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ETERNAL UNIVERSITY, BARU SAHIB

Best Practices

Best Practice 1

Title of the Practice

Disaster Management- its Challenges, Risks, Response and Recovery

  • To create awareness and build the capacity of the University community about Natural disaster.
  • To educate safety and preventive measures among students, employees, SHGs and rural people against such disaster.
  • To adopt mitigation strategies for reducing economic and social vulnerabilities of potential disaster.
  • To organize disaster management MOCK drill and training programs.
  • To implement standards and guidelines prescribed by National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Government of India.

Geographical Challenges: The University, situated in a remote and disaster-prone region of Himachal Pradesh, encounters major challenges, including earthquakes, cloudbursts, forest fires, landslides, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

Infrastructure Risks: The narrow roads and frequent obstructions during heavy rainfall pose risks to accessibility and infrastructure. Fire incidents are common during summers due to both natural and human activities.

Preventive Measures: To address these challenges, the University has implemented preventive measures, including concrete reinforcement of slopes, water channels, and fire safety provisions.

Educational Integration: Disaster management education is integrated into undergraduate curricula, and regular training, mock drills, and awareness programs are conducted.

Ongoing Challenges: However, ensuring timely response, maintaining emergency equipment, and sensitizing the local community remain key challenges. Effective communication during crises and fostering a culture of preparedness require continuous efforts.

Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines, the University strengthens its disaster resilience while ensuring the safety of students, faculty, and the local community.

Pandemic Response: The COVID-19 pandemic (2020) highlighted the need for proactive health measures, academic resilience, and community engagement. Implementing COVID-19 preventive measures required a community-focused strategy to enhance awareness, healthcare services, and academic continuity.

Collaborative Approach: By collaborating with local authorities, utilizing multilingual resources, and adopting digital platforms, the initiative effectively integrated health protocols with institutional functions, ensuring zero mortality on campus.

The education regarding the natural disaster came into practice during:

Cloudburst at Baru Sahib:
  • The cloud burst occurred on September 26, 2022, at Baru Sahib with devastating losses to the building infrastructure.
  • Immediate use of siren for danger signal, cutting of electricity supply, placing the students at safe place was the response to safe guard lives.
  • Relief measures were implemented to address the needs of the affected individuals and minimize their suffering during this situation.
  • Students and employees were safely evacuated from their residential buildings and accommodated in a separate facility, where they were provided with essential supplies, including food, water, juices, bedding, electrical equipment, clothing, and healthcare services.
  • Financial assistance was given to the sufferers from the University relief funds.
  • Students actively participated in cleaning buildings affected by mud, salvaging damaged computers, clothing, and other essential items.
  • The water and electricity supply was restored at the war footing. The academic session was not disturbed and the classes were on within two to three days.
Forest fires:
  • To address such situations, the University has a dedicated department equipped with firefighting controls, as fires frequently occur in the surrounding pine forests and local areas during the summer months.
  • Three types of fire extinguishers are installed on every floor of the University and residential buildings.
  • To handle severe fires incidences, large lead pipes with flexible hoses are installed on every floor, and their maintenance and replacement are carried out regularly.
  • 24/7 hours'/days emergency ambulance service availability for students, staff and local community.
  • Special mock drills were conducted by the University in collaboration with District Fire Department Nahan, Sirmour (H.P.).
COVID-19 Pandemic Response:
  • During the 55-day nationwide lockdown starting March 25, 2020, the University maintained academic continuity for stranded students, conducting examinations and classes as planned.
  • Collaborated with Panchayat Pradhan to raise COVID-19 awareness in the local community through posters and health education initiatives.
  • Developed a comprehensive COVID-19 protocol/guideline book in three languages (Punjabi, Hindi, and English) for campus-wide and local community awareness.
  • Provided high-quality screening services, quarantine facilities, and RT-PCR testing for both campus residents and locals.
  • Nursing students distributed essential supplies including supplements, sanitizers, and masks to students and local community members.
  • Implemented 15-day mini lockdowns when COVID-19 cases were reported, providing preventive medicine to all and ensuring food delivery to isolated cases.
  • Successfully transitioned all institutional meetings (Board of Management, Academic Council, Board of Studies, Student mentoring) to online platforms.
  • Achieved zero mortality throughout the pandemic period through effective preventive measures.

