PART-A

EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS
UNIT 1: COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Session 1: Methods of Communication
The word ‘communication’ comes from the Latin word commūnicāre, meaning
‘to share’. Clear and concise communication is of immense importance in work
and business environment as there are several parties involved.

Communication has three important parts:

1. Transmitting: The sender transmits the message through one medium or
another.
2. Listening: The receiver listens or understands the message.
3. Feedback: The receiver conveys their understanding of the message to
the sender in the form of feedback to complete the communication cycle.

Communication Process and Elements

The various elements of the communication cycle are:
Sender: the person beginning the communication.
Message: the information that the sender wants to convey.
Channel: the means by which the information is sent.
Receiver: the person to whom the message is sent.
Feedback: the receiver’s acknowledgment and response to the message.

Methods of Communication
 Face-to-face informal
 Communication
 e-mail
 Notices/Posters
 Business Meetings
 social networks, message, phone call for communication,
newsletter, blog, etc
Choosing the right method of communication depends on
• Target audience
• Costs
• Kind/type of information
• Urgency/priority

Session 2: Verbal Communication.

Verbal communication includes sounds, words, language, and speech.
Speaking is one of the most effective and commonly used ways of
communicating. It helps in expressing our emotions in words.
Type of Verbal Communication
Interpersonal Communication: This form of communication takes
place between two individuals and is thus a one-on-one conversation. It
can be formal or informal.
Written Communication: This form of communication involves writing
words. It can be letters, circulars, reports, manuals, SMS, social media chats,
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etc. It

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Small Group Communication: This type of communication takes place when
there are more than two people involved. Each participant can interact and
converse with the rest.
Public Communication: This type of communication takes place when one
individual addresses a large gathering.

Advantages of Verbal Communication

It is an easy mode of communication in which you can exchange ideas by
saying what you want and get a quick response.

Disadvantages of Verbal Communication

Since verbal communication depends on written or spoken words, sometimes
the meanings can be confusing and difficult to understand if the right words
are not used.

Mastering Verbal Communication

Think Before You Speak
• Think about your topic.
• Think about the most effective ways to make your listeners
Understand the topic.
 Write or note down whatever you plan to say.
 Concise and Clear
 Speak clearly, loudly and at moderate speed.
 Be sure the information you want to share is to the point.
 Do not repeat the same sentences.
 Confidence and Body Language
 Be confident.
 Maintain eye contact, stand straight and be attentive.
 Be friendly.

Session 3: Non-verbal Communication.

Non-verbal communication is the expression or exchange of information or
messages without using any spoken or written word.

Importance of Non-verbal Communication

In our day-to-day communication
• 55% communication is done using body movements, face, arms, etc.
• 38% communication is done using voice, tone, pauses, etc.
• only 7% communication is done using words.

Types of Non-verbal Communication

1.Facial Expressions 2.Posture
3.Gestures or Body Language 4.Touch
5.Space 6.Eye Contact
7.Paralanguage : tone, speed and volume of our voice.

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Session 4: Communication Cycle and the Importance of Feedback
For effective communication, it is important that the sender receives an
acknowledgement from the receiver about getting the message across. While a
sender sends information, the receiver provides feedback on the received
message.
Types of Feedback
• Positive Feedback
• Negative Feedback
• No Feedback

A good feedback is one that is:

• Specific: Avoid general comments. Try to include examples to clarify your
statement. Offering alternatives rather than just giving advice allows the
receiver to decide what to do with your feedback.
• Timely: Being prompt is the key, since feedback loses its impact if delayed
for too long.
• Polite: While it is important to share feedback, the recipient should not feel
offended by the language of the feedback.
• Offering continuing support: Feedback sharing should be a continuous
process. After offering feedback, let recipients know you are available
for support.
Importance of Feedback:
• It validates effective listening: The person providing the feedback knows
they have been understood (or received) and that their feedback
provides some value.
• It motivates: Feedback can motivate people to build better work
relationships and continue the good work that is being
appreciated.
• It is always there: Every time you speak to a person, we communicate
feedback so it is impossible not to provide one.
• It boosts learning: Feedback is important to remain focussed on goals, plan
better and develop improved products and services.
• It improves performance: Feedback can help to form better decisions to
improve and increase performance.
Session 5: Barriers to Effective Communication.
What is Effective Communication?
Effective communication follows the basic principles of professional
communication skills.
Barriers to Effective Communication
Physical Barriers
Physical barrier is the environmental and natural condition that act as a
barrier in communication in sending message from sender to receiver. Not
being able to see gestures, posture and general body language can make
communication less effective.

