My visit to Salumarada Timmakka Tree Park Near Manipal

Today evening, we visited Salumarada Thimmakka Park at Manipal. Salumarada Timmakka Tree Park is a unique park located near Manipal, a town in Karnataka, India. This park is named after an extraordinary woman named Salumarada Timmakka, who is known for her remarkable efforts to protect the environment and promote greenery. This park is a testament to her legacy and a symbol of the importance of preserving nature.

Salumarada Timmakka was born in a small village near Hulikal, in the state of Karnataka, in the year 1910. She was married at the young age of 10 and became a widow when she was just 30 years old. She had no children and lived a very difficult life. Despite these hardships, she never gave up on her passion for planting and nurturing trees.

Timmakka started planting trees at a time when there were no environmental laws in place to protect trees. She used to carry saplings on her back and plant them along the roadside, which later became a dense green corridor. She was determined to make a difference and worked tirelessly to transform the barren landscape around her village into a lush green area.

Over the years, Timmakka became an inspiration to many people. The government recognized her work, and she was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian awards, in the year 2019. She passed away in 2018 at the age of 107, but her legacy lives on through the Salumarada Timmakka Tree Park.

The Salumarada Timmakka Tree Park was established by the Manipal Institute of Technology in collaboration with the Udupi district administration, in honor of Timmakka's contributions to the environment. The park covers an area of approximately 5 acres and is home to over 2000 trees of various species.

The park has a walking trail that allows visitors to explore the various sections of the park. The trail is lined with trees on both sides, providing shade and a refreshing atmosphere. There are several benches along the trail, where visitors can rest and enjoy the serene surroundings.

One of the highlights of the park is the avenue of trees that are shaped like arches. These trees were planted by Timmakka herself and were carefully nurtured by her. Today, they stand tall and proud, forming a beautiful archway that is truly mesmerizing.

The park also has a nursery, where saplings of various species are grown and nurtured. These saplings are later planted in different areas to promote greenery and protect the environment. The park also hosts various events and programs, such as tree planting drives, environmental awareness programs, and workshops on sustainable living.

The Salumarada Timmakka Tree Park is not just a park; it is a symbol of hope and inspiration. It is a tribute to a woman who dedicated her entire life to protect the environment and promote greenery. The park is a reminder of the importance of preserving nature and the impact that one person can make on the world.

In conclusion, the Salumarada Timmakka Tree Park is a beautiful and inspiring place that should be visited by anyone who loves nature and cares about the environment. It is a testimony to the power of determination and passion, and a reminder that we all have a responsibility to protect our planet. The park is a fitting tribute to Salumarada Timmakka and a reminder of her extraordinary legacy.

Transition to Online Learning at Poornaprajna Institute of Management Amidst the Covid-19 Crisis

In response to the global pandemic and the resultant closure of schools and universities across more than 160 countries, the education sector has faced an unprecedented challenge. With over 1.5 billion learners and 60.2 million teachers affected, the need for swift and effective online learning solutions has become paramount.

Poornaprajna Institute of Management (PIM) has taken a proactive approach to this challenge by embracing virtual education in the wake of the Covid-19 disruption to the traditional education calendar. With uncertainty surrounding when normalcy will return, the institute has turned to technology to ensure seamless learning continues.

To facilitate this transition, Google's advanced Hangouts platform has become instrumental in delivering online education to PIM students. Leveraging G Suite for Education, PIM is utilizing the Google Hangouts platform to facilitate remote learning. Dr. Bharathi Karanth initiated the first online class, which was joined by Dr. Sureshramana Mayya, the Dean. The experience was remarkable as students actively participated from the comfort of their homes, interacting with the instructor through crystal clear audio and video feeds. Advanced Hangouts provided premium features including session recording, real-time captions, and clear images of both the instructor and students.

Google's commitment to supporting educational institutions during the crisis has extended the availability of advanced features for Google Meet until September 30, 2020. This extension empowers PIM to provide a seamless learning experience. With G Suite Account facilities and passwords provided to all faculty and students, PIM is now fully engaged in online classes, ensuring continuity in education.

PIM's faculty is actively contributing to the development of teaching-learning content, tailored for smartphone delivery to accommodate the current circumstances. This transition aligns with UGC Guidelines and leverages PIM's high NAAC grading, enabling the institute to offer online courses and sustain education delivery.

Through platforms like Google Classroom and Google Hangouts, PIM is not only ensuring continuity in education but also transforming teaching methods to benefit both faculty and students. Dr. Bharath V, Director of Poornaprajna Institute of Management, emphasized the institute's commitment to reducing hardships faced by students during this period.

As the educational landscape evolves, PIM's dedication to facilitating seamless learning stands as a testament to their resilience and innovative approach in times of crisis.

PIM's Dean and Faculty as NAAC Workshop Resource Persons at Poornaprajna College, Udupi

The significance of information technology, teamwork, knowledge sharing, mutual trust, and adherence to ethical guidelines were emphasized by the Dean and faculty members of Poornaprajna Institute of Management (PIM) during a NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) workshop organized by Poornaprajna Degree College. The workshop, held on March 19, 2020, aimed to provide insights into the "New Accreditation System of NAAC."

Dr. Sureshramana Mayya, Dean of PIM, Dr. Naveen Kumar KR, IQAC Coordinator, and Dr. Bharathi Karanth, NAAC Coordinator, shared their expertise with the faculty members of Poornaprajna Degree College. The workshop took place at the Mini Auditorium of Poornaprajna College, under the presidency of Dr. Raghavendra A., the Principal of the College.

Commencing at 10:00 AM, Dr. Raghavendra A. began the session with introductory remarks, expressing pride in Poornaprajna College's sister institution, Poornaprajna Institute of Management (PIM), for achieving an A+ grade with a remarkable 3.32 CGPA in its inaugural NAAC accreditation process, concluded on April 26, 2019. This achievement stands out as PIM is among the 4% of institutions in India to secure an A+ grade with such a high CGPA.

Dr. Gopal Gokhale, Associate Professor of Statistics and NAAC Coordinator of PPC, elucidated the requirements of the new NAAC assessment system. He introduced the Electronic Data Management System (EDMS), an automated data collection process he designed using Google Forms for all seven criteria. He urged staff members to actively contribute to the data collection process.

Dr. Bharathi Karanth shared PIM's success story, attributing their A+ grade to effective teamwork, guidance from knowledgeable resource persons, and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures. She highlighted the importance of mutual cooperation and teamwork in achieving NAAC goals.

Dr. Sureshramana Mayya elaborated on PIM's technological advancements, including the implementation of G-Suite, common institutional email IDs, website improvements, and the introduction of Google Classroom. He emphasized that staying updated with technology is essential for educational institutions' success.

The program underscored the vital role played by supportive management, especially Dr. Chandrashekhar, Secretary of the Governing Council of PIM, in motivating and monitoring the NAAC process. The event concluded with PIM's faculty offering assistance to PPC's faculty regarding their respective criteria.

The workshop revealed that knowledge sharing, mutual trust, respect, and collaboration hold the key to achieving organizational goals. The collective efforts and contributions from all members of PIM were recognized as pivotal factors in their successful NAAC accreditation journey.

Dr. Bharathi Karanth, Associate Professor , PIM sharing her views about NAAC Process . IQAC Coordinator Dr.Naveen Kumar KR is also seen 

Dr.Sureshramana Mayya, Dean PIM sharing his knowledge with the participants of the workshop 

Prof.Gopal Gokhale presents the Electronic Data Management System for Data collection and Recording useful for all  Seven Criteria of NAAC Assessment

Prof.Athul Bhat of Physics Department presenting some details of Criterion 5