Online Activities | Ubantu Foundation

Online Events

E-dialogue on ‘Role of Cooperatives in Strengthening Rural Economy

An e-dialogue on 'Role of Cooperatives in strengthening Rural Economy' was organized by Ubantu Foundation in collaboration with National Cooperative Union of India on the eve of the International Day on Cooperatives today. The program was chaired by Dr. Sudhir Mahajan, Chief Executive, NCUI and many renowned experts from across India presented their views. Shri Sajith Sukumaran, Chief Operating Officer of Kudumbashree program in government of Kerala explained the women centric initiatives taken under the scheme and how it has helped to empower women from underprivileged sections of society.

Dr. Ranjit Kumar, Head-Agribusiness department of National Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad highlighted the need for capacity building measures at all levels of Cooperatives and making the farming business profitable in sustainable manner. Dr. Ramanjaneyulu, Executive Director, Centre for Sustainable Agriculture explained the natural farming initiative supported by Government of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to support both economy and ecology. Hemant Chavan Ji, a close associate of Padma Shri Subhash Palekar and a natural farming expert from Nagpur talked about how 'Nagpur Naturals' model has been successful in development of farmer associations and providing a market to their produce locally. Shri Gopi Sankara from Navadarshanam Trust in Bangalore talked about how they have been able to empower local farmers by building market linkages for their organic products. Shri Sarvanan from Barefoot Academy of Governance, Tamil Nadu highlighted the problems of farmers and stressed on the need to build trust among the stakeholders for reviving agriculture sector. Rupesh Rai, Founder, Green People community in Uttarakhand explained his village centric economic model through eco-tourism and natural farming. V Swaminathan from Tamil Nadu spoke about the initiative of Organic Farmer Association of India to support cotton farmers and promoting cultivation of indigenous seeds.

Ms. Talu Devi, Founder, Meira Foods, Imphal shared her story about her all women enterprise and how they are supporting women from across Manipur through food processing business.In his address as Chairperson of the program, Dr. Sudhir Mahajan Ji congratulated Ubantu Foundation for organizing such a fruitful interaction with experts and professionals working with farmers and cooperatives and thanked all speakers for their valuable inputs and suggestions. He also stressed on the need to adopt innovative measures to support farming community and assured the audience that NCUI will take all possible measures to build linkages with progressive organizations and entrepreneurs for a better future. Shri Sumit Singh, Director of Ubantu Foundation and Convener of the program thanked the Chairperson, speakers, research scholars, social workers and all other delegates for their active participation.

Webinar Series on Nutrition and Wellness

Guest of Honor, Dr. Savita Ahluwalia, MSc, PhD (Nutrition), a Health and Nutrition Expert, discussed the importance of nutrition in disease prevention and stress management. The first speaker, Dr. Kahkashan Parvin, Head and Assistant Professor at Era University, Lucknow, highlighted essential foods that positively impact daily life. She also provided insights into balanced diets and calorie intake for maintaining health and fitness.

The second speaker, Ms. Amina Zaida, Assistant Professor at CSM University, Kanpur, gave a detailed study on the classification, digestion, and absorption of carbohydrates. She also addressed diseases caused by carbohydrate deficiency.

Dr. Shikha Singh, Assistant Professor at Nehru Gram Bharti University, Prayagraj, presented on 'Minerals at a Glance,' covering their functions, requirements, and sources. Dr. Seema Jaiswal, Faculty at Nehru Gram Bharti University, discussed 'Health Protectors: Dietary Fibres' and their role in water balance in the body. Lastly, Dr. Navneet Dubey presented on the development of cultured meat from stem cells as a future alternative to animal meat. Sumit Singh, Director of Ubantu Foundation, thanked the speakers and participants for making the event interactive and successful. He emphasized the importance of engaging young minds in spreading awareness through their ideas and expertises.

Webinar on International Day of Yoga

Ubantu Foundation organized a virtual session on International Day of Yoga with an introduction to the topic, followed by a welcoming of the speakers. The session included a Q&A segment where participants had their doubts cleared about nutrition, organic foods, and yoga for beginners. Dr. Sudhir Mahajan gave a speech on the importance of yoga, and Mr. Rakesh Senger shared how yoga transformed his life. He also spoke about his initiative for child-friendly districts and states. Further, participants shared their personal experience with yoga and how it has positively impacted their lives.

Webinar on World Environment Day

To celebrate the World Environment Day, a session focused on sustainability, environmental protection, and waste reduction was organized by Ubantu Foundation. Notable speakers and participants were invited to share their experiences and practices in various areas of environmental conservation and waste management. Mr. Shrikant who has been working on two major UNFCCC programs; Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), and Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) highlighted the impact of dumping grounds on surrounding communities causing respiratory and liver Mr. Shrikant who has been working on two major UNFCCC programs; Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), and Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) highlighted the impact of dumping grounds on surrounding communities causing respiratory and liver diseases. He also introduced the concept of a Zero Waste Society (2011). Mr. Chatar Singh shared innovative agricultural practices despite limited rainfall. His focus is on growing crops like Chana, Sarso, Wheat, Peas, Coriander, and Mint without pesticides. Mr. Chatrabhushan Tiwari has been involved in tree plantation since January 2006, growing over 11 lakh trees. His work has earned him recognition, and he encourages children, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, to take up tree plantation as a means of environmental conservation. Further participants including Rooh Chowdhury, Asha Varma, Bhagwan Singh Rathore & Vansh highlighted the importance of reusing waste, key environmental schemes and shared insights on the management of biomedical waste. The session provided valuable insights into innovative and sustainable practices for waste management, farming, and environmental conservation. The speakers and participants shared their knowledge on reducing waste, promoting tree plantation, utilizing natural resources, and implementing eco-friendly agricultural methods.

Webinar on Menstrual Hygiene Day

Ubuntu Foundation, organized a virtual session on World Menstrual Hygiene Day, highlighting the importance of sanitation and hygiene. To create awareness among people regarding menstrual hygiene, every year, May 28 is observed as World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2021. The main aim to mark this day is to change the social stigma and taboo associated with menstruation. The session saw the participation of honorable guest including Dr Muskaan Khosla, MBBS, MS General Surgery, DNB General Surgery, MRCS (Edinburgh) MPH, CPH Director, Public Health- PI India Lead, Clinical Operations- PI India, Delhi, Dr. Poornima Shyam Desai. has over 18 years’ experience working as a Ayurveda Physician, and Dr. Rooh Chowdary, a sustainability expert from Ludhiana.

Topics that were covered:

Taboos around menstruation and how to address them. Discuss
knowledge, practices, and restrictions among young women.
Parents' perspective: How to talk to your child about periods.
Challenges during menstruation (physical and mental).
Foods and activities to focus on during periods.
Is there a "correct" time for periods?
Discussion on tablets for period cramps and their side effects.
Menstrual pain and heavy bleeding.
Experiences during their first period.