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Linguistic Barriers
The inability to communicate using a language is known as language barrier to
communication. Language barriers are the most common communication
barriers, which cause misunderstandings misinterpretations between people.
Interpersonal Barriers
Barriers to interpersonal communication occur when the sender’s message is
received differently from how it was intended.
Organisational Barriers
Organisations are designed on the basis of formal hierarchical structures that
follow performance standards, rules and regulations, procedures, policies,
behavioral norms, etc. All these affect the free flow
of communication in organizations.
Cultural Barriers
Cultural barriers is when people of different cultures are unable to understand
each other’s customs, resulting in inconveniences and difficulties. People
sometimes make stereotypical assumptions about others based on their
cultural background.

Ways to Overcome Barriers to Effective Communication

• Use simple language
• Do not form assumptions on culture, religion or geography
• Try to communicate in person as much as possible
• Use visuals
• Take help of a translator to overcome differences in language
• Be respectful of other’s opinions.
7 C's of Communication

1. Completeness - The communication must be com. It should convey all facts

required by the audience. The sender of the message must take into consideration
the receiver’s mind set and convey the message accordingly.

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A complete communication has following features:
 Complete communication develops and enhances reputation of
an organization.
 A complete communication always gives additional information wherever
required.
 It leaves no questions in the mind of receiver.
 Complete communication helps in better decision-making by the
audience/readers/receivers of message as they get all desired and
crucial information.
2. Conciseness means wordiness, i.e. communicating what you want to convey
in least possible words without forgoing the other C’s of communication.
Conciseness is a necessity for effective communication. Concise communication
has following features:
 It is both time-saving as well as cost-saving.
 It underlines and highlights the main message as it avoids using excessive
and needless words.
 Concise communication provides short and essential message in
limited words to the audience.
 Concise message is more appealing and comprehensible to the audience
 It persuades the audience.
3. Consideration - Consideration implies “stepping into the shoes of others”.
Ensure that the self- respect of the audience is maintained and their
emotions are not at harm. Modify your words in message to suit the
audience’s needs.

4. Clarity - Clarity implies emphasizing on a specific message or goal at a time,

rather than trying to achieve too much at once. Clarity in communication
has following features:
 It makes understanding easier.
 Complete clarity of thoughts and ideas enhances the meaning of
message.
5. Concreteness - Concrete communication implies being particular and clear
rather than fuzzy and general. Concreteness strengthens the confidence.
Concrete message has following features:
 It is supported with specific facts and figures.
 It makes use of words that are clear and that build the reputation.
 Concrete messages are not misinterpreted.

6. Courtesy - Courtesy in message implies the message should show the sender’s
expression as well as should respect the receiver. The sender of themessage
should be sincerely polite, judicious, reflective and enthusiastic.

7. Correctness - Correctness in communication implies that there are no

grammatical errors in communication.

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Session 6: Writing Skills — Parts of Speech
Writing skills are part of verbal communication and include e-mails, letters,
notes, articles, SMS/chat, blogs, etc.
Punctuation : Full stop, Comma, Question mark, Exclamation mark

Basic Parts of Speech

The part of speech indicates how a particular word functions in meaning as well
as grammatically within the sentence. Some examples are nouns, pronouns,
adjectives, verbs ,adverbs , Conjunctions, Prepositions, Interjections

Session 7: Writing Skills — Sentences Active and Passive Sentences Types

of Sentences
1. Statement or Declarative Sentence
2. Question or Interrogative Sentence
3. Emotion/Reaction or Exclamatory Sentence
4. Order or Imperative Sentence.

