Report On “ASHITHA” (Clean Water And Health Care)

ASHITHA, a one day awareness programme on “Technological advances in transforming women’s lives” was conducted on 5th January 2017.The programme was organized by Vidya Academy of Science and Technology (Women cell) and sponsored by Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment – Women Scientists Division.  102 participants attended the programme of which 93 participants were from nearby villages in our locality. There were three seminars delivered by eminent personalities on health care, water quality and water conservation.

Dr.Sudha Balagopalan(Principal, VAST) presided over the function and  Dr Latha Raj, Director, Student Welfare & Social Projects, VAST (retd. Principal, Maharajas College, Ernakulam) inaugurated the function. Dr.Sudha Balagopalan addressed the gathering and commemorated the memory of Prof.Ashitha, who had initiated this programme in our college and left us in 2013 March. Dr Latha Raj emphasized on the importance of awareness for women in their personal, professional as well as in their community life. Executive Director Er. G. Mohanachandran felicitated the function. In his address to the invitees, he mentioned about how theknowledge attained, can be put into practice in our daily lives.

The first talk “ 3D Health” was delivered by Dr. Suraja Harilal(General Surgeon). She explained the 1. Concept of achieving 3 dimensional health (mind, body& spirit). This can be achieved by lifestyle modifications, proper& adequate nutrition,exercises, Yoga& meditation, positive mental attitude, nutritional supplementations, reduce pollution & toxic load. 2. Prevention & management of Life style diseases–Metabolic Syndrome, Diabetes Mellitus Type 1&2. 3.Details about our innate immunity & protection of immunity by life style & reducing pollution/ anti nutrients.

Second talk was by Prof. Meera V (Associate Professor, GEC Thrissur) – on “Water quality”. The talk explained need of clean water in human life. The talk comprised of the different sources of water, Water availability and use of water in Kerala, Need for Water Sustainability in earth, specification for drinking or potable water, various contaminants in water, etc.
During the lunch break, the participants were given a demonstration on the water purification plant and bio gas plant.

A talk on “Water conservation” was delivered by Dr. Jos C Raphel (Director, District Rain Water Harvesting Mission.

He explained various methods adopted for water conservation. (1) Ground Water cum “Dug Well” Recharge of Coastal Eco Systems – Recharging with Roof Rainwater supports desalination of Coastal Water Bodies: (2) The example of ground water cum “DUG WELL” recharge programme for revival of traditional water resources taking place in Thrissur District of Kerala State was cited. (3) Homestead Watershed Approach for NREGA.

Sketch of Rural Homestead with Percolation Pits, Coconut Basin Preparations, Boundary Mud Bunds along with Vegetative Fencing
The programme concluded by 4.30 with a valedictory function and certificate distribution to the participants.