XIE visit – combining learning and cultural immersion
Neha Yadav
Xavier Institute of Engineering
The Social Centre organized an exposure visit (March 15 and 16, 2024) for 20 Xavier Institute of Engineering (XIE) students to showcase the watershed management strategies that have been successfully implemented to address the challenge of recurring drought. Our group was accommodated at the Bacher Eco-Training Centre in Hivrekorda.
On the first day we visited three villages: Kasare, Bhosarmal and Mhasoba Zap. Each village community shared how they had teamed up with the Social Centre to tackle acute water scarcity. They explained how the construction of strategically placed trenches and bunds impeded water run-off, facilitating percolation and conserving water resources very effectively.
Through these initiatives, the communities demonstrated their proactive approach towards sustainable water management. In Mhasoba Zap, we were graciously treated to the traditional local cuisine, providing not only nourishment but also a taste of the community’s hospitality. The evening concluded with discussions centered on the Social Centre’s mission and pioneering initiatives in community-led watershed development followed with a delightful bonfire.
The highlight of day two was a visit to the Social Centre, Ahmednagar, and a presentation on zero waste-management by Ms. Natasha Dcosta (Co-Founder, Start Upcycling Now). She provided valuable insights into sustainable practices of reusing or recycling urban waste.
Interactions with students and staff of the Xavier Institute of Natural Resource Management provided a deeper understanding of how the Social Centre’s innovative field practices and lessons learned are communicated to the university academia.
The Ahmednagar exposure visit was an enriching experience, combining learning with cultural immersion. The warm hospitality extended by the rural communities exemplified the Indian ethos of “Athithi Devo Bhava,” where guests are treated as gods. The insights gained during the visit, particularly regarding water management and waste disposal, are invaluable. The XIE expresses sincere gratitude to the Social Centre for their hospitality and for facilitating a memorable and educative experience.
