Objective:

The Biodiversity Club aims to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity and promote sustainable practices to protect ecosystems. The club strives to inspire students and the local community to engage in environmental conservation through education, activism, and hands-on projects.

Context:

Biodiversity is increasingly under threat due to climate change, habitat destruction, and human activities. Local ecosystems are vulnerable, making it crucial for young people to understand the value of biodiversity and take action to protect it.

Practice:

The college is actively committed towards campus biodiversity conservation. It has constituted a Biodiversity Management Committee comprising representatives from faculty members and students which operates throughout the year for documentation and conservation of biodiversity in and around the campus. A social media group called ‘Wild Flora and Fauna of Hooghly’ is maintained by the college since 2017 which regularly updates information about the local bio- diversity. Respected Principal Dr. Santanu Chakrabarti and Dr. Debajyoti Chakrabarty, Associate Professor in Zoology are members of Biodiversity management committee of Singur Panchayet Samiti, actively participating in local biodiversity conservation and management programmes. Seminar was organised on Ophiology in 2023-24 on 23/04/24. Members also conduct workshops and awareness campaigns in schools to educate others about the need for biodiversity conservation. The committee went to an excursion to the eastern Himalaya, and the college is also dedicated towards protecting the various avian species that it attracts.

Impact:

By fostering environmental stewardship, the club has successfully engaged students in meaningful actions that have led to improved awareness about the importance of preserving nature. Their activities have contributed to cleaner local environments, increased green spaces, and strengthened community involvement in sustainability efforts.

Challenges:

Challenges include limited funding for larger projects, time constraints with academic schedules, and overcoming initial apathy or lack of knowledge among peers. Despite these hurdles, the club continues to build momentum and inspire positive change.

Best Practice 2: Thalassemia Camp Objective:

To raise awareness about Thalassemia, detect carriers among newly admitted students, and counsel them for appropriate match selection to prevent the disorder.

Context:

Thalassemia is a significant health issue, especially in rural areas. The institution aims to identify carriers early and educate them about preventive measures.

Practice:

Each year, a medical team from the School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata, visits the college to conduct tests on students. Following the results, students and their parents are counselled if found to be carriers. In the academic year 2024, the camp was organized on 28th March, with over 120 students participating.

Impact:

The program has increased awareness about Thalassemia and reduced the likelihood of new cases through preventive counselling. Students and parents are better informed about the importance of match selection.

Challenges:

Parents from rural backgrounds sometimes resist cooperating, making it challenging to ensure proper follow-up and implementation of preventive measures.

Both practices exemplify the institution’s commitment to the well-being of its students and staff, fostering a supportive campus environment.