  • Buildings demonstrated resilience during the cloudburst, with check dams and drainage systems effectively managing heavy water flow from vertical slopes.
  • Cooperative administration, medical facilities, charity, and donations facilitated rapid recovery from calamities.
  • Increased safety gathering points across campus for future emergency preparedness.
  • The Kalgidhar Trust/University maintains year-round campus connectivity through owned machinery (JCBs, tractors, trucks).
  • Dedicated firefighting team and water storage facilities for forest fire control.
  • Parent Hospital (Akal Charitable Hospital) was designated as both Dedicated Covid Care Centre (DCCC) and Dedicated Covid Health Centre (DCHC) by the Himachal Pradesh district magistrate.
  • Maintained zero COVID-19 casualties through excellent medical facilities and services.
  • Successfully conducted online classes and examinations using the University's Moodle/LMS platform.
  • Received recognition from the Government of Punjab in 2023 for exceptional Akal relief team services.
  • Akal College of Nursing received appreciation certificate from district administration (SDM), Sirmour for contributions to COVID-19 vaccination drives.

  • Disruption of academic activities due to the lockdown.
  • Students stranded on campus with limited resources.
  • Difficulty in conducting examinations and classes remotely.
  • Sudden, intense rainfall leading to flash floods, caused blocking of roads thus interrupted supplies of goods and services.
  • Displacement of residents due to flooding.
  • Difficulty in rescue operations due to heavy water flow.
  • Separate building of the campus was assigned for Quarantine Centre. Expert task force was deputed for distribution of medicine and meals in this centre.
  • Govt. funds are required to construct separate buildings in the campus for keeping the people safe during these natural calamities.
  • A special Govt. relief fund is required to be allocated to disaster-prone areas during adverse situations.
  • Special task force is required for strengthening the existing infrastructure and monitoring the disaster management plans of the University.
  • Early warning and weather forecast systems are required in the University campus to analyze and identify potential weather and climate related risks and hazards.
  • Forest department is required to identify the suitable plants for this disaster prone area.
  • The Govt. officials must visit, conduct trainings, MOCK-drills etc. among local communities.
  • Govt. must identify areas for the construction of dams, barrages and embankments to regulate and control water flow.
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Best Practice 2

Title of the Practice

Public Engagement: Extension and Community Outreach

  • To conduct community health camps, free medical check-ups and awareness programmes in improving health outcomes and psychological concerns in adopted rural villages.
  • To promote farmer self-reliance and income diversification through trainings in sustainable agriculture practices.
  • To extend the reach of quality education by integrating student-teachers into community schools, fostering educational development and social responsibility.
  • To promote and preserve the traditional art of 'Singing with String Instruments' while enriching students with value based education and spiritual rejuvenation.
  • To empower women by enhancing their entrepreneurial skills and leadership capabilities through specialized skill development programmes.

Rural areas often lack proper healthcare facilities, and people may not be aware of health issues or hesitate to seek help for mental health concerns. Organizing free health camps and awareness drives with a sensitive approach can help. Farmers are often reluctant to adopt new methods due to a lack of training, financial difficulties, and unpredictable weather. To help them become self- reliant and diversify their income, training in sustainable farming is crucial. Practical demonstrations can encourage them to adopt new practices. Continuous improvement in teaching pedagogy, teacher training, and student engagement in schools is needed. Providing proper trainings and resources can enhance teaching and learning approaches. Promoting traditional music like 'Singing with String Instruments' faces challenges due to declining interest among the younger generation and a lack of platforms for performances. Women's entrepreneurship programs also face hurdles like social restrictions, lack of funds, and market access. Skill training, mentorship, and financial support can help them succeed.

Eternal University integrates community engagement with academic learning through structured outreach initiatives. This practice bridges the gap between theoretical nursing education and practical healthcare delivery, addressing pressing community health challenges. A standout feature is the organization of health screening camps in 18 adopted villages, where faculty and students conduct assessments for blood pressure, blood glucose, hemoglobin levels, BMI, and risks for cardiac and kidney diseases. These efforts focus on preventive healthcare, particularly benefiting underserved rural populations. University's maternal, child, and adolescent health programs play a crucial role in addressing sexual and reproductive health concerns. By providing education and healthcare services, these initiatives empower communities with knowledge on nutrition, maternal care, and adolescent well-being. In parallel, the Psychology Department conducts counseling sessions to tackle mental health issues, promoting resilience and well-being. A distinguishing aspect of this practice is its focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and holistic healthcare. Students develop communication, advocacy, and cultural competency skills by working closely with healthcare professionals, educators, and counselors. The collaboration with Akal De-addiction & Rehabilitation Centre and Akal Academies under the Kalgidhar Trust enhances the program's reach, particularly in combating substance abuse. The recognition in the World Book of Records London (August 2023) for its global drug abuse campaign highlights the University's commitment to addressing critical public health issues at a broader scale.

