Global Wellness Summit

electrical appliances and electrical in all educational levels.
consumption for the idea so they we plan to
prepare 30% of the Solar Panel based energy As a school leader what steps or projects you,
sources. have initiated for preparing future climate-
• All our actions should revolve and follow ready generations?
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
proposed by the UN. It must be taught in Response by Dr. Vandana Paul:
schools. We have taken a whole School approach
wearing we have tried to develop a school
Which organizations are taking initiatives and culture of sustainability we want to practice
action for building climate-ready? what we preach.
• We have tried to make our school a model of
Response by Dr. Vandana: climate action the following steps are taken:
Millennium Fellowship Program of the United • We have a sewage water treatment plant with
Nations is a semester-long leadership program a capacity of recycling 40,000 liters of water.
in which students are selected based on their • We use paper bags
project or project idea that advances any of • We gift, saplings instead of bouquets or any
the 17 sustainable development goals. It forms other gift
a global student network that nurtures the • We have no plastic zone in our school
innovative ideas of like-minded proactive • Turning off lights and smart boards when not
students. in use is a regular activity done by everyone in
the school.
How can we predict the future climate? • Teaching climate change in all subject areas.
• We have an incinerator installed in our school.
Response by Dr. Vandana Paul:
We predict the future by studying climate The message to the audience:
change trends in past. To predict future
climate, scientists use computer programs A. Message by Dr. Vandana Paul
called climate models to understand how our “We do not inherit the earth from our
planet is changing. Climate models work like a ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”
laboratory in a computer. They allow scientists Let’s do our bit in the collective responsibility of
to study how different factors interact to protecting mother earth.
influence a region’s climate. • Change your personal living style. Go for
minimalism.
How can we build climate-ready • Use Solar panels
communities? • Electric Vehicle Biofuels…
• Spread awareness among people
Response by Dr. B. Ramanathan:
• Understand better what climate change B. Message by Dr. B. Ramanathan
means for your community. • Solar panels are installed in Singapore aiming
• Engage your community in conversation, to produce 30% of electricity to support the
planning and considering the strengths and local needs
resources that will help the community to • Vertical farming to use minimal space and
adapt well. increase more food production capacity in the
• Find out options available to help your local environment
community become climate ready. • Electric vehicles to use in the coming days to
• Share success stories of what people are reduce pollution in the atmosphere
already doing to adapt to a changing climate. • Proper incineration of wastes to produce
• The STEM Education Project or any other electricity and the waste ash is deposited in a
environment-friendly programs should be landfill to form a man-made “Semakau island”

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the first of its kind in the world by Singapore A very fruitful, meaningful, interesting and
• 3R principles Reduce, Reuse and Recycle as interactive discussion was concluded by
integrated waste management strategies opening for question & answer round for the
• Climate school models in schools will enable audience.
the students to learn and lead better
• Simulation and problem-based studies are
required now
• Needed to conduct more awareness through
exhibitions, competitions and workshops to
engage the business organization, stakeholders
and the public people.
• To plan effectively to control the carbon
emissions in order to reduce global warming
issues