UNIT2: SELF MANAGEMENT SKILLS

Self-Management Skills are those skills that help a person to control his thoughts,
wants, feelings and actions. It allows you to maximize your productivity and
performance in various fields of your career. When we talk about
employability, Self-management skills help you to manage a good career path.
It helps you to overcome in many bad situations.

Following are some of the skills you must master to succeed in life:
• Self-awareness: Ask for honest feedback. Gather insights on your personality
and work-specific proficiencies. Think about your daily interactions and how
you handled situations well or could have handled them differently.

• Responsibility: Taking responsibility for your tasks is very important. Taking

ownership is the step towards self-development. For example, if you have been
assigned a task by a teacher; ensure you take complete ownership. Even if
you are unable to complete the task on time, you must report it and then correct
it.

• Time Management: Prioritise the things you have to do. Remove waste
and redundancy from work. Make a time table and follow it diligently.
• Adaptability: Stay current with best practices and read up on new
information always. Prepare yourself for new changes, so that you can
transition seamlessly.

Session 1: Stress Management

What is Stress?
Stress can be defined as our emotional, mental, physical and social reaction to
any perceived demands or threats. These demands or threats are called
stressors. Stressors are the reason for stress.
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For example,
• you are too close to the exams but feel unprepared.
• you are experiencing a loss of someone close in the family.
• you are worried about what people would think of you if you don’t dress well
or cannot speak confidently.

Stress Management
Managing stress is about making a plan to be able to cope effectively with daily
pressures. The ultimate goal is to strike a balance between life, work,
relationships, relaxation, and fun.
Always keep in mind the ABC of stress management
A: Adversity or the stressful event
B: Beliefs or the way you respond to the event
C: Consequences or actions and outcomes of the event

Stress Management Techniques

• Time management: Proper time management is one of the most effective
stress-relieving techniques.
• Physical exercise and fresh air: A healthy lifestyle is essential for students.
Stress is generally lower in people who maintain a healthy routine. Doing yoga,
meditation and deep breathing exercises help in proper blood circulation and
relaxes the body.
• Healthy diet: Having a healthy diet will also help you reduce stress. Eating a
balanced diet, such as Dal, Roti, vegetables and fruits will give you the strength
to do your daily work efficiently.
• Positivity: Focusing on negative aspects of life will add more stress. Instead,
learn to look at the good things and stay positive.
• Sleep: We should get a good night’s sleep for at least 7 hours so that your
brain and body gets recharged to function better the next day.
• Holidays with family and friends: Going to a relative’s place, such as your
grandparents’ house or a new place during your summer vacations can help
you break from the normal routine and come back afresh.

Ability to Work Independently

If you can become a calm and relaxed person, you will have the ability to work
independently, which means.
1. becoming self-aware, self-monitoring, and self-correcting.
2. knowing what you need to do.
3. taking the initiative rather than being told what to do.
4. recognizing your mistakes and not blaming others.
5. having the ability and the will to learn continuously.

Session 2: Self-awareness — Strength and Weakness Analysis.

 Think of anything that you are always successful at.
 Think about what others like in you.
 Take out time and think about what you do well.

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Finding Weaknesses
 Point out the areas where you struggle and the things you find difficult to
do.
 Look at the feedback others usually give you.
 Be open to feedback and accept your weaknesses without feeling low about
it. Take it as an area of improvement.
Difference between Interests and Abilities (Strengths)
Interests
1. Things that you like to do in your free time that make you happy. An
acquired or natural capacity
2. Things you are curious about or would do even if no one asked you to do it.
3. Things you want to learn or would like to do in the future.
Ability
1. An acquired or natural capacity
2. Enable you to perform a particular job or task with considerable
proficiency.

Session 3: Self-motivation.
Self-motivation is simply the force within you that drives you to do things. Self-
motivation is what pushes us to achieve our goals, feel happy and improve our
quality of life. In other words, it is our ability to do the things that need to be
done without someone or something influencing us.
Qualities of Self-motivated People
1. Know what they want from life.
2. Are focused?
3. Know what is important.
4. Are dedicated to fulfill their dreams.
Building Self-motivation
 Find out your strengths
 Set and focus on your goals
 Develop a plan
 to achieve your goals
 Stay loyal to your goals.

