Biodiesel....A step into clean and green future...

Leonardo Di Caprio recently visited our country’s capital and emphasized the fact to the world that we have to pay more attention to mother earth. It is on such occasions that the harsh reality strikes us all – the taken –for- granted attitude we have with respect to our planet. People go pro-environment for a few days ……… then it’s back to square one. Everyone talks about a clean and green planet. My question is, how many of us actually work towards this future of ours? Do we really have to talk about building residences on other planets to sustain the human race when everything is available on earth? It’s just that we have to wake up from our slumber and protect the greatest treasure that all of us posses collectively.  28th October 2015 marks a special day in our institution’s effort to make our world a cleaner, greener and self sufficient place. It is on this day that we started using biodiesel in our transport system. Biodiesel, as the name suggests, is diesel which is derived from organic sources. These sources range from seeds (honge, rubber, naikuli, honne) to used cooking oil. Being a biotechnology graduate, I am happy to be part of our school’s endeavour to help make this world a better place.  The biodiesel is produced by making use of materials like hone seeds which are generally not used by the public. These seeds are crushed in a machine. The crushing of the seeds releases the oil content which is present within, which is collected separately. After crushing the remains of the seed i.e. the seed coat is considered to be an excellent type of manure for growing plants.   The collected oil is cleared of any and all debris to leave behind clear oil using the process of sedimentation. Filtration is carried out as a protective measure to doubly make sure that no particle is left in the oil. The purified oil is then heated to 60 degrees, Sodium hydroxide (5g per litre or 1%) is added as a catalyst and methanol (25-30% of oil volume) is added to this heated oil. A catalyst is a chemical substance which increases the rate of reaction but does not directly take part in the reaction. Reaction which occurs is called Base-catalyzed Transesterification reaction. Transesterification is the process of exchange the organic group R” of an ester with the organic group R’ of an alcohol. It is prolonged reaction which occurs over a span of 1.5 hours.  A waiting period of 4 hours is followed to separate the diesel and methanol. Once the reaction is completed, two products are obtained, namely glycerine which constitutes 10%-15% of the products and the remaining is biodiesel. Glycerine is used in the production of soaps and hence becomes a useful by-product in this process. The methanol is separated from the biodiesel using the process called washing. Washing is the process where the product is rinsed with water which is at 50 degrees till the soapiness caused due to sodium hydroxide disappears.   Once the methanol is removed, the next step is to remove the water which may be present in the diesel. Here, we employ the Drying process wherein the washed biodiesel is heated at 110 degrees for 30 minutes. The product obtained is filtered using engine filters. The filtered product is what is known as biodiesel. In this aspect, I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to our honorable Chairman for giving me a chance to get this journey off to a great start. I would also like to thank Mr. Thyagishchandra Shetty, Manager of facilities, Ms. Prajna Shetty and Mr. Harish Kotian from the transport department for wholeheartedly supporting me in this step.   My special thanks to Dr. C Vaman Rao, Professor and Head of Department of Biotechnology engineering, NMAMIT, Nitte, Dr. Ujwal P, Prof. Venkatesh Kamath, Prof. Vinayaka B Shet and Mr. Santhosh Poojary from the Department of Biotechnology Engineering, NMAMIT, Nitte who have helped our school in reaching this milestone event.   I hope and pray that each of us will take matters regarding our planet and its livability on a serious note and help us in our mission of creating a clean, green and livable planet, which we call home.

Pranav Shetty
Academc Coordinator

From the desk of the Academic Coordinator

Jenny Alredge said - "Technology can become the wings that will allow the educational world to fly farther and faster than ever before - if we allow it".

For long it has been said that we are teaching today's children with yesterday's techniques to prepare them for tomorrow. Slowly, however the importance of using modern day tools has dawned upon us all. Charles Darwin's famous theory "adapt or perish" is relevant even in today's world. 

Things which usually don't fall in line with the current world scenario are soon forgotten.

The same stands true in terms of education. Children who are equipped with the right set of tools in the form of education have a fighting chance in this competitive world. Foresight plays a key part in this aspect.

When we prepare our students with a clear sense of foresight they will possess an edge and be a notch above the rest. At our school we try our level best in this regard. Be it interactive classrooms or the project given to students, we focus on catering to the needs of our students and keeping them at par with the modern times.

Parents and institutions can come together to help in the rightful growth and development of the child. The use of technology in education will help in keeping the children of today interested in what the teacher wants them to learn. However, being said that technology is taking over, it is an absolute fact that no technology can replace the teacher. Teachers are the medium of learning between the students and the information that is available readily.

I am sure that our school will reach greater heights in the years to come and stand tall like a beacon heralding change for the betterment of our nation.

Pranav Shetty

Academic Coordinator

Chairman speaks

Dear Children, the great aim of education is not knowledge but action. Education is not merely acquiring knowledge but also of values which help us to improve the quality of life.
GMVPS always supports the proactive role that an educational institution plays in the holistic development of children. Children acquire skills and knowledge easily if they find the surrounding stimulating and purposeful.
As a dynamic and progressive educational institution, we provide collaborative, cooperative and supportive environment to promote innovation as well as support teaching practices which are not only conducive for learning but also ensure that our students grow up into independent individuals with a deep rooted value system.
At the outset of a new session, I would request all parents to gift their children with their 'time' that by far remains the best gift. In my interactions with parents, I always emphasize on the importance of their presence and I continue to stress upon the significance of quality time spend together. Children in all honesty expect support from the parents which in turn can assist them to identify their own latent talent and groom them to be what they wish to be. For this purpose we request all parents to support and join hands with us to provide our effective tools of learning that help children find their own identity. Our Teachers are always there to focus on each and every child, monitor them, mentor them, appreciate their achievements and encourage them to realise their dreams.
Dear students, 'Be the best and different from the rest.'
Best wishes for a very eventful and productive academic year 2016-17.

