“Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad’s initiative ‘Students for Development (SFD)’ has outlined a comprehensive plan to orchestrate diverse programmes and raise awareness about environmental protection during ‘Magh Mela 2k24’. In a press conference today, details were shared about the forthcoming initiatives to be conducted by the ABVP’s ‘Students for Development’ and other facets. The announcement included organising programmes such as Internships, River Dialogue, Festival of Lights (Deepotsav), Cultural Evenings, Human Chains, Street Plays (Nukkad Natak), Saraswati Puja, Health Camps, among others, specifically designed for students, accompanied by detailed information about each programme.
Internship: Nurturing Nature Conservation Skills
Alok Pratap Singh, the convener of SFD in Prayagraj, revealed plans for a two-phase internship programme. This program aims to educate students about various facets of environmental preservation while engaging them in 15 days of environmental work within the Magh Mela area. The first phase of the internship will run until half of January and the subsequent phase will commence from January 16.
‘River Dialogue’ Inspiring Water Conservation
Under the umbrella of SFD, a ‘River Dialogue’ programme is scheduled for January 20, inviting environmental experts to discuss the importance of water conservation and elucidate the significance of rivers through dialogues.
Enlightening the Confluence on Sri Ramlala Pran Pratistha Day
A ‘Deepotsav’ program will be orchestrated by the development students on the day of Shri Ramlala Pran Pratistha. On the evening of January 21, 50 thousand lamps will be distributed among the Kalpavasis, urging them to illuminate these lamps in their camps during the evening. Students will also celebrate Deepotsav by identifying specific locations.
Cultural Evening Embracing Indian Traditions
The ABVP’s activity, ‘Rashtriya Kala Manch’, will curate a cultural evening on January 28 and a street play on February 2, showcasing diverse presentations rooted in Indian traditions by students.
Weekly Health Camps
‘MeDeVision’ under Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad will set up a health camp every Sunday in the Magh Mela area, offering free medical services.
Facilitating Visitors – “May I Help You” Desk
As part of ABVP’s initiative, a ‘May I Help You’ desk will be established by students to assist people visiting the Magh Mela area by providing information about it. Additionally, porridge and tea will be distributed on major bathing days, and a plan to distribute clothes in settlements has been devised.
Ram Babu Tiwari, the state head of Students for Development, expressed, ‘The core essence of SFD’s work is the national endeavour to involve the student community in reconstruction. Our concept revolves around water, forests, land, animals, and people. Magh Mela has been an annual tradition on the sacred land of Prayagraj. This year, the innovative experiment in environmental protection by students will pave the way for positive changes in the future.’
Aanchal Singh, the state joint-secretary of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, Kashi Prant, stated, ‘The forthcoming action plan will be executed by the three activities and two facets of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad. ABVP’s activities include ‘Students for Development (SFD)’, ‘Rashtriya Kala Manch (RKM)’, and ‘Students for Seva (SFS)’, while ‘Think India’ and ‘MeDeVision’ dimensions will organise awareness campaigns and health camps. This unique student-led initiative will be a milestone and a model for future events, planned to be organised annually.'”
