DIREC 2010

The global concern over the rising oil demand and the subsequent rise in its price, the ubiquitous economic recession leading to economic imbalance were some of the topics of discussion at the Delhi International Renewable Energy Conference (DIREC). It was a three day conference (27^th-29^th October, 2010) held at India Expo Mart, greater noida. The conference witnessed global environmentalists deliberating on the exploitation of renewable energy to combat the existing energy crisis all over the world.

The honourable Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh gave the inaugural speech. His speech was followed by a panel discussion which involved environmentalists from India and abroad. The main agenda of the conference was energy security, universal access to energy and eradication of poverty. Energy plays a significant role in accelerating economic, social, industrial and infrastructural growth. The issue of depleting non renewable energy resources has induced man to find alternatives to sustain life on earth. About 1.42 billion people have no access to electricity. The International Agency for Renewable Energy is striving to reach the target of making energy universally accessible by 2030. Sweden has proven to be a perfect example of “green economy” because of its increased use of renewable energy which has also resulted in increase in its GDP to 44%.

The small renewable energy village drew appreciation from everyone because of its simplistic grandeur. From solar cookers, solar water heaters, solar stoves to biogas plant, it presented a perfect example of a clean, green and eco-friendly future. It was meant not only for appreciation but for its efficient utilization to reduce the growing pressure on renewable energy. The makings of eco-friendly chullahs, assembling solar lanterns are examples of some of the small scale industries providing employment to rural women. This gives an insight into the scope of employment generation brought about by the exploitation of the renewable energy resources.

The conference was illuminating as it brought some serious environmental issues to the forefront. It was a great experience and rather an exciting process of edification. The pondering period is over and we need to resort to strict measures to abort energy crisis.

Two day NEN workshop!

On 29th and 30th October, a 2-day workshop was conducted by NEN at APIM, Noida. The workshop saw enthusiastic participation from all the E-Leaders of colleges from Delhi-NCR. Two Entretia members also got a chance to attend the workshop.

The main objectives of the workshop were:

• Driving the development of a community
• Importance of staying connected for E-cells and E leaders
• How to: Scaling Up and Tap into the community

The workshops were a gush of fresh air literally, instead of sounding like ‘rocket science’, as entrepreneurship workshops generally turn out to be, they were interesting and had loads of fun activities to keep us on our toes! From sketching random stuff to putting puzzles together, we did it all and I must say people enjoyed it a lot! A lot of the students present put forward the problems they face in running their E-cells and then later solutions were worked out for the same. In all it was a great experience, an event not to be missed for sure! :)

CWG volunteering experience!!

After the filling of forms, general, role and venue specific training…..finally I got my roster and started working as a volunteer from1st October!! On reaching my venue i.e. the Main Pess Centre (MPC) situated in Pragati Maidan, I came to know my work…..organising the one to one interviews and press conferences and sitting at the communications help desk. Happy and enthusiastic on the first day I started my work….the first press conference was with team

After my first 2 days slowly I got used to my environment…..I no more jumped at the sight of anybody whom I had seen on TV n never in real life…..to top it all I did not even click a picture of P.Chidambaram when he came to our venue….I still had the enthusiasm in me but no more craziness left in me to run n take a picture or get an autograph!! Volunteering works specifically of such level turn lil weirdos like me into more mature and controlled human beings!! As my role was Press Operations n I want to work in the field of journalism in future seeing great Indian n international journalist work from a close distance was a valuable experience for me. The contacts and the enlightening conversations that I had with some of them would surely help me in time to come. Also such volunteering work changes the way you look at things, I always thought that I could never find somebody worth talking to from a college like Satyawati…..I had a rilli weird image about all the students there….I found rilli good natured people with a good sense of humour coming from the colleges I detested. I am friends with them now! :P

CWG 2010 Volunteering has been a life changing experience for me…..if u get a chance too any day of volunteering for such a grand event….never let it go….its worth it!!

Visit to the green NGO!! :)

On 28^th September 2010 two members from the Prakriti team visited Sulabh. The NGO is very eco friendly and has adopted some very nature friendly practices for there day to day functions like- waste management, waste water treatment and Bio gas plants. The pictures given below are of the rechargeable toilet pits- a design that is cost efficient and eco friendly.

The following picture shows the treated waste water stored in bottles that can be used for irrigation.

The NGO also has a bio-gas plant which provides the needed energy for lightening and cooking purposes. 

Prakriti Activities 2009-2010

Prakriti, the Environment Society of College, organized a plethora of activities round the year. It continued to make its mark in maintaining the environmental consciousness and aesthetic greenery of College. The society inaugurated the year with the sapling plantation for freshers. This was followed by a talk by Dr. Aarti Bhalla on “Impact of Climate Change in India ”. The society worked towards promoting a peaceful Diwali by organizing a workshop to paint diyas that were then were sold at the NSS Diwali Mela. The Prakriti stall saw a host of products such as painted ‘kulhads’ which could be used as pen stands, saplings, recycled paper etc. The English Debating Society and Prakriti organized The Murlidhar Memorial Debate on the theme of “Climate Change”. The society also conducted a paper recycling drive. One of the major projects of the society was the mapping of the college’s carbon footprint. A report on this was presented to the college community during Prakriti week. The week also witnessed a series of events including talks on “Youth and Environment” by members of IYCN. There were two movie screenings. The first was The Hunted about tiger poachers and the second was A Degree of Concern about the impact of melting glaciers in Leh, Ladakh. There was a photography competition organized on the theme of ‘Capturing the secrets of Nature’. The week culminated with a nature walk conducted by Mr Ajay Mahajan. Prakriti won accolades at the DU Flower show.  Its members won second and third prize in the eastern style flower arrangement and third prize in the western style flower arrangement.

PRAKRITI - The Environmental Society

Prakriti or the environment society is the platform through which students enlighten themselves and others about the importance of environmental issues and sustainable development. Every fresher enters the vast arena of extracurricular activities of LSR by first planting a sapling on their orientation day organized by our society. We hope to initiate freshness, new life into the college, by entrusting each student with a sapling to nurture, to love and enjoy the beauty of watching it grow. Throughout any given year, we organize various competitions, workshops, seminars and talks on nature to explore the different ideas that students may embark upon. During the Diwali Mela, Prakriti displays the LSR jute bags and calendars. We also lead the colleges in the Delhi University Flower Show and have won the prestigious Green Cup of Delhi University for the 9th consecutive year. Prakriti seeks to foster every individual’s natural love for nature and works to inspire their willingness to work for the environment.

Logo Making Competition

The logo making competition organized by Entretia saw active participation by students. The numerous entries which we received is proof enough of that. Students from all the three years and different courses turned up at the given time for the event and soon the venue i.e. the Principal’s gazebo transformed into an artist’s paradise (see pic). Students came with really innovative ideas and cool concepts. Our judge for the event Mr. Shadab Mobin had a really tough time choosing the winner. Finally Chhavi was declared the winner. Also, the winning entry will serve as the official logo for Entretia!