Session 4: Self-regulation — Goal Setting

Goals : They are a set of dreams with a deadline to get them, for example, saving
pocket money to buy a favourite mobile phone by a particular date.

Goal setting : It is all about finding and listing your goals and then planningon how to
achieve them.

We can use SMART method to set goals. SMART stands for:

 Specific : A specific and clear goal answers six questions. Who is involved
in the goal? What do I want to do? Where do I start? When do I start and
finish? Which means do I use? Why am I doing this?
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Not a specific goal: “I would learn to speak English.”
Specific goal: “I would learn to speak English fluently by joining coaching
classes after my school everyday, and in six months I will take part in the
inter-school debate competition.”

 Measureable : A measureable goal answers the questions “How

much?”, “How many?” and “How do I know that I have achieved
results?”
Not measurable goal: “I want to be rich.”
Measurable goal: “I want to have 5 times more money than what I have
today in my hand at the end of this year.”

 Achievable : Breaking down big goals into smaller parts will make the goal
achievable. Bigger Goal: “I want to become a teacher in my school.
 Realistic : A realistic goal would be something that we want to achieve and
can work towards.

Example of unrealistic goal: “I will read my entire year’s syllabus in one day and
get good marks.”
Realistic goal: “I spend 3 hours every day of the year after school to revise my subjects
to get good marks in the exams.”

 Time bound : A SMART goal should have a timeframe by when the goal
needs to be achieved.
This encourages us to take actions to completely fulfill the goals.
Not a time bound goal: “I want to lose 10 kg someday.”
Time bound goal: “I want to lose 10kg in the next 6 months.”

Session 5: Self-regulation — Time Management

• complete tasks on time.

• make a daily timetable.
• make a good guess at how long it will take you to do something.
• submit homework and assignments on time.
• not waste time during the day.

Four Steps for Effective Time Management Organise

1. Organise: We plan our day to- day activities.
2. Priorities: We make a to-do list that has all our activities and we rank them
in the order of importance.
3. Control: We have a control over our activities and time.
4. Track: We identify and note where we have spent our time.

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UNIT-3 ICT SKILLS

Session 1: Basic Computer Operations

ICT skills help us to communicate, run our business and stay connected with our
family and friends. Hence, every person needs to acquire ICT skills and build
them to stay updated with the latest software and applications (apps).

Computer Hardware and Software

A computer system consists of two main parts

Hardware- The physical parts that we can see and touch are called hardware. It
is the machinery of a computer. These are the keyboard, monitor, CPU, etc.

Software: The part which cannot be seen but it makes hardware to work. Example:
Windows, MS office etc.

Operating System (OS). An Operating System (OS) is a software that acts as an

interface between computer hardware components and the user. Examle:
Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, Ubuntu , Android etc.

Using the Keyboard

A keyboard is an input device used to type text, numbers and commands into the
computer.

Function Keys.
Keys labeled from F1 to F12 are function keys. You use them to perform specific
functions.

(a) Control keys: Keys, such as Control (CTRL), SHIFT, SPACEBAR, ALT,
CAPS LOCK and TAB, are special control keys.
(b) Enter key: The label on this key can be either ENTER or RETURN,
depending on the brand of computer that you are using. You use the ENTER or
the RETURN key to move the cursor to the beginning of a new line.
(c) Punctuation keys: Punctuation keys include keys for punctuation marks,
such as colon (:), semicolon (;), question mark (?), single quotation marks (‘ ’),
and double quotation marks (“ ”).
(d) Navigation keys: Keys, such as the arrow keys, HOME, END, PAGE UP,
and PAGE DOWN are navigation keys.
(e) Command keys: Keys, such as INSERT (INS), DELETE (DEL), and
BACKSPACE are command keys. When the INSERT key is turned ON, it helps
you overwrite characters to the right of the cursor
(f) Windows key: Pressing this key opens the Start menu.

Using a Mouse
Mouse is a small device that you can use to move, select and open items on
yourcomputer screen.

