Solar Ambassador Workshop at Panchayat Union Middle school, Kolathur 06.12.2024

 

    

Unnat Bharat Abhiyan - SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) conducted an informative and engaging hands-on training session focused on the assembling of solar study lamps. This initiative was part of their ongoing efforts to enhance educational opportunities and promote sustainable energy solutions in rural areas. The event was held at Panchayat Union Middle School of Kolathur adopted village, with the goal of providing students with the knowledge and skills to create solar-powered lamps that can serve as a reliable source of light for study and other essential activities. The session began with an interactive presentation on solar energy, its benefits, and its importance in today’s world, particularly in rural areas by Ms. Geetha, Associate Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering - SRMIST. Participants were educated on how solar power can reduce dependence on conventional electricity sources, thus contributing to sustainability. Participants were provided with materials, including solar panels, LED lights, batteries, and other necessary components. Step-by-step guidance was given by experts from SRMIST, demonstrating the correct method to assemble the components into functional solar study lamps. They were able to handle the materials themselves and construct their own solar lamps. This hands-on experience helped participants gain practical skills in electronics and solar energy technologies.  After the assembly, a discussion session was held where participants shared their experiences. Questions related to maintenance, durability, and further applications of solar lamps were addressed. Upon completion of the assembling, participant was given with solar study lamp to take home. End of the session Dr.V. Thirumurugan, Nodal officer of UBA-SRMIST asked the students how helpful the workshop was and what they learned from the training session. Also, they gave feedback on the training and asked for more training like this. These lamps are expected to significantly enhance the learning environment for students who lack reliable access to electricity. This training on assembling solar study lamps organized by UBA-SRMIST at Kolathur adopted village proved to be a resounding success. It not only equipped the local community with valuable skills but also raised awareness about the importance of sustainable energy solutions. The event demonstrated SRMIST’s commitment to community development, education, and environmental sustainability, making a meaningful contribution to the village’s growth. School teachers and students thanked UBA – SRMIST for this wonderful initiative.

Sl.no	Staff Name	Designation/Department	Email id
1.	Dr.R. Sridhar	HOD, EEE	sridharr@srmist.edu.in
2.	Dr.A.Geetha	Assoc Prof - EEE	geethaa2@srmist.edu.in
3.	Mr.K.Muthu Kumaran	Research Scholar - EEE	mc1231@srmist.edu.in
4.	Mr.K.Saravanan	Lab Instructor - EEE	Saravank4@srmist.edu.in
5.	Mr. Sridhar.N. S	Sanitary Inspector	Sridhars4@srmist.edu.in
6.	Mr.T.Velmani	AME- Electrical	velmanit@srmist.edu.in
7.	Mr.B.Veeraraghavan	AME-Solar	veerarab@srmist.edu.in
8.	Ms.Anju	UBA Associate	anjuj@srmist.edu.in

Children’s Day Program at Panchayat Union Elementary School – Anjur (04.12.2024)

 

    

Children’s Day, also known as “Bal Diwas,” is celebrated every year in India on November 14, to commemorate the birth anniversary of India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru. He strongly believed that children are the foundation of a society, and they should be provided with a nurturing environment to produce the talented leaders & flag bearers of future India. The children's day celebration across the country is recognized to raise awareness about the rights, care & education of children. SRM Muthucharam Community Radio in association with Unnat Bharat Abhiyan has conducted Children’s Day Programme - Outreach to Rural School Student in Panchayat Union Elementary School, Anjur village on 04-12-2024.

The Children’s Day program was started by Welcome Address by Dr T. Kalaivani, Station Manager SRM Muthucharam Community Radio SRM Institute of Science & Technology, Kattankulathur, Motivation Talk on “Nation Building Through Young Minds” was delivered by, was delivered by, Dr. Annapurani Panaiyappan, Professor, Department of Networking & Communications, SRMIST, Kattankulathur. Special Address by The Headmistress, Panchayat Union Elementary School, Anjur. Prizes for the school students were distributed. Finally, Vote of thanks given by Dr. R.M. Hariharan, Assistant Station Manager. Mr. Kesavan Sound Engineer, Mr. Thairiyaraj Production Executive, SRM Muthucharam Community Radio were involved in organizing in the program.

