ISR Monthly Talk – Lakes of Bangalore by Mr. Chidanand, Founder & President of Yuva Sanchalanan on November 15, 2024.

Introduction

Youth are pivotal in driving meaningful change and addressing environmental challenges. Engaging young minds in socially responsible initiatives can create lasting impacts. Presidency University, in collaboration with Yuva Sanchalana, has taken a significant step in restoring lakes, especially under the context of rejuvenating them, adopting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6): Clean Water and Sanitation*.

Lake Rejuvenation in Karnataka

The speaker provided a backdrop of Karnataka's network of lakes, which are vital to agriculture, water supply, and wildlife. According to records, the state formerly had 33,000 lakes, with Shivamogga (7,091 lakes) and Hassan (7,087 lakes) leading the pack. Bangalore alone had 262 lakes in 1980; however, by 2008, the number has dropped to 127, and it now stands at just 81. The lakes are linked to the Arkavati River, a vital water source that flows near the Nandi Hills on Bangalore's outskirts. The river travels through the districts of Bangalore Rural and Ramanagara, generating a network of lakes and tributaries such as Kumudavathi, Vrishabhavathi, and Suvarnamukhi. The speaker also discussed the issues confronting the Arkavati Basin, such as unscientific urban expansion and inappropriate trash management, which have further harmed water bodies. This leads to decreased water resources. The speaker discussed Article 51(a)(g) of the Indian Constitution, which emphasises each citizen's obligation to conserve the environment, particularly forests, lakes, and rivers. Communities must collaborate to restore these critical ecosystems.

ISR Cell: Restore the Blue: Sustainable Lake Rejuvenation

Presidency University's Institutional Social Responsibility (ISR) Cell has partnered with Yuva Sanchalana to restore the Nagarakere and Muthur Lakes in Bangalore. The initiative "Restore the Blue: Sustainable Lake Rejuvenation" has active engagement from university students and is consistent with SDG 6's goal of guaranteeing clean water access and sustainable water management.

Yuva Sanchalana and ISR Cell at Presidency University extend their gratitude to the local community and volunteers for their active support in lake rejuvenation efforts. Together, we can make a difference!

ISR Cell organized a talk under its monthly talk series in collaboration with the School of Management (SOM), Presidency University, titled “Diverse Threads”, on December 19, 2024. Ms. Dhanya Ravi delivered a thought-provoking presentation, “Shatter the Ceilings, Break the Bias: The Role of Diversity and Inclusion in Student Success.” The session focused on the transformative power of diversity and inclusion, especially within educational settings, and emphasized their critical role in fostering student success and creating a sense of belonging.

The speaker began by recounting her personal journey, illustrating the profound impact of empathy and inclusive action. This narrative served as the foundation for her message, making the discussion relatable and impactful. Using data from the UDISE 2020-21 report, Dhanya highlighted the importance of inclusion not just as a moral obligation but as a driver of innovation and community strength. Dhanya addressed the systemic challenges faced by people with disabilities, referencing statistics from International Labour Organization (ILO) studies. The data revealed significant disparities in employment and leadership opportunities, with only three out of ten individuals with disabilities participating actively in the labor market. Women with disabilities were shown to face even greater barriers, often earning less than their male counterparts and experiencing severe underrepresentation in leadership roles. These insights underscored the urgent need to address biases and structural inequalities.

A key focus of the presentation was the practical steps required to build inclusive campuses. Dhanya emphasized the necessity of accessible infrastructure, such as ramps, elevators, and disability-friendly toilets, as standard features in educational institutions. She also advocated for the inclusion of stories showcasing diverse achievers to inspire students and normalize differences. Sensitizing faculty and students to the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities was identified as essential for fostering a culture of respect and support.

Concluding her presentation, Dhanya called on the audience to reimagine education as a means of fostering belonging for everyone. She emphasized that inclusion is not an act of charity but a fundamental matter of justice. Her call to action encouraged attendees to become advocates for an inclusive future, underscoring the collective responsibility to create a more equitable society. The talk left a profound impact on the audience, inspiring renewed commitment to diversity as a strength and inclusion as a necessity. It reinforced ISR’s role in fostering empathy, understanding, and actionable change within the university and beyond. The session served as a powerful reminder of the importance of collective action in shaping a more inclusive world.