YSI 2022

Post-pandemic, many students returned to campuses that felt cold, disconnected, and lifeless. Phones replaced conversation. Weeds grew where friendships once thrived.

They asked:

Can we bring beauty back? Not through grand renovations — but through small, loving actions rooted in cultural wisdom?

Drawing from Tagore’s philosophy — “Education is not about information, but about living in harmony with each other and our surroundings” — students spent four weeks prototyping ways to transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary ones.

The result? Projects filled with art, light, gratitude, and reverence for nature — proving that beauty is not decoration, it’s wellbeing.

Innovative Models Born in 2022

Two powerful student-led models emerged from this conference.

1. Gratitude Tree – Reviving Connection Through Thanks

Team: Yashaswini S
College: Government First Grade College, Kadugodi, Bangalore

The Problem

The NSS notice board was ignored — dusty, empty, forgotten. It had stopped being a space for pride or connection.

The Solution

Yashaswini led a project to transform it into a Gratitude Tree:

• Designed a wooden tree structure with branches
• Asked every student to write thank-you notes on leaf-shaped paper
• Displayed all leaves publicly — celebrating appreciation

Each week, more students added messages.

The Impact

• Faculty said: “It’s like a child’s mind — eager to be filled.”
• Students began checking the board daily
• Increased participation in NSS activities
• Inspired other departments to revitalize their own boards

“We uncovered hidden beauty in what seemed like just a dusty notice board. It had the potential to transform into a beautiful artwork, which gave joy to all.”
— Yashaswini S, Govt. First Grade College

2. Ashwath Mara – Breathing New Life Into a Neglected Peepal Tree

Team: Sarthak T, I Ranjitha, Ganupama K, Anushya S, Vidhyashree D
College: Government First Grade College (GFGC), Bettampady, Puttur Taluk, Dakshina Kannada

The Problem

A majestic Peepal tree stood in a weedy, trash-filled area — avoided by students. Its spiritual significance had been forgotten.

The Solution

They launched a four-week garden transformation:

• Cleared weeds and garbage
• Planted flowers around the base
• Decorated the tree with lights and cultural hangings
• Named it Ashwath Mara (Sacred Fig Tree)

They turned it into a peaceful retreat for gatherings, meditation, and outdoor classes.

The Impact

• Became the most photographed spot on campus
• Faculty now hold guest lectures and outdoor sessions there
• Students gather for discussions, storytelling, and quiet reflection
• A sense of shared ownership and pride grew

“Gradually as we started connecting with the Peepal tree, we realised it was not just a tree — but one among us. That inspired us to do something that makes the tree beautiful.”
— Sarthak T, GFGC Bettampady

Conference Highlights

• Chairperson: Dr. Srinivas Murthy, Sanskrit Scholar, Ex-Principal, MSE College

  “The college space should not be restrictive, but where the student can learn and fly. When you have an open mind, and no walls inside your heart — inner space and outer space grow together beautifully.”

• Chief Guests:

  • Prof. Niranjana Vanahalli, Vice-Chancellor, Bangalore North University
    Praised the creativity and cultural depth of student projects.
  • Dr. Gouri Mahulikar, Academic Head, Chinmaya International Foundation
    Said:
    

    “Srushti College truly lives up to its name (Creation) through this initiative… You’re pioneering an approach others should follow.”

• YSI Student Fellows: Deepa S, Nagaraj, Swarna Mukhi

• Key Insight Explored:
  Wellbeing emerges through beauty. When students engage mind, heart, and hand to create harmony in shared spaces, they don’t just beautify a campus — they heal it.

• Reflective Practice Papers: Every participant wrote about their journey — turning aesthetics into awareness, and action into art.

Why YSI 2022 Mattered

This wasn’t just about decoration — it was about reclaiming soul.

From YSI 2022, we learned:

• Beauty heals. A well-designed space reduces stress and increases belonging.
• Nature is not separate — it’s part of our community.
• Artistic expression is a form of leadership.
• When students are trusted to lead with imagination, campuses become sanctuaries.

As Lakshmi Hariharan says:

“Co-creating well-being happens when we deeply look into the problems, and it will direct us to the actual place of a problem arising, leading us to a simple solution.”

And Dr. Gouri Mahulikar observed:

“Just as a single candle can light many others, transforming even one student creates ripple effects.”

Legacy of YSI 2022

• Marked the 5th anniversary of the YSI movement
• Proved that art and culture are essential to student flourishing
• Strengthened partnerships with ICSSR-SRC, which supported the event under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav
• Documented 25 innovative models of student-led change
• Inspired multiple colleges to launch campus beautification drives using the Gratitude Tree and Ashwath Mara as blueprints

It showed that when students co-create with love, attention, and cultural wisdom —
They don’t just improve a space.
They transform the spirit of a campus.