Action Campaigns

“Awareness Creates Difference- Do and Motivate”

Awareness programmes and campaigns constitute a major part of the environmental

initiatives of the institution. The college is involved in umpteen numbers of projects and

campaigns, many of which are executed in collaboration with several bodies or organizations.

The stakeholders of the institution firmly believe in making a difference through action

campaigns. As propagators of change, this transformation is initiated from within by engaging

in motivational activities and campaigns. The departments, in accordance with the nature and

scope of their discipline, align the activities towards a greener campus by engaging in a

plethora of activities: observance of days related to ecology and planet system, conducting

rallies, quizzes, debates, making wall magazines with environmental themes, planting and

distributing saplings, agriculture learning sessions etc.

Departments of Physics, Chemistry, Botany and Zoology observe

World Environment day, International Ozone day, World Wetlands Day

and National Science Day every year, in collaboration with Kerala State

Council for Science, Technology and Environment.

ACTION CAMPAIGNS 2019

Environment protection and initiatives constitute the very ethos of the institution, and the

different departments of the institution vigorously organize diverse ecological and sustainable

practices and campaigns yearlong. The plethora of activity-based learning effectively instils

environment consciousness among the students, which is the need of the hour. The

environment enhancement and protection activities undertaken by the students positively

contribute to lessen the environmental degradation. The following are the details of the

environment-related activities conducted in the odd semester of the academic year 2019-20.

Inthinai 2019, a three-day Residential Camp

Humans Are Responsible For Environment Disasters

-KureepuzhaSreekumar

The Department of Malayalam, Bharata Mata College, Thrikkakara, organized

Inthinai 2019, a three-day residential camp and study tour, at the camp centre of Pathirappally

Sarvodayapuram Socio-Economic Foundation. The camp, aimed at introducing

Environmental Studies to students, was inaugurated by renowned poet Kureepuzha

Sreekumar. In his inaugural address, the poet called humans the sole species that destroys the

very planet that sustains their lives and said that we ourselves are responsible for all

environment disasters. From being the state that would remain unaffected even after weeks of

torrential rain, Kerala has now become the land that floods with just a single day’s rain.

The indiscriminate filling up of rivers and paddy fields is the reason behind this

degradation of the land. Human encroachment and exploitation of the environment are the

reasons behind the large-scale destructions that took place in Kavalappara and Puthumala. It

is the need of the hour that at least from now, such unregulated and indiscriminate

exploitations of the environment are stopped. This demands the joint efforts of everyone,

especially the younger generations. The key note address was delivered by Adv Pradeep

Koottala. Dr Thomas Panakkalam, Head of the Department of Malayalam, presided over the

function. Faculty members Fr Varghese Paul Thottiyil and Dr Liji Joseph spoke on the

occasion. The inaugural function was followed by a panel discussion on Environment and

Human Rights moderated by Dr Devi K Varma.

The members on the panel were environment activist K V Dayal, T Mohanan and

Jayan Thomas. Day two of the camp was spent visiting the ecologically sensitive regions and

cultural institutions of Alappuzha District while on Day three, Kuttanad’s iconic paddy fields

and the Vembanadu Lake were visited. The three-day residential camp and study tour offered

a novel experience for the students. They were able to gather first-hand information on the

kind of atrocities that the environment is put through in contemporary times. The tour was

organised according to the five geographical distinctions, namely Kurinchi, Mullai, Palai,

Marutham and Neythal, explained in Tolkapiyam, a major text of Dravidian aesthetics. The

camp was in keeping with the syllabus for the paper Environmental Studies and Human

Rights prescribed for the students of fifth semester under Mahatma Gandhi University,

Kottayam.

Inthinai 2019: A Journey through the Lands and Rivers of the Five Thinais

The three-day residential camp and study tour Inthinai 2019 organised by the

Department of Malayalam, Bharata Mata College, Thrikkakara, offered an opportunity for

experiential learning about the environment to the students. The tour, which presented a

novel experience for the students, was organised according to the five geographical

distinctions, namely Kurinchi, Mullai, Palai, Marutham and Neythal, explained in

Tolkapiyam, a major text of Dravidian aesthetics. The camp was in keeping with the syllabus

for the paper Environmental Studies and Human Rights prescribed for the students of fifth

semester under Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam.

