IMPACT ANALYSIS GRANT: RESPECT YOUR PLATE

The Department of Zoology, DAV College Jalandhar, successfully conducted the second phase of its food waste minimization and composting awareness campaign “Respect Your Plate: Awareness Programme to avoid Food Wastage”, funded by the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST). This phase builds upon the impact of the initial Capacity Building Programme organized in September 2023. The initiative was organized under the guidance of Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Principal. Dr. Punit Puri, Head, Department of Zoology, provided overall supervision and academic leadership to the initiative. Prof Pooja Sharma and Dr Kapila Mahajan were organizing Secretaries of the event. Dr. Deepak Wadhawan formally welcomed the dignitaries and introduced the resource person.

The current phase focused on assessing the impact of the previous initiative and expanding community outreach. A detailed questionnaire-based survey was conducted among food vendors who were previously contacted during the first round. The survey aimed to evaluate how these vendors manage their leftover food with the support of the Robin Hood Army (RHA) and how they utilize vegetable peels—either through composting or by feeding animals.

In the morning, students also participated in an awareness rally to the local market, where they distributed T-shirts and eco-friendly jute bags printed with the slogan “Save Food” to vendors, encouraging sustainable practices.The bags and T-shirts exhibited the logos of PSCST, LiFE, RHA and DAV College, Jalandhar. The event was graced by Dr SS Randhawa (Head, Department of Punajbi), Dr Seema Sharma (In-charge Collegiate Senior Secondary School), Dr Sapana Sharma (Department of Botany) and Dr Komal Narang (Department of Commerce).

Awareness was further extended to more vendors in the city. In a positive development, many students of DAV College, Jalandhar joined RHA, contributing to the noble cause of redistributing surplus food. A dedicated dashboard was launched on the college website to highlight the ongoing collaboration between DAV College, Jalandhar and RHA, a zero-fund NGO.

A lecture was delivered by Prof. Pooja Sharma gave an insightful presentation on the food wastage crisis in India and the importance of individual efforts. Dr. Ashutosh Sharma, Associate Professor, Department of Agriculture, DAV University, Jalandhar delivered an expert lecture on vermicomposting, followed by a practical workshop for students and gardeners. Also, Ms. Pooja, In charge of Robin Hood Army Jalandhar, along with five Robins, visited DAV College Jalandharand interacted with students, sharing inspiring stories and encouraging them to engage more actively in community service.

The success of the program was made possible due to the dedicated efforts of faculty members Dr Rishi Kumar, Dr Abhinay Thakur and Prof. Pankaj Bagga from the Departments of Zoology, whose consistent mentoring and planning drove the initiative forward. The support of the non-teaching staff in organizing and managing logistics also played a crucial role in the smooth execution of all activities.

Dr. Kunwar Rajeev, Senior Vice-Principal, DAV College, Jalandhar appreciated the efforts of the faculty and students for organizing such a meaningful activity dedicated to environmental awareness and community service. Dr.Punit Puri, Head, Department of Zoology, also appreciated the enthusiasm of students and faculty in driving this impactful social and environmental initiative.