'Seeds of Hope' expo evokes good response

An exhibition on sustainability and positive change titled, 'Seeds of Hope: Visions of Sustainability, Steps towards Change", was organised in town recently.

The Melaka Manipal Medical College (Manipal Campus) and Manipal Academy of Higher Education teamed up with Bharat Soka Gakkai (Indian affiliate of Soka Gakkai International) and Earth Charter International to co-host the exhibition. The fact that 'a single individual can initiate positive change' with the key message, 'It starts with one,' was highlighted.

The exhibition was inaugurated by C G Muthana, chief operating officer, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal.

Professor Varadesh Hiregange, director of Gandhian and Peace Studies, and Professor Hilda Rayappan, founder and director, Prajna Counselling Centre, Mangaluru, were the chief guests.

Active in society

Muthana highlighted the importance of being actively involved in the society and gave several examples of environmental issues that needed attention.

Prof Varadesh Hiregange released an educative brochure titled, 'What Can I Do?' prepared by B S G Belagavi. He highlighted Mahatma Gandhi's example in being the change that we wish to see.

Individual's impact

Prof Hilda Rayappan released the bookmarks with the Earth Charter message. She shared her personal experiences and emphasised the importance of nature, its preservation and how one individual can have an impact and change the society.

Sanjeev Kumar, Bharat Soka Gakkai coordinator of South Zone gave an overview of BSG and its activities.

The exhibition panels were viewed by over 1,750 students from 11 schools of Udupi district. The panels were presented by students from the schools of Manipal, Udupi, Agumbe, Karkala, Moodbidri, and Panemangalore. They were trained at the Melaka Manipal Medical College and Bharat Soka Gakkai.

Documentary

The exhibition featured an award winning documentary from Earth Charter titled "A Quiet Revolution," following which, school students were involved in interactive games to reinforce the learning experience.

Trained facilitators engaged students in games such as 'Web of Life', 'Needs vs Wants', 'Empowered vs Powerless'. Informative videos from Forest Department and some interesting exhibits on fossils were also exhibited.

Various eminent social activists from Udupi and Mangaluru also graced the occasion.