RD and SH National College announce key nation-building initiatives commemorating 70 years of academic excellence

by Priya Jadhav

Mumbai: January 2020: Emphasis on innovative learning techniques and establishing a timeless tradition of academic excellence has been the hallmark of RD and SH National College. One of the oldest colleges in the country affiliated to the University of Mumbai and the first of the 24 educational institutions established by the Hyderabad Sind National Collegiate Board. Commemorating 70 years of glorious learning traditions, the College announced the launch of three key nation-building initiatives. Dignitaries present on the occasion included Shri R. Ramanan, Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, Government of India, Ms. Arushi Nishank, Chairperson of the Sparsh Ganga Campaign, members of the HSNC Board, past principals of the institution, principals of esteemed educational institutions of the city and the illustrious alumni along with the staff and students of the institution. On this significant occasion, Shri Kishu Mansukhani , President of the HSNC Board remarked “All the achievements by R.D.National College, the pioneer institute of the HSNC Board, will be written in gold in annals of education history. The successes yet to come will surpass all that has achieved so far in magnitude, brilliance and reach.”

Collaborating with AquaKraft Projects Pvt Ltd, the first initiative, Center for Innovation, Sustainability and Social Entrepreneurship (CISSE) aims to bolster nation building capacities by facilitating research and innovation across vocational and management education. Conceptualized as India’s first Digital Social Exchange Platform, SWACHHAGRAHA.com is a new-age social development movement aiming at creating ground-level path-breaking solutions in the areas of sanitation, clean drinking water, health and hygiene. An acronym for Sanitation & Water for Community Health and Hygiene (SWACHH), the community-centric initiative aims to involve stake-holders to attain actionable outcomes towards transforming the social and environmental ecosystem. Jal Pe Charcha is an open discussion forum and advocacy platform for the concerned masses to come together and collectively address the problem of water management and finding sustainable solutions to water challenges.The initial phase of Jal Pe Charcha will be rolled out across colleges to leverage the student and youth power for initiating dialogues on creating a transformative impact. The initiatives are brainchild of Dr. Subramanya Kusnur, Chairman &CEO, AquaKraft Projects Pvt Ltd and alumnus of the college.

“We are a socially conscious learning institution which has always placed the onus on instilling knowledge, character and dignity in students and empower them to build a socially dynamic and economically vibrant India.  On this glorious occasion, we reiterate our commitment to rolling out socially relevant development initiatives and fostering a culture of innovation, It is a proud moment for me to be spear heading this institution at this historic juncture in its journey towards a brighter future.” stated Dr. Neha Jagtiani, I/C Principal, RD National College

"Water management and conservation is pivotal mark maintaining the balance of the natural ecosystem. Jal pe charcha is a unique initiative that holds the potential of creating a mass water conservation awareness movement by involving the younger generation as stakeholders and proliferating the principles of the Jal Shakti Abhiyaan," stated Ms. Arushi Nishank, Chairperson of Sparsh Ganga.

“RD and SH National College has excelled as a centre of education that places onus on ingraining a scientific temperament and innovative learning practices. Encouraging students to play the role of social change agents, the college has set an example that others need to emulate and implement. I also wish to commend the vision and commitment of Dr. Subramanya whom I have seen relentlessly trying out of the box ideas to make clean drinking water & sanitation available to one and all,” stated Shri R Ramanan, Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission, Niti Aayog.