Global Wellness Summit 2022

Costless
Daily
Practice
To Green
The World

DR MONICA MASTRANTONIO

Visting Professor-United Kingdom

Page 53

Climate crisis has been on the verge of all the natural landscape. However, we double our
efforts when we get our kids involved. One of
talks and initiatives for the past few years. these possibilities is through Environmental
Although, there is much human action can Education.
reach, the United Nations’ (un.org) main targets
have been government and organizations. Environmental education refers to learning
Data from Steffen et al (2015) show that the rise about our planet - its resources, nature, and
on the surface temperature, ocean sustainability. By gaining awareness of these
acidification, water use, fertilizer consumption, issues, it is possible to create solutions to solve
and other practices that deploy nature have them. This education is mandatory if we plan
escalated only in the past 50 years. on solving the environmental issues which are
We are living in an era where the Earth is deploying our planet’s resources.
jeopardized on different levels, and the efforts Schools need urgently to improve the
to change it don’t seem to be enough. We have environmental education as humanity has
been struggling to preserve our planet. In reached a critical point when it comes to
addition, we need to be more active and environmental issues. There’s no time to waste.
involved in changing our behaviours to green Therefore, children need to learn about
the planet. Here are the biggest environmental environmental issues from the earliest age, to
issues: gain valuable insight and avoid adopting bad
1) Air, Water and Land Pollution, habits. Kids need facts. We need to give them
2) Global Warming, the knowledge necessary for understanding
3) Waste Disposal, what is happening in their surroundings.
4) Deforestation, Environmental education teaches about: major
5) Climate Change, environmental issues, what causes them, how
6) Overpopulation, they can help to solve the problems. In other
7) Species Extinction. words, environmental education is about
acting. Children get the chance to adopt new
The list can go on, but we are at a critical point habits and employ them in their everyday life.
in which we need to stay united to preserve our Here are some small, easy, green choices we
planet, and consequently, ourselves. On the can make from our homes to make everyone’s
summit of the crisis, it is crucial that everyone life greener and more sustainable,
joins forces proactively pursuing a carbon-zero
world. For this to be effective, new educational 1-Clean up your kitchen
practices are urgently needed. In the syllabus, it 2-Love and eat the leftovers. Treat “food waste”
is important that schools, families, and new as ingredients
generations work out: communal school 3-Use tech for good to avoid food waste
Garden, seed libraries, home gardens, plant- 4-Shop little and often
based diets, water saving systems, adoption of 5-Seeds can be grown, plant them
biodegradable products among other 6-Buy half your food locally
practices are part of everyone’s living lifestyle. 7-Minimise packaging
Many people forget that everything starts with 8-Reduce wash-up liquid
the individual. No one needs to be part of an 9-Reduce the washing
environmental organization to contribute. By 10-Create your own biodegradable
changing everyday habits and raising multipurpose cleaning spray. Add 50ml of
awareness about the environment is a great castile soap to 800ml tap water in a spray
start. Same goes for children – teaching them bottle. Add a few drops of essential oils (tea
the basics and employing quality tree is antibacterial). Spray and wipe with a
environmental education can go a long way. clean cloth.
There are lots of little things we can do within 11-Don’t iron clothes
our homes to play our small part in reducing 12-Go plastic-free
landfill waste, cleaning the air, and preserving

Global Wellness Summit 2022

13-Recycle as much as possible 35-Bring one’s own shopping bags. (Don’t
14-Look after your electrical appliances, and forget them in the car)
don’t throw them in the bin 36-Create a recycling container in the vehicle
15-Cultivate house plant for bottles and cans
16-Create clean air at home with many plants 37-Stay close to home. Choose shopping and
17-Practise eco-driving dining destinations that are nearby whenever
18-Draught-proof your home possible.
19-Buy vintage furniture 38-Replace an evening out with an evening in
20-Let the garden grow 39-Use public transportation whenever
21-Buy local flowers – or grow your own possible
22-Encourage bees 40-Ride a bike — it’s great exercise and great
23-Let the grass grow for the environment
24-Encourage hedgehogs 41-Save water and lower the bills
25-Choose materials wisely 42-Get a loan to improve home’s energy
26-Choose cloth napkins instead of paper efficiency
27-Skip the rinse step before using the 43-Choose an environmentally friendly current
dishwasher. account
28-Wash clothes in cold or warm rather than 44-Get a green financial adviser
hot water. Skip the dryer sheet 45-Lower the temperature on the hot water
29-Dry clothes on a clothesline or drying rack heater
30-Use a timer to take shorter showers 46- Unplug unused chargers and appliances
31-Don’t use the tap for shaving. Try a cup of 47- Collect rainwater, and use it to water the
warm water instead houseplants and garden
32-Clean with what you have — you’d be 48-Use a menstrual cup
surprised what lemon juice, baking soda and 49-Use cloth instead of paper to clean the
vinegar can do kitchen
33-Take the car to a professional car wash that 50-Use cloth napkins instead of paper
uses recycled water This list could go on, but the most important
34-Water wisely, water plants early in the item is to start. Then, to make it a habit!
morning before the sun causes evaporation.
Collect and use rainwater for the garden

