REPORT

on
KESHAV SRUSHTI

Keshav Srushti is an honourable tribute to the memory of one of the greatest Indian
visionaries of the 20th century, Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar- founder of the Rashtriya
Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), dedicated to the service of the nation. Inspired by the vision
of Dr. Hedgewar in creating a self–reliant Bharat, Keshav Srushti today stands tall as a
hub of innovative and versatile educational, irrigational and social projects aimed at
creating socially conscious leaders and dedicated citizens of the country.
The campus located in the lap of nature and spread across miles of greenery, flowing
streams and hills, is a result of the generosity of Dr. Sharadchandra Ajinkya, Principal of
the Veterinary College of Mumbai, who donated the land as an act of contribution to
projects that were aimed at nation-building. It is home to various species of fauna & flora
and herbal plants, coupled with mango, coconut and banana plantations.

Over the last 30 years, Keshav Srushti has grown in leaps and bounds and now has six
independent institutions under it.

All the institutions adopt a creative & innovative approach, rely on latest teaching
methods, advanced technology and environment- friendly practices to nurture and shape
the young minds. Keshav Srushti looks forward to becoming the torchbearer in
pioneering renewable energy projects and making the country “Energy self-reliant.”

Some of the initiatives taken by Keshav Srushti are: My Green Society, PRSOA, Keshav
Srushti-Gram Vikas Yojna.

We visited Keshav Srushti on the 19th of October 2019. It is a bit far from Bhayandar
station and hence we took a bus.
Initially there was an introductory presentation for the students. Thereafter at around 12
pm the students were taken on a tour of that place. On our tour, we studied various
varieties of plants and trees, different agricultural techniques, bio gas plant, and many
more things. Description of a few things are mentioned in this report. After the tour, we
had our lunch and did our final activity which was - paper recycling.

 American Agave
American Agave is a species of flowering plant which resembles aloe Vera. It lives for
about 10-30 years. It has a spread around 1.8–3.0 m with greyish-green leaves, each with
a prickly margin and a heavy spike at the tip that can pierce deeply. The plant has a tall,
branched stalk with yellow flowers, that may reach a total height up to 8–9 m tall.
A mezcal called tequila is produced from Agave tequilana, commonly called "blue
agave". Agave also helps in production of ant poisons.

 Mulching sheets

A mulch is a layer of material applied to the surface of soil. Reasons for applying
mulch include conservation of soil moisture, improving fertility and health of the soil,
reducing weed growth and enhancing the visual appeal of the area. It may be permanent
(e.g. plastic sheeting) or temporary (e.g. bark chips, leaves, cardboard, wood chips, etc).

This mulch is placed on top of the soil and can be done by machine or hand and is kept
tight against the soil. This mulch can prevent soil erosion, reduce weeding, conserve soil
moisture, and increase temperature of the soil.

The black mulches capture sunlight and warm the soil increasing the growth rate. White
and other reflective colours will also warm the soil, but they do not suppress weeds as
well.
This mulch may require other sources of obtaining water such as drip irrigation since it
can reduce the amount of water that reaches the soil. Spacing in between the mulch
columns was done in plus method. Chilli plantation had been done by implementing
mulching technique.
 Drip irrigation
Drip irrigation is the most efficient water and nutrient delivery system for growing crops.
It delivers water and nutrients directly to the plant’s roots drop by drop, in the right
amounts, at the right time, so each plant gets exactly what it needs, when it needs it, to
grow optimally.
Farmers can produce higher yields while saving on water as well as fertilizers, energy and
even crop protection products.

 Baya weaver bird’s nest

The Baya weaver is a weaverbird best known for their hanging retort shaped nests woven
from leaves. Baya weavers live in grassland, scrub, and secondary forest, farmed areas,
usually near fresh or brackish water.

Baya weaver nests are exclusively built by the males and then displayed to the females.
Among birds, elaborate nests and decorations built by males may help females to assess a
male’s quality.
Female birds are also selective in choosing nests which provides safety (in terms of nest
height and location). These nest colonies are usually found on thorny trees or palm fronds
and the nests are often built near water or hanging over water where predators cannot reach
easily.

