CHIRANTHANA - DAY 2

13 Feberuary 2024 was the second day of our Community Living Camp. The crisp morning air filled with enthusiasm as the teacher trainees of GCTE kicked off the second day of the camp with the aerobics session under the aegis of Ms. Jithi J.G, Physical Instructor at CET. After working up an appetite, they eagerly gathered for breakfast, following which they congregated in the hall for the daily dose of camp news.  

The highlight of the day was the theme presentation by the student teachers from the Department of Natural Science. They delved into the intricacies of sustainable development which struck a chord with the audience, inspiring a harmonious balance between progress and preservation. Ms. Revathy BR, with her eloquence and passion, set the stage for the theme presentation on sustainable development. She emphasized the importance of development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs. Ms. Kavya Sagar outlined the aims and pillars of sustainable development. She articulated how sustainability rests on five key areas namely climate, food and agriculture, energy, education and awareness and waste management. She dealt with sustainable food systems and agricultural practices, in detail. Ms. Angitha Giri tackled the challenge of waste management, divulging the strategies for reducing, reusing and recycling waste, emphasizing the need for responsible consumption and waste disposal practices to minimize environmental impact. Ms. Rajalekshmi introduced the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From ending poverty and hunger to promoting gender equality and climate action, she reminded the audience of the collective global effort needed to achieve these ambitious goals by 2030. Ms. Gowri Venu highlighted the pressing need to address climate change through mitigation and adaptation strategies and delved into the crucial role of climate action in sustainable development. Mr. Rakesh Mohan was meant to make a presentation on renewable energy sources and energy efficient measures towards a sustainable future. But due to time constraints, he could not present the same due to time constraints. Nevertheless, the theme presentation on the whole was a resounding success, inspiring fellow student teachers to embrace a future where prosperity is not at the expense of our planet.

Then ensued a transformative session, one that navigated the intricate labyrinth of human mind. Dr. H. Vijayan Pillai, Director, INFERENCE, Medical College, Trivandrum, graced the hall with his presence. Ms. Bhagya Murali welcomed him to the session. Dr. Vijayan unveiled the tapestry of personality, exploring its components of adjustment, dynamic organisation and the delicate balance of the psychosocial system. The audience journeyed through the depths of abnormal psychology, traversing the treacherous waters of anxiety – both free-floating and situational; the roots of phobias; the tumult of panic attacks and the suffocating grip of depression. He also unlocked their chains of ignorance with respect to learning disorders, eating disorders and elimination disorders. The lecture was followed by a doubt-clearing session. Dr. Vijayan dispelled the shadows of confusion, illuminating the paths of the spectators with the light of knowledge. Ms. Kavya Sagar rendered the vote of thanks.

After lunch, the student teachers gathered for a session of empowerment, conducted by the maestro of soft skills, Sri. S Sreenath. With Ms. Parvathy’s melodious welcome, they embarked on a journey from the confines of campus life to the boundless expanse of community engagement. The session started with the most basic of all skills- the power of voice. The student teachers unleashed the full force of their vocal cords, practicing words like ‘hello’ with unwavering conviction, each repetition a testament to their determination. The session blossomed into one of interactive activities, each thread woven with care and purpose. The audience enjoyed collecting signatures from their peers based on diverse criteria, each signature a symbol of shared experiences. With a nod to leadership, Sri Sreenath beckoned the audience to select their guides in each group created by him, the torchbearers in the journey ahead. With whispered instructions, the group leaders led their members beyond the confines of the hall, the footsteps echoing with the promise of adventure. The task assigned to the group members was daunting yet exhilarating – to discover the correct route among a set of given destinations, armed only with clues scattered like breadcrumbs on papers pasted upon stone surfaces. Though time slipped through their fingers like sand, each moment was a treasure, each wrong turn a lesson learned. Overall, the session was informative as well as engaging, as expressed by Ms. Mariya George who delivered the formal vote of thanks.

After a short tea break, Adv. Anson P.D Alexander, director of the NGO Kanal, led an engaging session on ‘Effective Communication’. He arranged the student teachers in a circle on the floor and seated himself among them, fostering a sense of inclusivity and camaraderie. The first activity, where each one from among the audience had to state his or her name and a unique quality accompanied by action, was both amusing and insightful. It encouraged the student teachers to reflect on their individual strengths while showcasing the diversity within the group. As Ms. Bhagya Murali spoke about the condition of roads in Kerala, Adv. Anson’s interruptions served as a poignant reminder of the barriers to effective communication. Through this demonstration, the audience realized the significance of listening attentively and allowing others to express themselves fully. Adv.Anson’s conversation with Ms. Arsha exemplified the essence of effective communication. He listened intently, asked pertinent questions and elicited further information, creating a meaningful exchange.

The exploration of non-verbal communication facilitated by some student teachers was entertaining to the rest. Blindfolded, they conveyed actions through gestures, showcasing the power of body language in conveying messages. The impromptu skit performed by yet another group devoid of words but rich in expressions bore evidence to the universality of communication. In total, the session left the participants with a deeper appreciation for the nuances of communication and a renewed commitment to meaningful connections, as opined by those who shared reflections on the session. The participants bid farewell to the circle, exhausted but happy, over to the dining area.