Inthinai 2019 was held at the camp centre of Pathirappally Sarvodayapuram Socio-

Economic Foundation, Alappuzha. The camp, aimed at introducing Environmental Studies to

students, was inaugurated by renowned poet Kureepuzha Sreekumar. The key note address

was delivered by Adv Pradeep Koottala. Dr Thomas Pankkalam, Head of the Department of

Malayalam, presided over the function. Faculty members Fr Varghese Paul Thottiyil and Dr

Liji Joseph spoke on the occasion. The inaugural function was followed by a panel discussion

on Environment and Human Rights moderated by Dr Devi K Varma. The members on the

panel were environment activist K V Dayal, T Mohanan and Jayan Thomas.

Day two of the camp was spent visiting the ecologically sensitive regions and cultural

institutions of Alappuzha district. The campers were received in S D College, Alappuzha by

its Malayalam Department. Dr Ajayakumar, Head of the Department of Malayalam, S D

College, spoke on the topic Environmental Concerns in Malayalam Poetry. Poet Shijimon,

students Ambili and Sila recited poems. Following this, the campers visited Thottapilly

Spillway, Pozhi and Harbour. Poet Kailas Thottapilly recited a poem and engaged a session

on the worldview of Kumaranasan’s poetry at Kumarakodi, Pallana. The campers were

addressed by poet Kavalam Balachandran at the Karumadikuttan Memmorial. They then

visited S B College, Changanachery. Were they were received by the Malayalam Department.

Department Head Dr P Antony, Dr Joseph Scaria and Ajeesh Thomas engagaed in

conversation with the students on the importance of Environment Studies. Prof T J Mathai

spoke on the EcoFriendly Means of Waste Management.

The study tour then reached Manaykachira Idom, Changanachery, where Anthrayose

Maratukalam and Lallu Susan explained the science of Acupressure treatment to the students.

The play Kayalkadamba, written by Sunil K Anand, was presented. On the third day of the

camp, Kuttanad’s iconic paddy fields and the Vembanadu Lake were visited. Pathiramanal, a

natural island on the Vembanadu Lake, and the threats to it became topics of debate and

discussion in the study tour.

Organised under the leadership of Dr Thomas Panakkalam, Head of the Department

of Malayalam, Bharata Mata College, Thrikkakara, faculty members Dr Liji Joseph, Fr

Varghese Paul Thottiyil, Jineeshlal Raj and Ramsiya M A, and student leaders Anandu Anil,

Maria S Pillai, the camp and study tour was a resounding success with 40 participant

students.

World Environment day 2019

On 7th June 2019, Department of Zoology, Bharata Mata College, Thrikkakara, observed The

World Environment day with full vigor and enthusiasm. An Awareness Rally was conducted

to the college ground. The Official inauguration was held at the college ground by the chief

guest Prof. S. Sitaraman (Kerala State River Protection Council, President), by planting fruit

tree saplings. 201 saplings were purchased from the Social Forestry of Kerala Forest

Department, among which almost 60 saplings were planted by the Manager, Principal,

Teachers and Students.

‘Adorn with Green’ - awareness rally on environment protection by the zoology students

‘Adorn with Green’ - awareness rally on environment protection by the staff and students of

Zoology department, BMC, Thrikkakara

‘ADORN WITH GREEN’ – A Green Initiative of Dept. of Zoology as a part of World

Environment Day Observation 2019

Planting of fruit tree saplings by Prof. S. Sitaraman, Manager and Principal as part of ‘Adorn

with Green’ a green initiative by the department of Zoology.

Technical session by Prof. (Dr.) S. Sitaraman, a renowned environmentalist

State level seminar on the theme ‘GREEN EARTH – CLEAN AIR’

The Department of Zoology, Bharata Mata College in collaboration with Kerala State

Council for Science, Technology & Environment (KSCSTE) organized a one-day state level

seminar on 15.06.2019 on the theme ‘GREEN EARTH – CLEAN AIR’. The seminar was

inaugurated by the college Manager, Rev. Fr. Jacob G. Palackappilly. Principal Dr. Shiny

Palaty presided over the function. Dr. C.M. Joy, retired Professor (S.H.College, Thevara)

and a reputed environmentalist, inaugurated ‘Adopt a Tree’ campaign. Technical

sessions were led by Adv. Harish Vasudevan, Dr. C.M Joy and Dr. S. Bijoy Nandan (HOD,

Marine Science department). A Documentary on ‘Air Pollution’ was shown. Intercollegiate

Painting competition on the theme ‘Green Earth – Clean Air was also held. Cash Prizes were

given to the winners by Dr. S. Bijoy Nandan during the valedictory function.

