Kasturbagram Rural Institute(KRI) was graced by the esteemed presence of Padma Shree awardee, Mrs. Janak Palta McGilligan
Hosting the Second day of ongoing Week Long Environmental Discourse started by Padma Shree Dr Mrs Janak Palta McGilligan in Kasturba Gram College
Indore
On the auspicious occasion of Environment Week, Kasturbagram Rural Institute(KRI) was graced by the esteemed presence of Padma Shree awardee, Mrs. Janak Palta McGilligan distinguished environmentalist on 31 May 2024.
The welcome ceremony was accomplished in tradition, with Dr. Rushina Natu, Principal of KRI, Sh. Radheshyam Tailor, in charge of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) KGNMT, Dr. Dadich from KVK, KGNM Trust, Padma Behan from KGNM Trust, and Dr. Shailbala Gandhi, Asst. Prof. KRIextended a warm reception to Mrs. Palta with a Sutmala.Mrs. Janak Palta McGilligan and Principal Dr Rushina Natu Lighted the lamp.
Dr.Rushina Natu, the principal gracefully introduced the esteemed speaker to the audience and delivered the welcome address. She narrated the institute’s commitment to environmental conservation by following and implementing small yet impactful best practices adopted by KRI like electricity and water conservation, reducing the use of plastic, etc. These practices are followed to instill positive habits in students, fostering a culture of environmental sustainability and responsibility. World Environment Week .
Dr. Rishina Nathu introduced Padma Shri Janak Palta McGilligan by saying that Janak Mam's thinking is alined with ideologies of Mahatma Gandhi. She followed the route of sustainable living throughout her lifetime.
Dr. Janak Palta McGilligan addressed all the students, teachers, and staff and explained how she dedicated her life to social service. After passing class 10th when she waited 9 months for open heart surgery and God gave her a new life. With this new life, she decided to help people in need. She resigned her job to start and started Barli Development Institute For Rural women as a Baha'i Pioneer rural and tribal women at 6-acre barren land in Bhamori in 1985 .She narrated her struggles during the days before and during Barli Institute. She told us about the time when she came to Indore on 1st June 1985 she didn't even know the meaning of the word "Aadiwasi" and how she travelled to villages to gather rural and tribal women. She also described the campaign she led to eradicate the guinea worm from tribal areas. How she travelled from and through villages performing plays about the process of eradicating guinea worms. The other problems faced were the lack of roads, toilets, electricity, etc.
She stated "The topic of this year's environment week is "OUR LAND OUR FUTURE WE ARE #GENERATION RESTORATION". According to Janak mam we have to restore the land following sustainable agricultural practices using cow dung instead of chemical fertilizers only with restoration of our land we can restore our future. She persuaded the students to be sustainable in their lives. Dr Janak said to the students present there that only they can lead their campus, villages, Districts, and ultimately the whole nation towards sustainability. She also gave examples of how she taught the principles and practices of sustainability to the girls and women living in the Barli Institute who have build the Institute make the institution self-sufficient and zero waste.
Addressing a gathering of students, teachers, and staff members of the KGNM Trust. Mrs. McGilligan delivered an inspiring speech on the theme “Dharti Maa Ke Swasthye Ko Nirogi Banayenge,” emphasizing the critical importance of sustainable development and environmental sustainability. She emphasis zed the need to educate our community about the importance of environmental sustainability during this week. McGilligan’s discussion revolved around the urgent need to adopt practices that ensure the health and vitality of our planet. She highlighted the relationship between human actions and the environment, urging the audience to consider the long-term impact of their choices. Her message was clear: promote a harmonious relationship with nature is imperative to secure a healthy future for the coming generations. She spoke on various methods and techniques of sustainable development and environmental protection.
Her talk was not only informative but also a call to action. Mrs. McGilligan shared actionable insights on how individuals and communities can contribute to the cause. She stressed the role of education in shaping a sustainable mindset and the power of collective efforts in making significant environmental strides. The event concluded with a robust Q&A session, where she addressed the queries of the attendees, further elucidating the path towards a greener and more sustainable world.
Vote of thanks was given by MR Radhe Sham Tailor from Krishi Vigyan Kendera .
