B.Ed students gain firsthand insight into sustainable living at Jimmy McGilligan Centre

Indore, April 9: Students of environmental education from the School of Education, Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV), visited the Jimmy McGilligan Centre for Sustainable Development on April 8, gaining practical exposure to eco-friendly and sustainable practices.

The group arrived at the Centre around 10 a.m. and was received by its founder, Dr. Janak Palta McGilligan. During the visit, she shared her life journey and highlighted the work carried out alongside her late husband, Jimmy McGilligan, in promoting sustainable lifestyles and community welfare. Their initiatives have benefited thousands of families.

The Centre demonstrates a range of sustainable technologies, including solar thermal cooking using solar box cookers and parabolic cookers, which can be used for various cooking methods such as baking and frying. It also employs solar drying techniques for food preservation without electricity.

Renewable energy generated through solar panels and a windmill is used to support local infrastructure, including street lighting in Sanawadiya village. Spread across a green campus with over 300 trees and plants, the Centre serves as a model of self-sufficiency, offering resources such as fruits, vegetables, and a clean environment.

Students described the visit as an enriching educational experience. A key takeaway was Dr. McGilligan’s message emphasizing conscious living and personal responsibility toward sustainability.

The visit was organised under the guidance of head of department Dr. Laxman Shinde and Dr. Raghavendra Kumar Hurmade, with support from faculty members Dr. Rochana Shukla and Dr. Shraddha Sharma.

— Staff reporter

 Students of Environmental Education from the School of Education, Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV), visited the Jimmy McGilligan Centre for Sustainable Development on April 8, gaining practical exposure to eco-friendly and sustainable practices.

 Experiential learning beyond classrooms

The group reached the centre around 10 a.m. and was welcomed by founder Dr. Janak Palta McGilligan. During the interaction, she shared her life journey and spoke about her work with her late husband, Jimmy McGilligan, in promoting sustainable living and community welfare. Their initiatives have positively impacted thousands of families across rural and urban communities.

Students said the visit offered a valuable opportunity to connect theoretical knowledge of environmental education with real-life practices.

Model of sustainable technologies

The centre demonstrated several sustainable technologies designed for everyday use. These included solar thermal cooking using solar box cookers and parabolic cookers capable of baking, boiling, and frying. Solar drying techniques were also showcased for preserving food naturally without the use of electricity.

Renewable energy generated through solar panels and a windmill is utilised for daily needs and also supports street lighting in Sanawadiya village.

Green campus and self-sufficient lifestyle

Spread across a lush campus with over 300 trees and plants, the centre stands as a model of self-sufficiency. It produces fruits and vegetables while maintaining an eco-friendly, zero-waste environment.

Dr. McGilligan emphasised the importance of individual responsibility in environmental conservation, stating that sustainable living begins with personal choices and daily habits.

 Key takeaway for future educators

Students described the visit as highly enriching and relevant to their future roles as educators. They highlighted the importance of integrating sustainability into teaching practices to create awareness among younger generations.

A key message that resonated with the students was that while life’s uncertainties cannot be controlled, the way one chooses to live responsibly towards the environment is always within one’s control.

 Fact file

* The centre uses renewable energy for most of its operations

* Solar cookers help reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions

* Zero-waste practices ensure minimal environmental impact

* Community outreach programmes have benefited thousands of families

The visit was conducted under the guidance of Head of Department Dr. Laxman Shinde and Dr. Raghavendra Kumar Hurmade, with support from faculty members Dr. Rochana Shukla and Dr. Shraddha Sharma.