Title: Proactive Health Culture

Objective: The primary objective of the "Proactive Health Culture" initiative undertaken by Government General Degree College, Salboni was to educate and assist students and the local community on critical health issues, focusing on the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative aimed to bridge the knowledge gap in modern health practices among the rural population, ensuring they have the necessary information and resources to safeguard their health.

Context: The College is situated in a rural area where most of the population, including the students, hails from nearby villages. These communities often lack access to accurate and timely health information, making them vulnerable to various health challenges. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these challenges, underscoring the urgent need for proactive measures to educate and protect the community. Understanding the importance of health education and preventive care, the college recognized its responsibility to step in and address these pressing issues.

The Practice:

Covid 19 Vaccination Camp: As directed by the District Magistrate & Collector, Paschim Medinipur, Government General Degree College, Salboni organized a COVID-19 vaccination camp on 30th September, 1st October, 23rd, and 24th December 2021. A team from the Salboni Block Hospital administered the Covishield vaccine to 1,372 students in total, marking a significant contribution to public health and ensuring a safer campus environment.

Eye Screening Camp: On 5th January 2023, the college’s Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) collaborated with Midnapore Rotary Eye Hospital to host a free Eye Screening Camp. The camp served both students and local residents, providing spectacles at a nominal cost and offering free cataract surgeries to four elderly individuals.

Thalassemia Screening Camp: Continuing its commitment to health, the IQAC also organized a Thalassemia Screening Camp on 4th January 2024. Blood samples from newly admitted students were tested by pathologists from Kharagpur SDH and BMOH Salboni. The initiative focused on early detection and prevention, and counseling the students as well as others.

Evidence of Success: The success of the "Proactive Health Culture" initiative is evident from the positive outcomes experienced by both the students and the local community. The vaccination camp successfully mitigated the spread of COVID-19 in the region, contributing to the health and safety of the population. The eye screening camp detected several cases of potential eye problems, enabling timely medical intervention. Similarly, the thalassemia screening camp identified carriers of the disorder, providing them with essential medical guidance and support.

Problems Encountered and Resources Required: The implementation of the health camps in a rural setting presented several challenges. One of the primary issues was the difficulty in transporting medical equipment to the college, given the remote location. Additionally, the lack of awareness about health issues and preventive measures among students and villagers posed a significant challenge. Procuring and storing medical supplies in a rural environment was also a logistical hurdle that required careful planning and resource allocation. The limited availability of trained medical experts and support staff further complicated the execution of the health camps.

 

Title: Promotion and Conservation of Indigenous Culture

Objective: Government General Degree College, Salboni is committed to supporting the economically disadvantaged tribal communities in the remote areas of Jangalmahal. The college organizes festivals and cultural activities to celebrate indigenous traditions, works to strengthen traditional institutions, fosters social mindset development, and documents the rich cultural heritage of these tribal communities.

Context: Situated in a remote corner of West Bengal, our college serves a catchment area predominantly inhabited by socio-economically disadvantaged castes and tribes. The institution is driven by a vision to uplift the academic standards of students and improve the socio-economic conditions of the Jangalmahal area. The development of tribal communities is central to this vision, with initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting their unique cultural identities.

Practice:

Festivals and Cultural Activities: The college regularly organizes cultural programs where students perform traditional Santali dances accompanied by folk music instruments such as flutes, pipes, and drums. These events are held on campus during various cultural festivals, celebrating the vibrancy of indigenous traditions.

Strengthening Traditional Institutions: Faculty members actively participate as resource persons in initiatives across Paschim Medinipur, strengthening the traditional institutions of tribal communities. The Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) unit, NSS, and the Centre for Studies of Tribal Development are working closely with the community.

Social Mindset Development: A value-added course on the Santali Majhi System and Village Development has been introduced in the Santali Department to further integrate tribal knowledge into the academic curriculum.

Action Project on Environment Conservation: In 2024, the Centre for Studies of Tribal Development, in collaboration with the Environmental Studies Sub-Committee, launched an Action Project on Environment Conservation. This project focuses on promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices within the tribal communities.

Documentation: The College undertakes extensive documentation of the life and culture of tribal people, ensuring that their heritage is preserved for future generations.

Museum: A dedicated museum on campus displays and preserves various traditional musical instruments and hunting tools, fostering interest in indigenous culture among students and visitors.

Evidence of Success: The College’s initiatives to promote and conserve indigenous culture have significant success. The cultural programs have not only preserved traditional art forms but also instilled a sense of pride among the tribal students. The integration of tribal knowledge into the academic curriculum has enriched the educational experience. The environmental conservation project has raised awareness about the importance of sustainability, while the documentation efforts have ensured that the rich cultural heritage of the tribal communities is not lost. The museum serves as a tangible representation of this success, attracting interest and appreciation from many.

Challenges Encountered and Resources Required: Despite these successes, the college faces significant challenges due to lack of funding, which affects various aspects of its programs, from academic initiatives to student support services. However, through strategic planning, proactive fundraising, community engagement, and cost optimization, the college strives to overcome these obstacles and continue to enrich cultural experiences for the students.

 

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