Sumanth Kashyap

Beltangady, Feb 21: When the concept of ‘survival of the fittest’ surfaced Charles Darwin’s mind, he nor anyone, knew that it would find its right meaning in the 21st century. The contemporary times have graduated to such an extent where students consider themselves raw and unfit for the rat race called ‘job’, with their lone degree qualification.

Amalgamation of education and culture that it is since its birth, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ujire has been making tireless efforts in creating responsible and efficient students. SDM College, in its pioneering endeavor, is about to begin a certificate course on agriculture for degree students.

This course will be an addition to the already implemented 64 various courses with enviable success. One can derive great benefits from this study pattern as the geography in and around Ujire is agri-friendly and majority of the families in this region depend upon this profession to earn their bread.

This short term course will run for a length of 16 hours with each class being held on every Saturdays for 2 hours at Ratnamanasa, a hostel where the course will commence.

“This is a multi-dimensional practical course.  Here the students are taught several techniques of cultivating vegetables, flowers and various crops and firsthand information about organic farming, cattle rearing, manure, soil, monsoons  are provided by accomplished trainers at Ratnamanasa”, says Krishna Shetty, the course instructor and in charge at Ratnamanasa.

“A hand on expertise is imparted to the students as they are made to practically involve in the various aspects of agriculture. This gives a clear picture to the young generation about the difficulties and challenges faced by a farmer in agriculture”, he added.

Vinisha , a first year BA student who is pursuing this course, complements the  SDM College’s  initiative in launching this course. “It’s a unique learning experience. Unlike, the chalk and talk method of teaching, here, we, students are taught amidst nature and this is a refreshing change. Gardening is my favorite part of the subject and I have developed a garden of my own”.

“This is an inter-disciplinary course. So, literally, any degree student in their 1st or 2nd year can opt this course. Response to this course has been very encouraging with 64 students in the maiden batch and interestingly, majority of them are girls”, explains Shashikanth Kakatkar, associate professor in SDM college and the co-ordinator of this certificate course.

“And this is a progressive sign.  It was, actually, the parents and their persistent request to start this course which has brought this course to life.  It is a matter of pride that SDM College is the first to introduce a study module of this sort in the state, that too for no cost”.