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Fundamentals of
Social Wellness:
An Indian Perspective

DR. D.S CHAUHAN

Pro-Chancellor, GLA University, Mathura

Global Wellness Summit 2022

Lifestyle is the perception of a particular Decline in the old age mental-health, however,
is often the results of faulty lifestyle like
society towards life and the way its people live , smoking, alcohol intake, improper diet and lack
think and behave. It includes dietary practices, of exercise as well as environmental and other
physical-mental activities, cognitive exposure external factors. Hence, this decline can be
as well as cultural and environmental slowed down or even reversed at any age
revelation. The “Vedantic” literature says that through the appropriate interventions to modify
life is sacred and eternal and according to this individual lifestyle or adverse environmental
belief when the life particles interact with factors.of a particular society towards life and
material elements, various events like birth, the way its people live , think and behave. It
disease, old age and death result In Rig Veda, includes dietary practices, physical-mental
desire for longevity and health (mental and activities, cognitive exposure as well as cultural
eternal physical) is best exemplified in the and environmental revelation. The “Vedantic”
much quoted Atharva Veda sukt: “Pashyem literature says that life is sacred and eternal
sharadah shatam, Jivet sharadah shatam” (let and according to this belief when the life
me see 100 autumns, let me live 100 autumn particles interact with material elements,
various events like birth, disease, old age and
The life of an individual was being regulated death result In Rig Veda, desire for longevity
harmoniously according to the stages of life. It and health (mental and eternal physical) is
was believed that an individual life is to be lived best exemplified in the much quoted Atharva
for 100 years and therefore, has been Veda sukt: “Pashyem sharadah shatam, Jivet
demarcated into four stages (Ashrams) - sharadah shatam” (let me see 100 autumns, let
“Brahmcharya” (studentship); “Grihstha” me live 100 autumn
(householder); “Vanprasth” (forest dweller);
“Sanyas” (ascetic) depending upon physical, The life of an individual was being regulated
psychological, familial, social and spiritual harmoniously according to the stages of life. It
needs. This concept is still practiced by many was believed that an individual life is to be lived
individuals in India. This system was meant to for 100 years and therefore, has been
maintain the discipline, peace and harmony in demarcated into four stages (Ashrams) -
the family and society. Each of the stages was “Brahmcharya” (studentship); “Grihstha”
intended to prepare for the next. (householder); “Vanprasth” (forest dweller);
“Sanyas” (ascetic) depending upon physical,
In ancient Indian situations people knew their psychological, familial, social and spiritual
specific roles to be performed during different needs. This concept is still practiced by many
stages of life and that left little room for individuals in India. This system was meant to
development of psychogenic (exogenous) maintain the discipline, peace and harmony in
mental-health problems. Although biological the family and society. Each of the stages was
(endogenous) mental-health problems were intended to prepare for the next.
almost equally prevalent as “unmad” (mania);
“avsaad” (depression); “sannipat” (delirium);
“smritibhransh” (dementias); etc., as are today

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Framework for
Global Social
Wellness