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Roll Over or Hover
Some actions can be done by simply rolling over or hovering over an item.
When you bring the mouse over a file in File Explorer, it will show the details
of that file

Point and Click

As you move the mouse on your desk, a pointer moves correspondingly on your
screen. When you click a particular file, it gets selected

Drag and Drop

To move an item, you need to click it, and then holding the mouse button
down, move the item to a new location. After you move the item to the new
location, you release the mouse button. This is called drag and drop.

Double-click
Double-clicking means to quickly click the left mouse button twice. When we
double-click on a file, it will open the file.

Session 2: Performing Basic File Operations

Files and Folders
All information stored in a computer is kept in files. Each file is given a file
name and has a file name extension that identifies the file type.
Example: .txt, .jpg, .mp3.

A folder is a location where a group of files can be stored.

Basic Shortcuts
CTRL+z — undo
CTRL+y — redo
CTRL+a — select all
CTRL+x — cut
CTRL+c — copy
CTRL+v — paste
CTRL+p — print
CTRL+s — save.

Session 3: Computer Care and Maintenance

Taking care of electronic devices, such as computer and mobiles helps them to
work properly.
Basic Tips for Taking Care of Devices

(i) Keyboard: You can clean a keyboard with a soft brush

(ii) Screen: You can wipe the screen with a soft cloth to remove any
finger marks.
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(iii) Handle devices carefully: Handle and move your laptop carefully
and avoid dropping or banging it against a hard surface.

(iv) Keep the computer cool: If a computer, laptop or mobile device gets
overheated, the internal parts can be damaged. The CPU has an internal fan to
keep it cool. We should make sure the fan is functioning.

(v) Do not overcharge your battery: Sometimes we keep a device plugged in

for charging even after it is fully charged. This reduces the battery life. Always
unplug the device once it
is charged 100%.

(vi) Always plug in devices carefully: Any device being connected to a

laptop or computer such as a USB drive or headphones, should be done
gently. It should not be forced into the port.

(vii) Do not run too many programs at a time: When too many programs are
running at the same time, the computer can become slow and even crash.

Prepare a Maintenance Schedule.

(a) Daily Maintenance
i. Clean up your e-mail inbox
ii. Download e-mail attachments and save in proper folders

(b) Weekly Maintenance

i. Clean your keyboard
ii. Clean your monitor
iii. Dust CPU and printer
iv. Backup your data to an external drive

(c) Monthly Maintenance

i. Transfer photographs to computer and delete from drive
ii. Organise photos into folders or albums
iii. Clean up ‘Download’ folder
iv. Uninstall unused programs and apps
v. Run disk-cleaner software
vi. Run full system virus scan

Backup Your Data

Backing up data means to save the information present on your computer on
another device, such as CD/DVD drives Data can recovered from here in case
the computer stops working completely. Computers can crash, humans can
make mistakes and natural disasters, such as floods can happen.

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Scanning and Cleaning Viruses
Sometimes computer viruses can enter a computer from such attacks we can
install anti-virus software. This will prevent any viruses from entering and
will also clean any viruses that may enter our system before they affect the
data.
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Removing SPAM from your Computer
Sometimes we get emails from companies who are advertising a product or
trying to attract you to their website. Such mails are called SPAM. We should
neverrespond to SPAM and delete it on a regular basis.

Session 4: Computer Security and Privacy.

Threats to Computer
Threats are the ways in which personal information can be leaked from a
computer without our knowledge.
(a) Theft: Theft means stealing of information or hardware. These may be of
three types:
• Physical: Where a person may steal your desktop computer or laptop.
• Identity: Where a hacker steals your personal information and assumes your
identity. Using this false identity, the hacker can gain access to your account
information or perform illegal activity.

• Software Piracy: This is stealing of software and includes using or

distributing unlicensed and unauthorized copies of a computer program
or software.
(b) Virus: Viruses are computer programs that can damage the data and
software programs or steal the information stored on a computer. Major types
of viruses are Worms and Trojan Horse.
Worms: These are viruses that replicate themselves and spread to all files
once they Information and Communication Technology Skills 81 attack a
computer. This makes it very difficult to remove them.
Trojan Horse: A Trojan Horse disguises itself i.e., it appears to be a useful
software program but once it reaches a computer it starts behaving like a virus
and destroying data.
• Online Predator: Online predators are people who trap you into
inappropriate relationships.
They may be older people posing to be your age, bullying you into doing illegal
activities online and sometimes face to face.