All students at the school were given gift and refreshments during the event. The event organizers thanked Dr. Annapurani Panaiyappan, Professor Department of NWC, SRMIST, Kattankulathur. The Headmistress, Panchayat Union Elementary School, Anjur for taking out their valuable time to celebrate Children’s Day.

Sl.no	Staff Name	Department
1.	Dr. T. Kalaivani	Station Manager of SRM Muthucharam Community Radio
2.	Dr. Annapurani Panaiyappan	Professor & Head of Networking & Communications
3.	Dr. R.M. Hariharan	Assistant Station Manager
4.	Mr. Thairiyaraj	Production Executive
5.	Mr. Kesavan	Sound Engineer

Entrepreneurship Development Training on Rural Products making Business Ideas and Opportunities for Self-help Group Women at Orathur Village 27th to 29th November 2024

 

The Entrepreneurship Development Training Program on Rural Products Making was inaugurated with great enthusiasm, aimed at empowering women from self-help groups (SHGs) by providing entrepreneurial skills for rural product-making. The ceremony began with the Tamil Thai Valthu, symbolizing a promising start.

The chief guest, Mrs. Prema of Prema Garments, delivered an inspiring keynote address on the importance of entrepreneurship for women’s empowerment and highlighted market opportunities for rural products. Dr. T. Deepa, the program coordinator, outlined the training sessions focusing on business opportunities, branding, financial planning, and marketing strategies. Testimonials from successful SHG members underscored the transformative potential of entrepreneurship.

The formal inauguration was conducted by Mr. Sundar, Orathur Panchayat President, who expressed best wishes to the participants. The event concluded with a vote of thanks, setting the stage for impactful training sessions.

Day 1 - 27.11.2024

The first day focused on practical skills in cloth bag making, nighty stitching, and garment designing, essential for enabling participants to start small-scale businesses.

1. Cloth Bag Making:
• Objective: Teach eco-friendly, reusable bag production to reduce plastic waste.
• Key Skills: Cutting, stitching, and embellishment techniques using fabrics like cotton or jute.
• Marketability: High demand for sustainable products, suitable for local and bulk orders.
• Benefits: Minimal investment, skill enhancement, and environmental conservation.
2. Nighty Stitching:
• Objective: Train participants in tailoring women’s nightwear to tap into steady market demand.
• Key Skills: Pattern cutting, stitching techniques, and customization options like lace and embroidery.
• Marketability: Opportunities in local markets, boutiques, and online platforms.
• Benefits: High earning potential and the ability to start home-based tailoring businesses.
3. Garment and Fabric Designing:
• Objective: Introduce creative techniques to add value to garments and fabrics.
• Key Skills: Block printing, tie-dye, embroidery, and garment styling.
• Marketability: High-value, niche market for unique handmade designs.
• Benefits: Encourages creativity, collaboration with boutiques, and enhanced entrepreneurial skills.

The inaugural ceremony and Day 1 activities marked a strong beginning to the training program, fostering self-reliance, skill development, and rural economic growth.

The first training day successfully achieved its objectives, focusing on practical clothing bag-making skills, nighty stitching, and garment design. Completing these activities successfully on the first day laid a strong foundation for the participants to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys, aligning with the program's goals of skill development and rural economic growth

DAY 2: 28.12.2024 

The second day of the Entrepreneurship Development Training Program focused on equipping women from self-help groups (SHGs) with skills in herbal soap making and chemical product manufacturing, emphasizing practical training, entrepreneurial knowledge, and sustainability.

 

1. Herbal Soap Making:

Participants were trained to create eco-friendly herbal soaps using natural ingredients such as Neem, Turmeric, and Aloe Vera. The session covered:

Practical Training: Hands-on soap-making using cold and melt-and-pour methods, incorporating natural additives and essential oils for fragrance and skin benefits.

Packaging and Branding Workshop: Techniques for designing eco-friendly packaging and creating unique brand identities were introduced, including tools for label creation and marketing materials.