DR RICHA PRAKASH

Principal, Allenhouse Public School,
Panki, Kanpur

Global Wellness Summit 2022

During the three days of the Global Wellness team members to be active in their own
development, provide meaningful feedback,
Summit from 2-4 December, 2022 , I had the and offer scaffolding and support. Positive
privilege to not only participate in it as an mindset can be inculcated through watching,
active listener but moderate the final day , first listening, reading positive things which as a
session in which the panelists discussed the corollary promote social wellness. Another
development of the ‘Framework for Global speaker, Dr. Yolanda Petersen stated that a
Social Wellness’. leader plays a crucial role in nurturing and
supporting promoting social wellness in the
During the course of the session in the past two organization but above all a leader fosters
days the panelists spoke on the varied facets of genuine connection. Consistency in the
wellness especially underscoring the need for interaction matters completely while taking
mediation as a healthier way to achieve cognizance of the needs of the employee. This
mental relaxation. It was emphasized that helps to build the morale and promote
teachers training in school is mandatory on the allegiance in the employees. It is through
various attributes of mental health. promoting wellness programme in the
Thus we had been talking for the past two days organization, we can bring about a proactive
about the facets of wellness ranging from engagement among the people. Students learn
emotional, environmental, spiritual, better when they are healthy. Thus it is the
physiological, wellness. Mindfulness through context of the school environment which can
exercising our consciousness is the key point steer students in that direction and channelize
for social wellness which is deeply connected and help students to understand the idea of
with the community. When one is healthy one wellness in which the ambience, social
can serve others, and that is how we are seen empathy and resilience come to play a key
as social beings. role. Schools play a vital role in helping
students to promote healthy lifestyle. Listening,
Our panelist, Dr Dass believes that the basic allowing them and giving them opportunity to
unit of a society is the family. Family as the speak gives the learners an opportunity to
foundation of a society is responsible for the attend to school with a healthy mindset. Dr
economic security of this basic unit. Thus Peterson mentioned that we can create the
wellness at the global level can only be right balance in promoting social wellness in
attained when there is economic wellbeing. Dr our immediate environment by being
Dass enlightened us on the ways and the surrounded by people with a positive outlook
methods we can use to develop social wellness and encouraging mutual growth to reduce
in the communities which are a microcosm of toxicity. Being resilient, connecting to
the global community. According to Dr Dass , disconnected relations can ascertain wellbeing
social wellness is directly connected to human of an individual.
values which in the 21st century need revival so
that due focus and attention is given to the Effie Kyrikaki , another panelist speaker during
binary of the mindset. Mindset is the pillar of this session says that the cradle of social
social wellness. Good music, literature, healthy wellness is the family unit as wellness refers to
habits, nutritious diet, sound sleep, not only a complex combination of mind, body, intellect
laughter but tears are the key ingredients of and soul. Strong emotional bonds assist
social wellness. Under no circumstances children to learn how to manage their own
mindset should be seen as a constant but a feelings and behaviors and develop self-
quality of the mind as research says that can confidence. Self-control is in her words a better
be evolved, developed and nurtured as the phrase for discipline. She reiterated that
potion for attaining social, emotional and positive interactions create genuine wellness,
intellectual wellness. According to Dr Dass thus watching, reading and listening positive
leaders can support individuals and encourage things is necessary for social wellness. Children
aspects of self-determination by encouraging

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learn through imitation and thus the parent is Mother is the first teacher of every child and her
the shadow teacher for children in building the health and education should be the focal point
framework for social wellness in the microcosm during the multitude of government policies
of the family unit. In our conversation Effie that are framed to bring in wellbeing and
stated that a parent needs to be less health. Government could take up programme
vulnerable, and be ready to accept mistakes to which focus on economic wellness/security at
let children learn social-emotional skills. the grassroot level. Family is thus the strength
Learning starts from relationships thus of this edifice which will help build the
developing a connect is the mainstay as it framework for Global Social Wellness.
teaches being resilient which also draws from
relationships. Effie mentioned that it is not only Thus social wellness could also be
important to bounce back but bounce forward. contextualized as the interplay between our
Children need a lot of support for being resilient best individual self and our best environment.
and she shared valuable strategies for the Happiness results from developing healthy
same, firstly through peer support techniques connections to others and the world around us.
like the buddy system, peer tutoring and We are all living in emotional times, and we are
mentoring. on a common pursuit, the pursuit of happiness.
Thus I plead that we all find our inner peace
Through the discussion, I think we can conclude and happiness which can collectively bring in
that the trailblazers for bringing in social global wellness for communities.
wellness are health and education. Family is
the basic unit whose wellness determines the
health of a nation. Family can deliver wellness,
expanding wellness to transcend beyond the
precincts of the family and having far reaching
consequences on the health of the nation as a
whole.

Global Wellness Summit 2022