C.D. - Forum for Sustainable Development Events

The Forum for Sustainable Development (FSD) organized a study tour to Mysore from January 22 to 25, 2025, in which nine Community Development trainees participated, accompanied by Assistant Professor Anuradha Shetty.

On January 22, 2025, trainees from the Forum for Sustainable Development attended the National Conference on Healthcare and Social Security: Addressing the Needs of the Elderly at St. Philomena’s College (Autonomous), Mysore. They participated in a session titled Ageing with Dignity: Social Work Practices for Comprehensive Elderly Support, conducted by Prof. Parashurama K.G., Chairman of the Department of Studies in Social Work, University of Tumkur.

Post-lunch, the trainees visited Don Bosco Makkalalaya in Rajendra Nagar, Mysore. Fr. Siju Thomas, Executive Director, along with Tony, Coordinator, and Mr. Emmanuvel, Project Coordinator, provided an orientation on the institution and its activities.Don Bosco Makkalalaya, Mysore, is a community-based initiative of the Mysore Don Bosco Society, dedicated to supporting child laborers, school dropouts, and unemployed youth. Aligned with UNESCO’s “Education for All” policy, the institution focuses on education, skill training, job placement, and raising awareness about child rights and human rights in collaboration with government and societal systems. Following the discussion, Mr. Kiran delivered the vote of thanks.

Next, the participants visited the Abdul Nazir Sab State Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (S.I.R.D) for a session with Mr. Mallikarjun. During the session, they gained insights into the organizational structure and functions of S.I.R.D., particularly its role in the development and empowerment of individuals and communities. The Abdul Nazir Sab State Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, located in Mysore, Karnataka, is a government institution named after Abdul Nazir Sab, a former Karnataka Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj. He was a strong advocate for the Panchayati Raj system and the decentralization of political power. Operating under the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (Karnataka), the institute provides training and capacity-building programs for elected representatives of Panchayati Raj institutions and officials from various development departments. Following the session, Mr. Neil Jeethan Miranda delivered the vote of thanks.

On the second day, January 23, 2025, the trainees visited the Srikanteshwara Temple in Nanjangud, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, also known as the "Kashi of the South."

Following this, they visited the Jubilant Bhartia Foundation in Nanjangud, where Mr. Vinay, Mr. Deepak, Mr. Ravi, and Mr. Adarsh, Supervisor of CSR Projects, provided an orientation through a documentary video. They introduced the foundation’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, which focus on:

• Elementary Education
• Healthcare
• Livelihood Generation
• Rural Development
• Vocational Training

The participants were then taken on a field visit to observe the implementation of these CSR projects, including:

1. Skill Development and Vocational Training Centre – Offers training in digital literacy, fashion design, tailoring, and other vocational skills.
2. World on Wheels Project – A mobile e-learning platform run in collaboration with HP.
3. Government School, Nanjangud – Features an e-learning-enabled building and well-equipped Science and Mathematics laboratories, funded through CSR initiatives.
4. Sidhapaji Mahila Holiga Gararu – A sustainable livelihood project empowering rural women through stitching, enabling them to generate income and achieve financial independence.
5. Primary Health Centre – Constructed and managed through CSR funds to provide healthcare services to the residents of Nanjangud and surrounding villages.

Post-lunch, the participants visited Jubilant Pharmova, Nanjangud, where they attended a presentation by Mr. Subrahmanya A., Director of Human Resources. The session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Shravya.

On day 3, January 24, 2025, the trainees visited Vivekananda Girijana Kalyana Kendra (VGKK), a non-profit organization dedicated to the development of the Soliga tribes in B.R. Hills, Yelandur. They attended a session to gain insights into the organization’s activities and the cultural and social aspects of the Soliga tribe’s way of life. During the visit, the trainees explored the VGKK campus, which includes; Honey Processing Unit, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Science Park and Health Centre. Additionally, they visited a tribal village to observe and understand the livelihood and traditions of the Soliga tribe. Later, they proceeded to Shri Ranganatha Devasthana for darshan and to learn about the history and significance of the temple.In the evening, the participants joined a cultural program featuring a campfire and actively engaged with Soliga tribe members in their traditional activities and interactions to learn about their livelihood, culture and other aspects. The day concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Shravya.

On day 4, January 25, 2025, the trainees left VGKK and visited the Shri Chamundeshwari temple, Mysuru, a famous and historic temple in Karnataka. They spent the day engaging in leisure activities before returning to Mangalore at 10:00 pm.

The study tour provided valuable insights into various organizations and initiatives working towards social development and community welfare. The trainees gained hands-on experience and knowledge, which will aid them in their future endeavors as social workers. The tour helped build their confidence and skills, enabling them to work effectively with diverse communities and organizations.