 Stages of coconut fruit

First Stage

Flowers form near the trunk of the coconut tree around the palm leaves. From these
flowers, the nut forms. Because these bright, green fruits are small and immature, they
often fall from the tree.

Second Stage

Eventually, the green coconut begins to ripen and turn brown. At this point it begins to
develop a gel-like layer just under the surface.

Third Stage

While the coconut is still on the palm tree and continuing to mature, it is becoming larger
and its husk is becoming harder

Fourth Stage

If the coconut is never harvested, it becomes mature and begins germinating.

 Madhuban talav

It is a man made 20 feet deep lake. The water here was extremely clean though it
contained large amounts of algae in it. We studied the surroundings which was very calm
and clean.
We were asked to close our eyes and concentrate for a while. I could hear chirping of the
birds, rain drops falling on the ground, people walking, calm breeze moving around. This
was one of my favourite part of the whole trip.

 Fungi

Fungi are the major decomposers of nature; they break down organic matter which would
otherwise not be recycled, making it possible for members of the other kingdoms to be
supplied with nutrients and to live.

Nitrogen and phosphorus, are required in large quantities by biological systems. The
action of fungi releases nitrogen and phosphorus from decaying matter, making them
available to other living organisms hence helping in nitrogen fixation.

The symbiotic relationship between algae and fungi is lichen. The fungal component
absorbs water and minerals and provide them to algae which uses them along with its
chlorophyll and makes food, the prepared food is absorbed by fungi. Lichens are very
good pollution indicator and do not grow in polluted areas.
  Vermicompost and Vermiwash
Vermicompost is the product of the composting process using various species of worms to
create a mixture of decomposing vegetable or food waste, bedding materials, and
vermicast. It contains water-soluble nutrients and is an excellent, nutrient-rich organic
fertilizer and soil conditioner. It is used in farming and small scale sustainable, organic
farming.
Vermiwash is a liquid that is collected after the passage of water through a column of
worm action and is very useful as a foliar spray. It is a collection of excretory products and
mucus secretion of earthworms along with micronutrients from the soil organic molecules.
These are transported to the leaf, shoots and other parts of the plants in the natural
ecosystem. It’s a clear and transparent, pale yellow coloured fluid.

 Crematogaster ant nest

Crematogaster ants are characterised by a distinctive heart-shaped abdomen, which gives

them one of their common names, the Saint Valentine ant. These ants are sometimes
known as acrobat ants too.
These ants have symbiotic relationships with various organisms. A few of them being-
the tree they live on, the great orange tip butterfly, woodpeckers. For example, they take
care of the infants of woodpeckers while it goes in search of food. When the woodpecker
returns with food, it is given to the ants too creating a balanced relationship.

These ants also help in protecting and healing of the tree they live on.
Their nest is usually made by using dry leaves, dry barks and saliva. The nests made by
these ants are waterproof.

 Biogas plant

Biogas is the mixture of gases produced by the breakdown of organic matter in the
absence of oxygen, usually consisting of certain quantities of methane and other
constituents. Biogas can be produced from raw materials such as agricultural
waste, manure, municipal waste, plant material, sewage, green waste or food waste.
Biogas is a renewable energy source.

 Railway creeper

Railway Creeper is found in gardens, villages, and on practically every railway station,
thus earning for itself its nickname. Its stem is hairless, readily set roots when in touch
with the earth.
This morning glory vine is beautiful, climbing on to whatever it finds - the purple flower
studded vine wrapped around bending bamboo stems, is a pleasing sight.

Common name: Cairo Morning Glory, Messina Creeper, Ivy-leaved Morning Glory,
Coastal Morning Glory, Railway creeper, Mile a Minute Vine.

Railway Creeper has some useful medicinal properties and usages. The seeds of the plant
are considered purgative and are commonly used as a substitute for those of Ipomoeanil
that are sold commercially for this purpose. Apart from the seeds, the crushed leaves of
the plant are also reported to be applied externally for getting relief from body rashes.

