Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal

Bantwal, Jul 8: A vast paddy field spread over five acres echoed with the chatter of college students. Used to the routine of pen, book, and study in classrooms, these students spent Sunday wielding sickles, learning to plant paddy, and gaining hands-on agricultural lessons. Unmindful of the rain, they immersed themselves in the muddy fields, earning the title of 'children of the soil.'

In Barkhe, a part of Shambur village in Narikombu, the Dakshina Shirdi Sai Mandir has been cultivating paddy for the past four years in a previously abandoned field. Various organizations and students have supported their efforts. This time, students from the National Service Scheme (NSS) unit of B Mood Government Pre-University College near BC Road joined the initiative. Over a hundred students participated, eagerly planting paddy and enjoying the experience. Local farmer women, along with Sai Suraj from the Sai Mandir, guided the students in the paddy planting process. The students learned firsthand the superiority of practical fieldwork over traditional classroom lessons.

Inspiring lecturers

Lecturers from B Mooda College joined their students in the field, setting an example. Despite the pouring rain and Sunday break, they engaged in the agricultural activities, blending seamlessly with the students. The new experience gained in the field was something they couldn’t get in a classroom. The college's principal, Yusuf Vittla, senior lecturer Damodar E., NSS program officer Balakrishna Naik Bellare, lecturers Abdul Razak, Divya, Radha, Shamita, Harshita, and teacher Geeta, along with local women and youth, participated in the activity.

Rice for devotees

For the past four years, the rice cultivated by the Sai Mandir in this field has been distributed as prasad to all devotees visiting the temple on Ramanavami, with each receiving 1 kg. The remaining rice is distributed to the needy and used for annaprasada (meal offerings) at the Sai Mandir every Thursday afternoon and night, according to Sai Suraj, head of the Shirdi Sai Mandir.

"We organized this program through the National Service Scheme with the aim of blending education with nature and providing practical experience in agricultural activities," said Yusuf Vittla, principal, B Mooda Government Pre-University College.

"This initiative aims to give college students experience in farming. By preserving and cultivating paddy fields, we impart agricultural knowledge and foster a unique experience among them. The enthusiastic participation of 100 students has sparked a desire to engage in agricultural activities in the future," said Balakrishna Naik, NSS programme officer.