State Level One Day Seminar on ‘Green Earth – Clean Air’ being inaugurated by the

Manager, Rev. Fr. Jacob G. Palackappilly.

‘Adopt a Tree’Campaign being inaugurated by Dr. C. M. Joy by adopting and planting a

tree sapling which would be known and cared on his name.

Prof. Francis Joseph Edathrakary (Former HOD) and Prof. Grace Jacob (Retd. Faculty)

planting fruit tree saplings as a part of ‘Adopt a Tree’ campaign.

Adv. Harish Vasudevan delivering a lecture on ‘Environment Conservation through

Environment Laws in India- How far is it successful?’

Dr.C.M Joy delivering a talk on ‘Global scenario of Air pollution’

Dr. S. Bijoy Nandan planting a fruit tree sapling as part of ‘Adopt a Tree’ Campaign

following his talk on ‘Some Thoughts on Environmental Pollution’

Display of the paintings drawn by the participants of Inter collegiate Painting Competition on

the theme ‘Green Earth Clean Air’

Cash Award being presented to the winners of inter collegiate painting competition by

Dr. S Bijoy Nandan

Industrial Visit – Department of Zoology

On August 3, 2019 the IInd DC zoology students of the 2018-21 batch visited the

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary at Kottayam and Thanneermukkam bund, a Ramsar site of

ecological importance at Alappuzha . The primary interest of the field trip was to learn more

about the wetland flora and fauna and the habits of the migratory birds that are annual

visitors of the bird sanctuary. The group comprised 39 students and 3 staff. The field trip

was educational and informative. The Kumarakom bird sanctuary is one of the largest

heronries in Kerala and home to many species of birds, fishes, amphibians, reptiles and to a

number of wetland medicinal plants.

Resource person leading the class at Kumarakom

Numerous double crested Cormorants on trees

Staff and students during their field trip at Kumarakom

Open Course students of 2019-20 batch were taken for a Field Visit to Sahrudaya Agro

Gardens, Ponnurunni. Dr. Simi Joseph P and Ms. Aswathy S accompanied the students.

OBSERVANCE OF DAYS OF SCIENTIFIC IMPORTANCE

COMMEMORATED HIROSHIMA/NAGASAKI DAY BY THE DEPARTMENT OF

ZOOLOGY ON 20th AUGUST 2019

In commemoration of Hiroshima Day and Nagasaki day on August 6th and 9th respectively,

the zoology students of Bharata Mata College, Thrikkakara played a skit

‘ATHIJEEVANAM’ followed by a flash mob. The skit played on the college courtyard

featured ‘Peace’ and ‘Justice’ on Japanese people and it depicted the sequence of events that

happened during World War II and the fateful day on which the Americans bombed the

major Japanese cities: Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6th and 9th respectively. The play

conveyed a positive message of how recovery from vast devastation is possible with a wilful

heart and determined mind of society. The skit was concluded by a flash mob on the theme

‘Peace’. Manager and Principal felicitated on the occasion. Dr. Simi Joseph P. delivered the

vote of thanks.

Clippings of the SKIT: ‘ATHIJEEVANAM’

OBSERVANCE WORLD OZONE DAY ON 25.09.2019 AT COLLEGE PORTICO

Zoology students performed a flash mob on 25.09.2019 during the lunch break in the college

portico through which was conveyed a message to the college fraternity “Earth does not

need us, but we need Mother Earth – Let us protect her’. How the mourning grey earth

resulted by anthropogenic greed (through tree felling & plastic menace) could be converted to

a smiley blue-green earth was beautifully enacted by the students through the flash mob. Also

there was a 2 minute narration of 2019 theme of World Ozone Day ’32 years of Healing’.