 Nursery

A nursery is a place where plants are propagated and grown to a desired age and then
relocated to a new place to grow.

They include retail nurseries which sell to the general public, wholesale nurseries which
sell only to businesses such as other nurseries and to commercial gardeners, and private
nurseries which supply the needs of institutions or private estates.

Plants are commonly cultivated from seed or from cuttings and are often grown in pots or
other temporary containers.

 Kanchan plant

Its scientific name is Bauhinia acuminate. Kanchan plant is a species of

flowering shrub native to tropical south-eastern Asia. It grows two to three meters tall.
The leaves are bilobed, shaped like an ox hoof; they are 6 to 15 centimetres long and
broad.

It is widely cultivated throughout the tropics as an ornamental plant.

 Red silk cotton tree

Bombax ceiba, like other trees of the genus, is commonly known as cotton tree. More
specifically, it is sometimes known as red silk-cotton; red cotton tree. This Asian tropical
tree has a straight tall trunk and its leaves are deciduous in winter. Red flowers with 5
petals appear in the spring before the new foliage.

It produces a capsule which, when ripe, contains white fibres like cotton. Its trunk bears
spikes to deter attacks by animals. Although its stout trunk suggests that it is useful for
timber, its wood is too soft to be very useful.

At the peak of its flowering season, elderly people could often be found picking flowers
off the ground to dry, which later could be used to make a type of tea or soup. Cotton
from flowers is used in the making of soft toys.
The thorn powder is used to treat acne.
 Ghost tree

A small to medium-sized tree with a pale-coloured trunk, it is commonly known as

the भुत्या in Marathi (meaning ghost tree), kulu, Indian tragacanth, gum
karaya, katira, sterculia gum or kateera gum.

People have some ghostly beliefs about this tree as it doesn’t let any other tree grow near
to it and also due to its appearance at night.

A natural gum known as gum karaya is exuded by the tree when the bark is damaged.
This valuable substance is traditionally tapped by cutting or peeling back the bark, or by
making deep gashes at the base of the trunk with an axe.

The gum is used as a thickener in cosmetics and medications, and as an adhesive

for dentures. In manufacturing, it is added as a binder, emulsifier and stabiliser in the
preparation of beverages and foods. The seeds are roasted and eaten.

 Sita Ashoka tree

The Ashoka is a rain-forest tree. Ashoka is prized for its beautiful foliage and
fragrant flowers. They are bright orange-yellow in colour, turning red before wilting.
The Ashoka tree is considered sacred throughout the Indian subcontinent, especially
in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. It is believed Shakyamuni Buddha was born under an
ashoka tree in Lumbini Garden.

The bark of the ashoka plant is used to prepare cosmetics that help to improve skin
complexion.

 Fish tail palm tree

Fishtail palm is a fast growing, feather palm that makes a beautiful addition to the
landscape. It has a grey trunk that is covered by regularly spaced leaf scar rings. Also
known as Caryota, is a genus of palm trees.

They are often known as fishtail palms because of the shape of their leaves. Toddy palm
has a leaf shape that resembles the lower fin of a fish.

When these palms grow to reach 20', they start producing flowers at the top of the trunk
with subsequent flowers produced lower and lower on the trunk. When the lowest flower
blooms, the tree dies.

Flowers are long plait like bunches hanging down. Toddy palm is an Asian species that
grows from India to Burma and on the island country of Sri Lanka.

 Palash tree

Butea Monosperma(Palash Tree) is a species of Butea native to tropical and sub-tropical

parts of the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Common names include flame-of-
the-forest and bastard teak and free fire.

It is a small-sized dry-season deciduous tree, growing to 15 m tall. It is a fast-growing

tree: young trees have a growth rate of a few feet per year.

It is used for timber, resin, fodder, medicine, and dye. The wood is dirty white and soft.
Being durable under water, it is used for well-curbs and water scoops. Spoons and ladles
made of this tree are used in various Hindu rituals to pour ghee into the fire. Good
charcoal can be obtained from it.
The leaves are usually very leathery and not eaten by cattle. The leaves were used by
earlier generations of people to serve food instead of plastic plates.

