| | | | | | TagOn Talks A monthly newsletter on student volunteering, community service and service learning Issue 05 | May 2024
| | | | Presenting fifth issue of TagOn Talks! In this issue, we bring to you notes from Dr. B. S. Patil in our Leadership Logs section. Learning Bytes section talks about the versatility and impact of service learning. We also focus on the animal welfare and our responsibility as humans towards them as a cause in this edition and also feature an NPO that works in this space. We conclude with an exciting update from LetsTagOn.
Happy reading, Team LetsTagOn | | Leadership Logs Conversations with visionary education leaders shaping tomorrow's minds
| | You have a unique course called Social and Grassroots Management in your PGDM Program. Can you elaborate on the course and how you think this is helpful to students? Yes, we have a 2 credit course which enables students to learn management lessons at the grassroots level making them understand the challenges of rural economy and the market and initiatives need to be taken as managers. Our grassroots immersion program exposes students to rural administration, livelihoods, markets, consumption patterns, and development initiatives that helps them appreciate management principles in different contexts and apply it back in their professions. The program provides students with meaningful experiences that foster personal growth, cultural awareness, and community engagement. Through the program, our students also actively contribute to society, learning the value of service and the impact of collective efforts through different activities of community engagement and contribution and make them not only enlightened managers but also responsible citizens. | | Dr. B. S. Patil Professor & Director at Dayananda Sagar Business School
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How can we encourage students to continue to engage in communities? It is important that students get the exposure in varieties of rural economy and society at the first, and realize the personal and professional development that such opportunities offer them. We achieve this through our credit course. We also help students to discover the cause they connect and how they can contribute through their skills and interests through reflection. We have regular social events in the institute to keep them engaged throughout. | | Learning Bytes Insights on service learning, volunteering and community service
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Is service-learning applicable only to a subset of disciplines? Not at all. Service Learning has a dynamic educational approach and a broader applicability. It can be integrated into any discipline, from the sciences to the humanities, making it a versatile educational tool. Students gain a richer educational experience and develop a deep sense of global citizenship and responsibility. This approach prepares them to be leaders who can think critically and act compassionately in a complex, interconnected world. For example: Students from Environmental Science and Art departments come together to address the issue of pollution in a local river. Here, Environmental Science Students can conduct a thorough analysis of the pollution sources, collect water samples, and study the impact of pollutants on local ecosystems. While, the art students can create public art installations that raise awareness about the river's pollution problem. They might use materials collected from clean-up efforts to craft sculptures or murals that tell the story of the river and its importance to the community.
Students studying Medicine might travel to remote areas to provide medical care, educate local communities about health and hygiene practices, and work with local health professionals to improve medical infrastructure. Here, business students can collaborate by helping to create sustainable models for local healthcare enterprises. They could assist with fundraising efforts, developing business plans, and identifying potential markets for local health products and services. They might also work on supply chain logistics to ensure medical supplies reach remote areas efficiently. At the same time, engineering students can contribute by designing and implementing technologies to improve health care delivery, such as developing low-cost medical devices or water purification systems that can be used in areas with limited resources.
Computer Science students can develop low-cost software and apps to aid digital literacy in underserved schools. They might create educational games or platforms that help students learn coding and other digital skills. While, Education students can design curriculum that integrate the new software into classroom activities, training teachers on how to use these tools effectively to enhance learning.
Environmental Studies Students can research the environmental impact of industrial activities on marginalized communities, collecting data on pollution levels and health outcomes and Law students can provide legal support by helping communities file complaints, understand their rights, and advocate for stronger environmental protections and regulations.
These examples illustrate the versatility and impact of service learning across different disciplines, showcasing how collaborative efforts can address complex societal challenges. | |
Cause Spotlight
Animal welfare as a cause | |
Humans have a responsibility towards other living beings. The concerns regarding animal welfare range from animal slaughter, use of animals in scientific research, use for entertainment like media and circus, caged in zoos and how human activities affect the welfare and survival of various species in the wild as well as urban areas. There have been regular cases of animal cruelty for the benefit of humans. Animal welfare is not just about animals. It is about us. Our living conditions, our children, our earth. Cruelty to animals has a significant and irreversible impact on human health, economy, and environment.
The NGOs in the space work towards ensuring animal rights and welfare and promote coexistence of humans with other forms of life. Key areas of work of different NGOs are listed below: Rescue and rehabilitate old, ill or injured or abandoned animals Run shelter homes for injured and abandoned animals Protecting wildlife habitats Offer animal healthcare, animal ambulance Research, awareness and advocacy for animal rights and welfare Citizen communities taking care of the local, urban animals
A volunteer interested to work in the area of animal welfare has many opportunities to contribute through such organizations. | |
NGO Showcase Sarvoham Animal Foundation | |
Sarvoham Animal Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to the help and welfare of street animals in Bangalore, India. Sarvoham was established in April 2017 by co-founders Haris Ali & Madhusmita Sahu. In the past 6 years, Sarvoham has grown from a small charity effort to a well-established animal welfare organization which has rescued more than 2500 street animals, and homes more than 200 dogs at its shelter. Sarvoham means the harmony between all elements of nature, both human and nonhuman, and the organization is guided by the spirit of harmonious coexistence. | | Know more at sarvoham.org | | | |
LetsTagOn Highlight LetsTagOn team facilitated Social & Grassroots Management Program
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Team LetsTagOn is happy to have conducted a 2 day Social Immersion Program at
RV Institute of Management, Bengaluru. The students had an incredible social immersion journey through sessions including case study analysis, team presentations, engaging discussions, volunteering and sensitization activities.
Students were excited knowing more about the varied aspects of self, society and surroundings, broadening the horizons of students. We are grateful to staff and management of the institution. | | | | | | | | | | Our mailing address is: info@letstagon.com
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