• Internet Scams: Sometimes you may receive very attractive offers saying you
have won huge money in a lottery and that you can claim the prize by
depositing a certain amount of money. When you deposit the money using
credit card or online banking, you not only lose the deposit money but your
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card/account information may be misused later.

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Protecting your Data
(a) Use passwords to login to your computer: Use passwords that are
difficult to guess. Passwords are difficult to hack if they are a mix of small (For
example ‘a b c d’) and capital letters (For example, ‘H J E R’), numbers (For
example ‘8 7 6 5’) and special characters
(For example, ’% ^ # $’). This would prevent unauthorized people from using
your computer.
(b) Install Anti-virus and Firewall: Anti-viruses and Firewall monitor the
data coming in and out of a computer and prevent and viruses from entering.
Anti- viruses can also detect and clean viruses that may have entered a
computer.

(c) Encrypt Data: This is usually done by banks and companies in which
important customer information is stored. They can encrypt their entire hard
disk using the encrypting feature in Windows (Bit locker). This would force
users to use a decryption password (or key) before starting the computer
thus preventing unauthorized usage.

(d) Secure sites: Give details of your credit card or bank account only on
secure sites. See in the address bar of the browser. If the site address starts
with https://and a lock symbol, then it is safe to give your credit card and
bank details.

UNIT-4 ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS

Session 1: Entrepreneurship and Society.

Entrepreneurs run their businesses in a market. The market has people who buy
products and services and people who sell them also. When people are buying
and selling from each other, it is helpful for everyone because everyone
involved makes money. This is how entrepreneurs help in growing the area
and society they live in.
What do entrepreneurs do when they run their business?
Fulfil Customer Needs.
Demand means a product or service that people want. Entrepreneurs find out
what people want. Then, they use their creativity to come up with a business
idea that will meet that demand.
Use Local Materials
Entrepreneurs use the material and people available around them, to make
products at low cost.
Help Society
Entrepreneurs have a positive relationship with society. They make profits through
activities that benefit society. Some entrepreneurs work towards saving the
environment, some give money to build schools and hospitals. This way, the

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people and area around them becomes better.

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Create Jobs: With the growth of a business, entrepreneurs look for more
people to help them. They buy more material, and from more people. The also
hire more people to work for them.
In this way, more people have jobs. Sharing of Wealth. Wealth means having
enough money to live a comfortable life. As entrepreneurs grow their business
the people
Lower Price of Products
As more entrepreneurs sell the same product, the price of the product goes
down. For example, when more mobile phones were getting sold in India, the
cost of the phone became lesser.

Session 2: Qualities and Functions of an Entrepreneur

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Session 3: Myths about Entrepreneurship

Misconceptions
1. The misconception is that every business idea needs to be unique or special.
2. The misconception we have is that a person needs a lot of money to start a
business.
3. A misconception we have is that only a person having a big business is an
entrepreneur.
4. A misconception we have is that entrepreneurs are born, not made.

Session 4: Entrepreneurship as a Career Option

A career is a line of work that a person takes for life. There are two ways a
person can earn a living.
1. self-employment.
2. wage employment.

A person who becomes an entrepreneur goes through a career process.

This process is as follows:

ENTER:When an entrepreneur is starting, they are just entering the market to

do business.
For example, Sanjana is starting a small grocery store in a locality.

SURVIVE:
There are many entrepreneurs in the market. The entrepreneur has to remain
in a competitive market.
For example, there are many other grocery stores in the area. Yet, Sanjana’s
store survives
the competition and does well. She also expands the store to two more floors.
GROW:
Once the business is stable, an entrepreneur thinks about expanding his or
her business.
For example, after five years, Sanjana has opened a chain of four more grocery
stores in the same city. In the next two years, she plans to expand to town
other cities.

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UNIT-5 GREEN SKILLS

Session 1: Society and Environment.