 Euphorbia ingens

Euphorbia ingens is a species of plant in the genus Euphorbia and the

family Euphorbiaceae. It is native to dry areas of southern Africa. It is popularly known
as the "candelabra tree", and its milky latex can be extremely poisonous, and a dangerous
irritant.

Milky latex of the tree is extremely poisonous and can cause blindness, severe skin
irritation and poisoning (when ingested) with humans and animals.

However, when properly used this plant can serve as purgative or drug curing ulcers.
Venda and Sotho people even use it as a medicine against cancer. Light and solid wood
pulp is used in door, plank and boat production.

 Solar panels

Many are familiar with so-called photovoltaic cells, or solar panels. The cells are made
of semiconductor materials (silicon or germanium) like those found in computer chips.
When sunlight hits the cells, it knocks electrons loose from their atoms. As the electrons
flow through the cell, they generate electricity.

On a much larger scale, solar-thermal power plants employ various techniques to

concentrate the sun's energy as a heat source. The heat is then used to boil water to
drive a steam turbine that generates electricity in much the same fashion as coal and
nuclear power plants, supplying electricity for thousands of people.

 Banana tree

Banana, fruit of the genus Musa, of the family Musaceae, one of the most important fruit
crops of the world. The banana is grown in the tropics, and,
though it is most widely consumed in those regions, it is valued worldwide for its flavour,
nutritional value, and availability throughout the year.
Bananas are most commonly eaten fresh, though they may be fried or mashed and chilled
in pies or puddings. They may also be used to flavour muffins, cakes, or breads.

Cooking varieties, or plantains, are starchy rather than sweet and are grown extensively
as a staple food source in tropical regions; they are cooked when ripe or immature.

 Paper recycling

The final and most fun event was Paper Recycling. We all were shown the recycling
procedure step by step along with instructions. Then all of us even got a chance to
create our own recycled papers!
 The steps were:

1. Tear the pages into very small pieces.

2. Add appropriate amounts of water and mix it with hands creating a paste with
ketchup like consistency.

3. Next, take a container.

4. Add 1 part paper paste and 2 parts of water into it.

5. Now take a mesh and scoop it into the container and pick it up such that the paper
paste is on it.

6. Drain the excess water by holding it at an angle of 45 degrees.

7. Place the mesh upside down on a piece of cloth on the side.

8. Soak up all the extra water using a sponge.

9. Let it dry.

 Gaushala

At present, the gaushala has around 4 acres of land, which is well developed and fenced.
There are various cow shelters, fodder and dry grass go downs, an office building, a
manufacturing unit to make products based on cow dung and cow urine (gomutra), a
small R&D centre and a gobar gas plant along with arrangements to make vermin
compost. Presently, the gaushala has around 200 cows.

All of them are Indian breed. On an average, 42-45 cows are in lactation throughout the
year, yielding around 200-220 litres of milk each day.
The gaushala’s mission is to protect and save the govansha of Bharatiya origin from the
butcher’s knife and make the same economically viable by making use of cow dung and
urine.

 Lotus

Lotuses are found in white and pink colour in general and they grow in shallow and
murky waters. Lotus flowers enjoy warm sunlight and are intolerant to cold weather. This
is why the Lotus is not seen blossoming in the winter.

The floating leaves and Lotus flowers have long stems, which contain air spaces to
maintain the buoyancy.
The Lotus is native to Asia and flourishes in a wide range of climates from India to
China.

The flowers, seed, leaves, and parts of the underground stem (rhizome) are used to make
medicine. Lotus flowers are used to stop bleeding. Lotus seeds are used for disorders of
the digestive tract, including diarrhoea.

Conclusion:

The visit to Keshav Srushti was purely enlightening. The atmosphere there was extremely pleasant.
Paper recycling, water and energy conservation, how nature lives in harmony were a few of the topics
covered over the tour. At the end of the visit and experiencing the natures miracles, I realised the
importance of a balanced ecosystem. Everything in nature is properly planned and it must not be
disturbed. As students of engineering, it is important for us to understand that development must occur
parallelly without destroying the nature.