There is a ray of hope in this year’s celebration as it is understood, parts of ozone layer have

recovered at the rate of 1 – 3% per decade since 2000. The narration also depicted the

importance of ozone layer, how careless human activities and mismanagement of plastic and

such other waste contribute to Global Warming. Following the flash mob, Principal Dr. Shiny

Palaty addressed the gathering and gave a message. She emphasized the importance of Ozone

layer, how it becomes a protective layer to Mother Earth, extended all support to students for

such acts of eco-consciousness and called for such initiatives to be extended outside the

campus to the public. Association secretary Eve Anchal Vaj proposed vote of thanks.

Observance of World Ocean Day

In connection with World Ocean Day observed on June 8th of every year, the English

Association of the Post Graduate Department of English, Bharata Mata College, released a

wall magazine on 19th June 2019 at 1: 45 pm at the department. The wall magazine themed

‘Ocean and Gender’ was well explored and crafted by the students of II BA English. Dr.

Priyalakshmi G, Head of the Department of Zoology released the magazine in the presence of

around hundred students and all the teachers of the department. The inauguration was

followed by a speech by Dr. Priyalakshmi on the topic of gender inequality existing in the

fields related to the discipline of oceanography and fisheries. She appreciated the department

for initiating such activities stressing on the relevance for creating awareness regarding the

challenges faced by the international community in connection with ocean, and the need for

conserving ocean and its resources. Aparna Mary John of II BA English spoke about the

theme of the wall magazine- Ocean and gender. The Head of the Department, Ms.

LissyKachappilly also spoke about the subject acknowledging the thought of the students to

celebrate the World Ocean Day by unveiling magazine relating to the theme of the year.

Arathy Sunilkumar of II BA English delivered the vote of thanks. The gathering was

dispersed after the distribution of sweets.

Healthy Lifestyle towards Sustainability

On 4th September 2019, in connection with Nutrition week celebration, Food Fest

was conducted under the aegis of the department of Botany, in which nutrition rich

plant based food items: Vegetable salad, Fruit Salad, Fruit Juices, Sprouts, Dry

fruits were served.

‘Friday Strike for Future’

In solidarity with climate change activist Greta Thunberg, the department of

Economics conducted a distinct programme on 27th September 2019 in the college

courtyard. The programme was inaugurated by college manager Rev Fr Jacob G

Palackappalli and was attended by Dr Shiny Palatty, college principal. The

programme stood apart due to the participation of almost all the students from the

department spreading the message that environmental protection is not just for the

activists, but rather should be practiced by every citizen.

Field Visit

On 6th September 2019, as part of syllabus of Open course, 26 students from various

departments were taken to a horticultural Nursery, under the aegis of the department of

Botany. They got opportunity to observe plants raised by different propagation methods like

budding, grafting, tissue culture etc. Information on different types of gardening like

ornamental garden, indoor garden, and kitchen garden were given.

Zonal Seminar ‘OZONE – 2019’

Zonal Seminar ‘OZONE – 2019’ was organised by the department of Botany in

connection with World Ozone Day celebration. Participants were invited from various

institutions. Technical sessions were carried out by following resource persons:

1. Dr. REGIL T (Cochin University of Science andTechnology)

2. JOJO T D (Ashoka Trust for Research and Ecology and the Environment)

On 18thJune 2019, a Collage making competition was held in connection with the

World Environment Day celebration. The competition was organized around the

theme for World Environment Day 2019 - “Air Pollution”.

World Wetlands Day 2019

The Department of Physics of Bharata Mata

College, Thrikkakkara celebrated World

Wetlands Day on February 6th and 7th 2019 in

association with Kerala State Council for

Science, Technology and Environment

Intercollegiate Poster Design Competition based on the theme ‘Climate Change’ and the

exhibition of posters as part of World Wetland Day Celebrations

World Environment Day 2018

Department of Zoology, Bharata Mata College, Thrikkakara in collaboration with Kerala

State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) celebrated World

Environment Day (Eco - Day 2018) with the focal theme ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’ on 5th June

2018. Renowned Environmentalist Prof. M K Prasad (Former Pro-Vice Chancellor of Calicut

University) inaugurated the event. The fest included Intercollegiate Essay writing and

Painting competitions.

Intercollegiate Essay writing and Painting competition being held as part of ‘World

Environment Day’ Programme (ECO DAY 2018) organized by the Department of Zoology

Reading Week 2018

The Post Graduate Department of English observed Reading Week from 18th to 22nd of June

with several inter and intra-departmental competitions to inspire and inculcate reading habits

in students including Book reviews, poetry writing and poetry reading based on the focal

theme, Eco-Consciousness.

