Preparing for Socially Useful Productive Work with Mohanlal Sir

Socially Useful Productive Work is a crucial component of holistic education, blending skill development with the spirit of community service. Mohanlal Sir, a dedicated mentor and guide, recently organized an enriching workshop that focused on three practical and impactful activities: paper bag preparation, soap making, and lotion making. Each of these activities not only fostered creativity but also emphasized the importance of eco-friendliness and self-reliance.

Paper File Preparation

In today’s environmentally conscious world, crafting paper files from recycled materials serves as an excellent way to promote sustainability. Mohanlal Sir guided participants step-by-step through the process of creating durable and eco-friendly paper files.

Materials Needed: Old cardboard, recycled paper, glue, scissors, decorative paper, and punch holes with tags.

Process:

1. Cut the cardboard into rectangular pieces for the file covers.

2. Cover the cardboard with decorative or recycled paper to enhance its appearance.

3. Punch holes along one side of the file for binding.

4. Assemble the paper sheets inside and secure them with a ribbon or string.

This activity highlighted the importance of reducing waste and creating useful stationery from materials otherwise discarded.

 Soap Making

Soap making is not only a creative craft but also a step towards promoting personal hygiene and entrepreneurship. Mohanlal Sir demonstrated the process of making handcrafted soaps using natural ingredients.

Materials Needed: Soap base, essential oils, natural colorants, molds, and optional exfoliants (like oats or coffee).

Process:

1. Melt the soap base using a double boiler.

2. Add essential oils for fragrance and natural colorants for visual appeal.

3. Pour the mixture into molds and let it set.

4. Once hardened, unmold and package the soaps.

This activity highlighted the value of self-sustainability and how such skills can turn into a small business venture.

Lotion Making

The lotion-making session focused on creating chemical-free, skin-friendly moisturizers using simple ingredients.

Materials Needed: Shea butter, coconut oil, beeswax, essential oils, and aloe vera gel.

Process:

1. Melt the beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil.

2. Blend the mixture with aloe vera gel for a smooth texture.

3. Add essential oils for fragrance.

4. Store the lotion in clean jars for personal use or gifting.

This activity encouraged participants to be mindful of skincare and the harmful effects of synthetic products.

Reflection of the day 

Mohanlal Sir's  workshop was a perfect blend of creativity, learning, and community service. The activities not only equipped participants with useful skills but also instilled a sense of responsibility towards the environment and society. By engaging in such initiatives, students and participants can actively contribute to sustainable living while embracing the joy of making something with their own hands.

Such workshops remind us that learning extends beyond textbooks and classrooms, fostering a culture of innovation, awareness, and compassion.