Mr. Prakashchandra Shetty

Chairman & Managing Trustee

Principal Speaks

We welcome you into our world at GM Vidyaniketan Public School Brahmavar, an institution that promotes meaningful and joyful learning, a school where scholastic and co-scholastic activities are closely interwoven into the curricular fabric, a home away from home where students and teachers share a relationship of mutual trust, respect, warmth, and affection.

To suit for the Students of High-Tech world, the School management has provided all the facilities with latest Infrastructure such as multimedia classrooms with smart boards and sophisticated labs.

A Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation system (CCE) caters to the holistic development of children integrating sports, fine arts, yoga & martial arts, environmental awareness, values and attitudes, life skills and technology with scholastic subjects. Students' assessment is based on 21st century skill development.

An inclusive and progressive school like GMVPS Brahmavar, lays strong emphasis on personalization, meeting diverse needs, providing equal opportunities for learning and maintaining high standards of achievement at all levels. The secure environment of GMVPS Brahmavar provides children with opportunities to learn, explore, play, discover their hidden talents and make informed choices.

The Crown Jewel is that GM Vidyaniketan Public School Brahmavar, was awarded the 'INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL AWARD' by the British Council – a recognition of being accredited as a true International School which believes in Global Citizenship.

Schooling by nature is a social and cultural undertaking. As the world shrinks and barriers are broken, our students join hands with their counterparts across the country by working together on multiple areas. Through various programmes, social responsibility initiatives, human rights issues, environment conservation programmes, cultural exchange programmes, projects and GM Quiz fest, they learn invaluable life lessons on diversity, equity, tolerance and acceptance.

We have the best of the results in academics as well as in Sports and Games. This has been possible due to the induction of various innovative practices to strengthen academics and CCA. Interactive Classes with a smart board by Extra marks education, Math's Lab by NIIT and XSEED method of teaching to empower teachers and students with technology right inside their classrooms are the recent initiatives taken.

Empowered with a strong sense of wellbeing, we are confident that our students will emerge as responsible global leaders and citizens with strong moral, ethical and social values.

Mr Brahma Chari K N

Principal

G M Vidyaniketan Public School

An Institution With A Vision

GM VIDYANIKETAN PUBLIC SCHOOL had its humble beginning in 2005 under the banner of GM Education Trust. The School is affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education, Delhi. GMVPS is nestled in a beautiful campus at Harady, closer to Brahmavar in Udupi district. The school has an enchanting view with its well designed constructions. The serene surroundings with the vibrant green environs attract the attention of everyone who enters the portals of the campus. The entire campus and its neighbourhoods are free from all forms of pollution.

The desire to give back to the society something of what they gained from it has prompted the Trustees to launch this well-equipped school. Here, we give greater importance to the child in the whole process of education, which is, of course, called as child centered education. Gone are the days of subject centered and teacher centered education. In child centered education the child is considered as a child and not as a miniature adult. Hence, education is not to be guided by adult expectations and norms. The concept of student centered education is based on child's interest, needs and capabilities.

We offer diverse co-curricular activities to our students which would enrich their multiple intelligences and boost their learning opportunities. The school climate is student friendly and very conducive to learning with its beautiful surroundings and excellent educational infrastructure. The school provides Co-education from Pre- Nursery to Class X.

Curriculum

The school is affiliated to the CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education, Delhi) and it follows the CBSE Syllabus. The medium of instruction is English. The national language and regional languages are given due importance.

The curriculum is formatted to impart knowledge, develop skills and foster attitudes essential for the growth of the student. This paves the way for a creative, yet constructive training for the individual.

Assessment And Evaluation

Students of classes I to X will be assessed in accordance with the Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation procedures as directed by the CBSE. Each student will be assessed and awarded grades as per CCE procedure.

The CCE is conducted in both scholastic and non scholastic areas. In scholastic area the evaluation is done through written and oral tests, mental ability tests, assignments, group or individual projects, group discussions, field trips etc.

The Kindergarten children will have only informal assessments and evaluation. However, at every stage we expect the children to achieve certain specific learning outcomes. Pre-Nursery children do not have any test.

Co-Curricular Activities

Co-curricular activities such as sports, games, art, craft, yoga, karate, music, dance etc are conducted throughout the year.

A number of Literary and Cultural competitions are organized during the academic year. They include singing, dancing, dramatics, public speaking, debating, talk show, JAM (Just A Minute), quiz, essay writing, versification, drawing, painting etc.

We have introduced several activity clubs like art club, science club, eco club, quiz club, speakers club, fine arts club etc to make the child select and develop his/her areas of interest. Educational trips, lectures by experts on various topics are being conducted at regular intervals.

Training in Fine Arts like art, music, dance, instrument etc are given throughout the year by the professionals.

Talent Show

Once in a month every class gets an opportunity to perform their talents before the whole section. The students present literary, cultural and recreational items with the guidance of the class teacher. It is not a competition but a win-win co-operative show exhibiting the talents of every student, individually as well as in groups. The inherent talents of children are recognized and appreciated by this programme. Children also develop their talents in different areas.

House Concept And Activities

To impact a healthy competitive spirit among the students and to inculcate the habit of working together and developing leadership qualities, an efficient house system has been introduced in the school. Each house is guided by house captains and in-charge teachers.

The total students are equally divided into five houses. This gives the students a sense of belongingness and helps them to fully understand the importance of team work. Innovative and challenging inter-house competitions are organized throughout the academic year. The winning houses are recognized and rewarded.