All Kerala Science Fest ENSEMBLE 2018

The Post Graduate Department of Chemistry and Research Centre conducted all Kerala

Academic Science Fest, Ensemble 2018 during 27-28 February 2018 in collaboration with

Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment, as part of Science Day

Celebrations. Dr. K.N. Ninan, Rtd. Deputy Director, ISRO was the chief guest.

International Ozone Day 2017

The Post Graduate Department of Chemistry & Research Centre, Bharata Mata College,

Thrikkakara in collaboration with Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and

Environment (KSCSTE) celebrated International Ozone Day 2017 with the focal theme

‘Caring for all life under the sun’ on 18th September 2017. Dr. C.M.Joy, Retd. Prof. of

Botany, S.H. College, Thevara was the keynote speaker. The faculty and students of the

department took oath on protecting our mother earth

Oath taking by the Faculty and Students of Chemistry department during Ozone day

celebrations

Every year, Department of Zoology organizes a debate competition in the state

level on a topic related to the protection and preservation of mother earth as part

of Rev.Fr. Jacob Kariatty memorial competition. The competition successfully

sensitizes the youth to their role in conserving the nature and impeding the

reckless exploitation of nature through responsible management of its resources.

State level Debate competition on the topic “Greening Kerala – Dream or Reality” for Rev.

Fr. Jacob Kariatty memorial ever rolling trophy, conducted by the Department of Zoology

on 6th January 2018.

The documentary titled “The Plastic Cow” was screened for the participants, which conveyed

the message of the pernicious effects of plastics and their negligent disposals by humans that

are detrimental to the ecosystem and its species. In the interactive session that followed, the

students actively participated and shared their ideas and views on how to minimise the usage

of plastic and promote nature friendly products.

Awareness Programme on Environmental Sustainability

Ms. Maya

Varghese and Ms. Simi

Stephen of the Rotary

Club Cochin North

delivered talks on

environmental hazards

caused by the erroneous

disposal of plastic

bottles, which had its evil

part played in the recent

Kerala floods.

Ms Tara and Ms Simi Stephen of the Rotary Club Cochin North inspired the students

on Environmental Sustainability with their awareness talk on 16 October 2018 regarding the

environmental hazards caused by the erroneous disposal of plastic bottles, which had its evil part

played in the recent Kerala floods. They sensitized a gathering of around hundred students towards

the immediacy of actions to be taken to recycle plastic bottles sensibly. The Department of English

has responded positively to this cause by joining hands with #I Challenge Plastic Bottles, initiated by

Rev.Fr Davis Chirammel, Kidney Foundation of India

Habit Green Challenge 2016

In the wake of increased use of pesticides and burgeoning life style diseases, it is essential to

develop the practice of kitchen gardening. The department of MSW launched a World

Environment Day special green initiative, Habit Green Challenge 2016, as part of which,

organically grown curry-leaf leaves’ saplings were distributed in the community. The

programme was organised in collaboration with Peotive E- Commerce Private Limited,

Thrikkakara Municipality and Habit Green challenge Campaign. About 500 saplings were

distributed. Ms. K.K Neenu (chairperson, Thrikkakara), C.A Nishad (Ward counsellor),

Traffic S.I Pradeep, and the Manager of the college, Rev. Fr. Jacob G Palackapilly, had

distributed the saplings along with the students.

As part of World Environment Day 2016, Department of MSW distributing saplings of

curry leaves to the passengers in Edappally National Highway.

World Environment Day 2015

Departments of Botany & MSW distributing saplings of fruit trees to the students of the college

and Kudumbasree units in Thrikkakara Municipality on World Environment Day 2015

International Seminar on Eco feminism: Prehistoric Roots and Modern

Relevance

An international session on Eco feminism: Prehistoric Roots and Modern Relevance

by Dr. Yukio Kamino was held at Bharata Mata College, Thrikkakara on March 19, 2019.

Dr. Kamino is a Senior Researcher and Coordinator of OISCA International, a Tokyo

based NGO in Japan. The session conducted under the auspices of the Department of

English aimed at sensitizing the youth towards developing empathy towards the exploited

nature and marginalised women, and stimulating them towards the attainment of a

sustainable environment. Around 85 PG students from English Department and MBA

benefitted from the session.