The Department of Postgraduate Studies and Research in Social Work, St Aloysius Deemed to be University organized a one-day national seminar ‘SAMPRATHI 2024’ on the theme ‘Environmental Justice in India: Issues, Challenges and Prospects’ on 6th February 2024 in Eric Mathias Hall, Maffei Block. 

Mr Rajendra Kalbavi, Executive Director of Nirmithi Kendra, Mangalore was the chief guest. Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, SJ, Vice Chancellor in-charge presided over the programme. Dr Alwyn D’Sa, Registrar & Controller of Examinations, Dr Loveena Lobo, Director of Maffei Block, Dr Shwetha Rasquinha, HoD of PG Social Work and Aldine D’Souza, Student Co-ordinator of SAMPRATHI 2024 were on the dais. 

The President of the programme, Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, in his presidential remarks, congratulated the organisers for choosing a very relevant topic for the seminar. He commended the excellent work done by the Eco-warriors of the College in making the campus greener and cleaner. He spoke on the effects of the negative environment which lead to psychological effects for human beings. He also said that the concept of learning about the environment is a basic necessity for students to change their mindset towards healthy living. He urged the students to take the pledge that ‘I can make the environment clean’. 

Chief Guest, Mr Rajendra Kalbavi in his speech said that we should praise the environment and worship it. He spoke on many issues and prospects of sustainable development. He emphasized on the importance of rain water harvesting and conservation of water bodies. He suggested that every house should make recharge pit to save water and save the environment. He underlined the importance of using cloth bags instead of plastic bags. He also said that together we make a difference on the environment. 

There were 3 panel discussions during the programme. Mr Aby Augustine, Assistant Professor, Department of Media Studies, Kristu Jayanti College (Autonomous), Bengaluru, spoke on Media Led Intiatives for Environmental Justice; Ms Divya Hegde, Founder and CEO of Baeru Environmental Services, Udupi, spoke on Voluntary Organisation’s Approach towards Environmental Justice and Ms Deepa Sasidharan, Director and Head, Corporate Communications, CSR & Sustainability, Continental, Bengaluru, spoke on Environmental Justice & Corporate Social Responsibility. Besides this, there were paper presentations by the participants and sharing the initiatives by Change Agents.

Adline DSouza proposed the vote of thanks. 

The Valedictory programme was held in the evening at 4.15 pm. Ms Helalalitha, Advocate, High Court of Telengana & Andhra Pradesh and National Convenor, Praja Vudyumaala Sangeebhava Committee, was the Chief Guest. Rev. Fr Vincent Pinto, SJ, Finance Officer in-charge, St Aloysius Deemed to be University, presided over the programme.