Entrepreneurship Training: Basics of starting a business, financial planning, pricing, and leveraging government schemes for rural entrepreneurs were explained.

Marketing Strategies: Tips for promoting herbal soaps in local markets, fairs, and online platforms were shared, along with customer engagement and sales network creation.

Sustainability: Participants were encouraged to adopt biodegradable packaging, minimize waste, and practice environmental conservation.

2. Simple Chemical Products Training:

Participants learned about the production and safe handling of commonly used chemical products, including bar soaps, liquid soaps, and cleaning solutions. Key activities included:

Bar Soap Production: Mixing oils and lye safely, adding fillers and fragrances to enhance affordability and appeal.

Liquid Soap and Cleaner Making: Demonstrating recipes for liquid hand soap, dishwashing liquid, and multipurpose cleaners.

Safety Measures: Emphasis on using personal protective equipment (PPE) and proper storage and handling of chemicals.

Packaging and Branding: Guidance on durable, cost-effective packaging and designing attractive labels highlighting product benefits.

Marketing and Sales Strategies: Insights into selling products in local and wholesale markets, collaborating with retailers, and partnering with bulk suppliers.

Day 2 successfully provided participants with comprehensive skills and entrepreneurial knowledge, enabling them to develop sustainable businesses and achieve economic self-reliance

DAY 3 – 29.11.2024 

The third day of the Entrepreneurship Development Training Program focused on Herbal Napkin Making, empowering self-help group (SHG) women with the skills and knowledge to manufacture eco-friendly herbal napkins. The program emphasized sustainability, health, and hygiene while providing entrepreneurial tools to establish and sustain a business.

Key Highlights of the Day:

1.       Introduction to Herbal Napkins and Market Potential:

• Participants learned about the environmental impact of conventional sanitary products and the benefits of biodegradable herbal napkins.
• Market experts highlighted the growing demand for eco-conscious products, presenting this as a lucrative business opportunity.

2.       Understanding Materials and Sourcing:

• Training covered the use of natural materials like bamboo fiber, neem, aloe vera, tulsi, and cotton in herbal napkins.
• Practical guidance was provided on sourcing quality raw materials at affordable prices.

3.       Production Techniques:

• Participants were guided through the manufacturing process, from shaping raw materials to infusing herbal extracts.
• Hands-on sessions included operating manual and semi-automatic napkin-making machines to ensure production efficiency and consistency.

4.       Quality Assurance and Packaging:

• Emphasis was placed on hygiene and maintaining high-quality production standards.
• Eco-friendly packaging options were introduced, catering to environmentally conscious consumers.

5.       Entrepreneurship Skills Development:

• Sessions covered business planning, cost calculation, pricing strategies, and marketing techniques.
• Participants were trained in branding and creating a unique identity for their products.
• Guidance was provided on leveraging various sales channels, including local markets, online platforms, and partnerships with NGOs and schools.

6.       Financial Management and Funding:

• Training included financial management, profit reinvestment strategies, and maintaining sustainable profit margins.
• Information on government schemes, microfinance options, and grants available to women entrepreneurs was shared.

7.       Sustainability and Community Impact:

• The program concluded with a discussion on the social and environmental benefits of herbal napkins.
• Participants were encouraged to become advocates for menstrual hygiene and sustainability, spreading awareness within their communities.

Impact and Outcome:

Day 3 successfully equipped participants with the technical, entrepreneurial, and financial skills needed to produce and market herbal napkins. The training not only prepared them for economic independence but also empowered them to contribute to environmental sustainability and community well-being.

Summary of Day 1, 2, and 3 Activities

The Entrepreneurship Development Training Program successfully conducted a series of practical, skill-based workshops for self-help group (SHG) women in Orathur Village, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu focusing on empowering them with entrepreneurial skills and sustainable business practices.

Impact:
Participants learned to produce and market herbal napkins, empowering them to address social and environmental challenges while achieving economic independence.

Overall Program Impact:

Over the three days, the program successfully:

• Empowered women with technical and entrepreneurial skills in making eco-friendly products.
• Enhanced participants' understanding of sustainability and community impact.
• Prepared them to start small-scale businesses, fostering economic independence and environmental consciousness.