University promotes farmer self-reliance and income diversification through hands-on training in sustainable agriculture. Despite financial constraints, limited awareness, and unpredictable weather, the University integrates eco-friendly pest control, organic farming, and integrated farming systems. Its unique approach includes real-time demonstrations, women- focused initiatives, and NABARD-sponsored projects, empowering farmers with practical, cost- effective, and climate-resilient solutions.

In the Indian higher education landscape, such integrated outreach programs remain relatively uncommon. While many institutions focus on classroom-based learning, Eternal University's initiative actively involves learner centric outcome based education in real- world problem-solving, making healthcare education more impactful. This model aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes experiential learning and community engagement.

University preserves traditional music despite declining youth interest and limited performance platforms. Through student engagement programs, and live demonstrations, the University fosters appreciation for heritage arts. Its unique approach integrates music into academic and community events, ensuring skill transmission while overcoming resource and participation challenges.

University, in collaboration with NITI Aayog, launched "Dare to Dream", linking women to the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) for training and mentorship. Its Apple a Day canteen and kiosks platforms equip students with business skills, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial confidence.

Constraints and Limitations Eternal University's outreach programs face challenges such as financial constraints, limited awareness, and socio-cultural barriers. Rural healthcare efforts struggle with inadequate medical resources and accessibility issues, while sustainable agriculture training is hindered by unpredictable weather and funding limitations. Women's entrepreneurship programs encounter social restrictions and market access difficulties, and preserving traditional music faces declining youth interest and performance opportunities.

  • Eternal University's outreach initiatives have demonstrated significant impact, as reflected in measurable outcomes and community engagement. Over the past year, health screening camps in 18 adopted villages have benefited 10,034 rural residents. The Psychology Department's counseling services have assisted more than 500 individuals, with 70% reporting improved coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety. The collaboration with Akal De-addiction & Rehabilitation Centre has contributed to hundreds of individuals receiving support for substance abuse, strengthening community rehabilitation efforts. Recognition in the World Book of Records London (August 2023) for the University's global drug abuse campaign further underscores the success of these initiatives. These results indicate a strong commitment to healthcare, preventive medicine, and social responsibility, effectively bridging the gap between education and community well-being. University evaluated the impact of farmer training on integrated farming systems in 15 villages. By July 2022, 40 families maintained vermicomposting units, 17 adopted biopesticides, and 21 shifted to compost. NABARD- sponsored initiatives enhanced knowledge, productivity, and income. Farmers praised the program for promoting sustainable agriculture, livelihood improvement, and women's empowerment. Students of Music Department are getting opportunities for global travel and perform live globally. They are regularly performing live and exploring traditional string instruments at National and International platforms (USA, Canada and Australia etc.).

  • Eternal University's community engagement initiatives face multiple challenges. In healthcare outreach, financial constraints limit resources for medical equipment and follow-up care in adopted villages. Ensuring sustained participation in health camps requires increased awareness and logistical support. The maternal and adolescent health programs require more trained professionals and culturally tailored educational materials. Addressing mental health stigma remains a challenge, necessitating expanded psychological counseling services. Communication challenges due to language differences between healthcare providers and local populations may hinder effective delivery of services.
  • In agriculture, limited farmer awareness and resistance to new methods hinder adoption. Financial limitations restrict access to advanced tools, organic inputs, and climate-smart technologies. Expanding farmer training demands additional funding, research collaborations, and extension services.
  • Traditional music preservation struggles with declining youth interest and inadequate performance platforms. More scholarships, music workshops, and digital outreach are needed to sustain engagement.
  • Women's entrepreneurship programs require stronger industry linkages, seed funding, and mentorship networks. Collaborations with financial institutions and policymakers can enhance training and market access, ensuring long-term impact and sustainability.
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