Two-day UGC-sponsored seminar 'Samprathi-2015' begins

Social workers have a major role in building people’s capacity towards sustainable development, said Art of Living Foundation (Bengaluru) ‘River Rejuvenation Project’ Director Dr Y Lingaraju.

Speaking after inaugurating ‘Samprathi 2015,’ a UGC-sponsored two-day seminar on education for building people’s capacity towards sustainable development organized by the PG department of social work and PADI at Eric Mathias Hall here on Tuesday, he focused more on rejuvenating water sources.

“Our elders retained water sources, but we are using even the water of future. It is high time to understand environment and rejuvenate sources of water. Rain water harvesting should be motivated. One should know the impact of development works on environment. Greenery should be maintained along the river basins which will accelerate the process of ground water recharge,” he stated.

Liveable earth
St Aloysius College Principal Rev Fr Swebert D Silva said man is looking at his present day comforts. Let us make sure that earth remains liveable for the generations to come. However, sustainable development is not an easy task. But education can bring awareness among people. Let’s become catalyst for others to prosper, he called upon.

Padi Director Rennie D’Souza said, education for building people’s capacity is nothing but empowering them. Education is the only tool for empowerment. Education make people think. Charity or fund won’t help for those who suffer from gender discrimination, social injustice, communalization and other problems. People should be aware of their rights.

Renewable technologies
Presiding over the function, St Aloysius Institutions Rector Rev Fr Denzil Lobo S J said, one should remember Mahatma Gandhi’s words, ‘Nature has enough for human need, but not for human greed’.

An ecological conversion has to take place in heart. The throwaway culture of poisonous elements is alarming. Scientists have to work upon renewable technologies, he said.

The post graduation department of social work Head Dr Loveena Lobo and students from various colleges were present.