SHRI SHIVAJI SCIENCE COLLEGE, AMRAVATI
DBT STAR COLLEGE PROJECT ACTIVITY
ACTIVITY REPORT
FREE BUTTERMILK DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM TO COMBAT SUMMER
Activity Dates: 28/03/2025
Type of Activity: Other
Organizing Department: Department of Microbiology
Program Coordinators: Dr. Rasika R. Jane, Dr. A. A. Gawali, Prof. S. S. Mankar, Dr. Sampada A. Dongre
Head of the Department: Dr. R. C. Maggirwar
External Collaborator (if any): No
Objectives:
- To provide instant hydration and refreshment to staff and students battling summer fatigue.
- To create awareness about the importance of consuming traditional, natural drinks like buttermilk to stay cool and healthy.
- To promote the concept of preventive health care and nutrition through low-cost and accessible solutions.
- To encourage interdepartmental bonding and social interaction through a wellness-driven initiative
- To integrate scientific knowledge with social outreach through microbiology
No of Beneficieries: 1200
Classes Involved: Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff and Students of all Departments
Venue of the Activity: U.G. Lab Department of Microbiology, Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati, M.S.
Activity Report:
Introduction
With the onset of intense summer heat in the Vidarbha region, the Department of Microbiology, Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati, took a proactive step toward ensuring the health and well-being of students and staff by organizing a Free Buttermilk Distribution Program on 28th March 2025. The initiative aimed to provide hydration support and promote awareness about the importance of consuming natural, cooling beverages during summer.
The program was executed with great enthusiasm under the guidance and coordination of Dr. Rasika Jane, Dr. Ashruta Gawali, Prof. Suwarna Mankar, and Dr. Sampada Dongare, who not only conceptualized the event but also led from the front in ensuring its successful implementation.
Background and Rationale
Amravati, like many parts of central India, experiences extreme heat during the months of March to June. Exposure to high temperatures without adequate hydration can lead to dehydration, heat strokes, fatigue, and other heat-related ailments, especially among students who move between classrooms, laboratories, and outdoor campus areas.
In such a climate, buttermilk—a traditional Indian beverage made from yogurt—acts as an excellent cooling agent and electrolyte restorer. It is not only refreshing but also aids in digestion, reduces body heat, and provides essential nutrients. Recognizing its nutritional and cultural value, the Department of Microbiology decided to distribute fresh, chilled buttermilk to all departments as a health-conscious and socially beneficial gesture.
Objectives of the Program
1. To provide instant hydration and refreshment to staff and students battling summer fatigue.
2. To create awareness about the importance of consuming traditional, natural drinks like buttermilk to stay cool and healthy.
3. To promote the concept of preventive health care and nutrition through low-cost and accessible solutions.
4. To encourage interdepartmental bonding and social interaction through a wellness-driven initiative.
Program Planning and Execution
The entire planning process was carried out a week before the event, with roles clearly assigned to faculty coordinators and student volunteers. The primary planning and coordination were done by Dr. Rasika Jane, who oversaw logistics and inter-departmental coordination. Dr. Ashruta Gawali and Prof. Suwarna Mankar looked after the preparation, hygiene, and distribution process, while Dr. Sampada Dongare managed student involvement and the promotion of health awareness messages.
A distribution counter was set up in the central corridor of the college, a location easily accessible to all students and staff members. Eco-friendly disposable cups were arranged, and large containers of fresh, homemade buttermilk—prepared under hygienic conditions—were stored in coolers with ice packs to maintain appropriate temperature.
The event began at 10:30 AM and continued till 2:30 PM, covering peak heat hours. Students and faculty from various departments visited the counter, where they were welcomed with smiling faces, slogans on summer safety, and banners promoting traditional nutrition.
Student Involvement and Scientific Message
Students from B.Sc. I, II, and III year Microbiology took part enthusiastically in the preparation, distribution, and management of the event. They explained the nutritional and probiotic benefits of buttermilk to visitors and displayed posters and charts conveying:
The role of buttermilk in digestion and gut health.
Its electrolyte content which helps in rehydration.
