Jimmy McGilligan Centre is the Living Model of Sustainable Development

"Jimmy McGilligan Centre is the Living Model of Sustainable Development": Master of Social Work students from Gujarat stated on their Experiential Visit

  A group of Master of Social Work students & Faculties from N.S. Patel Arts (Autonomous) College from Anand, Gujrat visited the Jimmy McGilligan Centre, Indore In alignment with Padma Shri Awardee Dr. Janak Palta McGilligan’s belief in experiential education, students were honored to explore the Jimmy McGilligan Centre for Sustainable Development, a living model of eco-friendly practices and community empowerment. 

 They were warmly welcomed by its founding director Dr .Mrs. Janak Palta McGilligan with her humility "Here I am Learning by Doing ",who shared her inspiring life journey and emphasized the importance of sustainable solutions for social and environmental well-being. She demonstrated solar cooking techniques and various eco-friendly solar thermal dishes, explaining the process very clearly and engagingly.

The students actively participated, observed closely, and shared their own reflections and leanings, 

gaining practical knowledge and hands-on experience in sustainable practices. The visit left the students inspired and motivated to apply these eco-conscious methods in their personal and professional lives.

Experiential Leanings of the Visit:

The visit to the Jimmy McGilligan Centre provided students with a holistic learning experience beyond academic knowledge. Physically, students observed and participated in hands-on activities such as solar cooking, eco-friendly food preparation, and interaction with sustainable infrastructure, which helped them understand how simple techniques can reduce energy consumption and promote health. Many students expressed curiosity and enthusiasm while witnessing practical demonstrations of renewable energy in daily life.

Emotionally, interacting with Padma Shri Awardee Dr.Mrs Janak Palta McGilligan deeply inspired

 the students. Her life journey, simplicity, dedication, and commitment to sustainability evoked feelings of admiration, hope, and responsibility. Students felt motivated to rethink their lifestyle choices and develop deeper respect for nature and community-centered living.

Socially, the visit enhanced students’ understanding of community empowerment through sustainable development. They learned how eco-friendly practices can strengthen community participation, promote self-reliance, and improve quality of life. The Centre demonstrated how collective efforts can bring long-term social change at the grassroots level.

Spiritually, students experienced a sense of inner connection, mindfulness, and harmony with nature. The calm environment of the Centre and Dr. Janak Palta’s values emphasized living with compassion, balance, and purpose, encouraging students to reflect on ethical and value-based social work practice.

New Learnings and Replicability:

What was new and unique for many students was the concept of solar cooking as a daily lifestyle practice, not merely a technological innovation. They learned that sustainable living does not require expensive resources but rather awareness, creativity, and commitment. These practices can be replicated in households, educational institutions, NGOs, and community centers by promoting renewable energy use, waste reduction, eco-friendly food habits, and sustainability awareness programs.

Student Reflections 

Some students who shared their learning include:

1. Ms. Asha Hirpara highlighted how the visit strengthened her belief in integrating sustainability and eco-conscious practices into professional social work.

2. Ms.Bhumi Koradiya expressed that observing solar cooking and eco-friendly living methods helped her understand how simple lifestyle changes can contribute to environmental protection.

3. Mr. Devanshu Pathak reflected on the emotional and social impact of Dr. Janak Palta McGilligan’s journey, which inspired sense of responsibility toward sustainable community development.

4 Mr.Janak Bhadak shared that the peaceful environment of the Centre and value-based teachings encouraged inner reflection, discipline, and ethical living aligned with social work principles.

We sincerely thank the Jimmy McGilligan Centre for Sustainable Development for warmly welcoming our MSW students and providing them with a valuable learning experience.

The visit gave our students meaningful insights into sustainable development practices, especially the innovative work being carried out in the field of renewable energy through solar cooking. The practical exposure, demonstrations, and interactive discussions greatly enhanced their understanding of eco-friendly technologies and community-based sustainable solutions.

Such experiences are extremely beneficial for social work students, as they bridge the gap between theory and practice while inspiring them to work towards environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

We are truly grateful for your time, guidance, and support, and we look forward to continued collaboration in the future.