an enriching and memorable one for all of us. We learnt that nature, with its flora and fauna, is indeed a blessing for each us, and we need to respect and nurture this gift.

    

A visit to Ruia College

A Visit to Ruia College – Annual Festival ‘KINGDOM PLANTAE’

-Siddharth Mohanty and Parth Tawde (Std. VII B)

On 18th December 2012, the students of Std. VII B were given an opportunity to visit Ruia College for its annual festival ‘KINGDOM PLANTAE’.  Organized by the Department of Botany of this college, the Exhibition and Poster competition at this festival was a tribute to the ‘Oxygen Donors’. 

The students and the two teachers accompanying them were accorded a warm welcome by the college professors.  After the brief preliminaries by the professors, we were introduced to the different exhibits by the students of the college.  The presentations at the exhibits were informative, creative and appealing.  The presentations covered varied topics:

·         Unity in Diversity (Biodiversity)

·         It’s all in the genes (Plant genetics)

·         Playing with the Gene (Genetically modified plants)

·         The Green Cleaners (Phyto remediation, waste management)

·         Green Fuel

·         Environmental Botany ….

Cautioning us about global warming, the students explained that the excessive use of air conditioners, refrigerators, etc.  is harmful since they release harmful ultra violet rays that are harmful to human beings. The gas chloroflurocarbon produced by them spreads diseases of the skin such as skin cancer, rashes on skin, etc. Their slogan was ‘Save Earth by making it green’.  There were various methods to save our earth from becoming a desert. 

We were given a lesson in roots and their types – knee roots, plank root, etc. as well as in ‘bonsai’ plants.  We were quite eager to learn about the natural herbs present in cosmetics, and the difference between natural cosmetics and chemical cosmetics.  On a historical note, they reminded us that mangrove trees were in abundance in Mumbai many years ago. These trees had the power to extract salt from the sea and prevented natural calamities such as Tsunami and floods.  Now-a-days mangroves are becoming scarce due to architectural designs and growing industries.  A demonstration was given to us in the extraction of oil from the plant of Jatropha, and some samples displayed of squashes and pickles of different fruits.  

Young that we were, the explanation of genetic engineering fascinated us. The nucleus contains chromosomes.  Chromosomes bear DNA.  DNA holds the genes.  These genes can be changed according to our characteristics.  Another practical input at this exhibition was that that of ‘Terrerium’ – a desert that could be prepared and kept at home too! It is made up of different layers of soil consisting brick powder, sand, moisture, etc…in that order.  Rangolis prepared with flowers by the students were attractive and added color and variety to the exhibition. 

We returned back to the school having learnt much at the exhibition. We enjoyed the exhibits very much but were sad about the destruction of nature as is happening today.  It’s time for us all to join hands and put together the broken pieces for a better world.