Comparison with sugary soft drinks and the superiority of natural beverages.
The activity was not just a distribution of a refreshing drink but an educational campaign promoting health-conscious dietary habits among the youth.
Response and Participation
The program witnessed overwhelming participation. Approximately 500 beneficiaries, including faculty members, non-teaching staff, and students from various departments like Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Mathematics, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Environmental Science, and Language Departments visited the distribution counter. The feedback was highly positive, with many appreciating the thoughtful and timely gesture.
Staff members praised the Microbiology department for initiating such a relevant program that blended traditional wisdom with modern nutritional science. Students expressed gratitude and acknowledged that the activity not only provided physical relief but also increased their awareness about healthy lifestyle choices during summer.
Special Highlights
The event was completely Eco-friendly, using biodegradable cups and emphasizing waste management.
A health awareness session was conducted simultaneously where students used placards, slogans, and pamphlets to spread messages like “Beat the Heat – Drink Buttermilk”, “Stay Hydrated, Stay Healthy”, and “Say No to Sugary Sodas”.Faculty members appreciated the organizational skills of the student team and the leadership of the coordinators.
Acknowledgment
The success of this program would not have been possible without the dedication and guidance of the faculty coordinators:
Dr. Rasika Jane, who provided constant motivation and took charge of smooth overall coordination.Dr. Ashruta Gawali, for maintaining quality and hygiene in the preparation and supervising the student teams.Prof. Suwarna Mankar, who handled resource management and encouraged student involvement at every step.Dr. Sampada Dongare, for her creative ideas in promoting the health benefits of buttermilk and effectively engaging students in awareness campaigning.Their combined efforts translated this vision into a meaningful and successful event.
Conclusion
The Free Buttermilk Distribution Program held on 28th March 2025 by the Department of Microbiology, Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati, proved to be a well-received and impact event. It not only provided a refreshing break during the heatwave but also instilled a sense of health consciousness, traditional nutrition, and community well-being among the college fraternity.
This event exemplified how academic departments can go beyond textbooks to create socially responsible and health-promoting activities. The Department of Microbiology has once again demonstrated leadership in addressing real-life concerns with scientific insight, student involvement, and compassionate outreach.
The department looks forward to conducting similar activities in the future that combine academic relevance with societal benefit, thus fulfilling the broader vision of holistic education and social responsibility.
Outcomes of the Free Buttermilk Distribution Program
1.Enhanced Hydration and Relief from Heat
Over 500 students and staff from various departments benefited from the chilled buttermilk served, helping them stay hydrated and refreshed during the peak summer hours.
2. Promotion of Traditional Nutritional Practices
The program revived interest in natural summer beverages like buttermilk, encouraging students to adopt healthy, low-cost alternatives to artificial soft drinks.
3. Raised Health Awareness Among Students
Through posters, slogans, and student interactions, the importance of hydration, digestion, and balanced nutrition in hot weather was effectively communicated.
4. Interdepartmental Unity and Participation
The event saw participation from all college departments, strengthening the sense of community and collaboration among students and faculty.
5. Skill Development for Microbiology Students
Students involved in the preparation, management, and awareness campaign developed organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.
Outcomes:
- Enhanced Hydration and Relief from Heat Over 500 students and staff from various departments benefited from the chilled buttermilk served, helping them stay hydrated and refreshed during the peak summer hours.
- Promotion of Traditional Nutritional Practices The program revived interest in natural summer beverages like buttermilk, encouraging students to adopt healthy, low-cost alternatives to artificial soft drinks.
- Raised Health Awareness Among Students Through posters, slogans, and student interactions, the importance of hydration, digestion, and balanced nutrition in hot weather was effectively communicated.
- Interdepartmental Unity and Participation The event saw participation from all college departments, strengthening the sense of community and collaboration among students and faculty.
- Skill Development for Microbiology Students Students involved in the preparation, management, and awareness campaign developed organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.
Photos:
 Sip and Smile |  Spreading summer relief |
 coolness for all |  combating heat with buttermilk |
 health in hands |  teamwork |
Attendance Sheet:
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