Over the years, with economic development, there has been an increase in
environmental pollution. For example, with the introduction of high
input agriculture, we can grow more food by using fertilizers, pesticides and
hybrid crops. But it has led to soil and environmental degradation. We need to
plan the use of resources in a sustainable manner so that we and our future
generations can enjoy a good environment.
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What is Sustainable Development?
Sustainable development is the development that satisfies the needs of the
present without compromising the capacity of future generations,
guaranteeing the balance between economic growth, care for the environment
and social well-being.

Importance of Sustainable Development

Sustainable development is defined as ‘development that meets the needs of
the present without compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their own needs’ (World Commission on Environment and Development,
1987). For example, sustainable agriculture consists of environment-friendly
methods of farming that allow the production of agricultural crops or livestock
without damage to human or natural systems. It also involves preventing the
use of chemicals so as to avoid adverse effects to soil, water and biodiversity.

Problems Related to Sustainable Development

Three major problems related to sustainable development are:
(a) Food: The amount of rich, fertile land needed to grow crops, such as wheat,
rice, etc., is becoming less as we are using up more and more land for other
purposes. Soil nutrients are also getting depleted and lots of chemicals are
spoiling the soil due to use of chemical fertilizers.
(b) Water: We use fresh water from rivers and ponds for drinking and
cleaning but dump garbage into them. The rivers and ponds are getting
polluted. This way after several years, we will have no clean water for our use.
(c) Fuel: We are using a lot of wood from trees as fuels and for construction of
homes and furniture. As more and more trees are being cut, it is affecting the
climate of the place. Extreme weather conditions, such as floods, extreme cold
or heat, are seen in many places, which affect the people living there.

Sustainable development includes

• reducing excessive use of resources and enhancing resource conservation;
• recycling and reuse of waste materials;
• scientific management of renewable resources, especially bio-resources;
• planting more trees; green grassy patches and trees to be
interspersed between concrete buildings;
• using more environment friendly material or biodegradable material and
• use of technologies, which are environmental friendly and based on efficient
use of resources.
Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ensure that all people enjoy peace
and prosperity. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were launched at
the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit in New York in
September 2015, forming the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
It has set targets that the countries have to should work towards and achieve
by 2030.
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The 17 SDGs have been made with the aim to take care of important issues facing
businesses, governments and society. Some of these issues are poverty,gender
equality, water use, energy, climate change and biodiversity. Countries are now
making policies and regulations that will promote sustainable systems needed
in all economic sectors to provide a secure, affordable and sustainable
economy.

Sustainable Processes
Some practices, such as organic farming, vermi-composting and rainwater
harvesting are being used to help preserve the environment. Organic farming is
where farmers do not use chemical pesticides and fertilisers to increase their
production. They use organic and natural fertilizers, such as cow dung to help
in growing crops. This helps in better quality chemical free crops while at the
same time maintaining the soil quality for future use.

Session 2: Our Role in Sustainable

Sustainable development can actually happen only when each one of us works
towards it. We have to become responsible environment citizens who can
protect the environment through our own efforts. Here are some basic ways in
which people can help towards Sustainable Development Goals.

Quality Education.
Education is the most important factors for sustainable development. Children
who have gone to school will be able to do jobs so that they can take care of
themselves and their families. Education helps us become aware of our role as
a responsible citizen. We should
1. use the facilities present in our areas.
2. take our friends to school.
3. help friends study.
4. stop friends from dropping out of school.

Clean Water and Sanitation.

We must make efforts to make India free of open defecation by building toilets
and creating awareness towards sanitation.

Affordable and Clean Energy.

Using solar power i.e., power generated using the sun does not cause pollution
as it does not require burning of non-renewable fuels, such as coal. We are
making efforts to increase the solar power generation so that our electricity
needs are met and at the same time we do not pollute the environment
Decent Work and Economic Growth.
We can
(a) study and find good jobs to take care of ourselves and our families.
(b) work hard and contribute to society.
(c) learn and develop skills so that we get add value in our community.
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Reduced Inequalities.
To reduce inequalities we can
1. be helpful to one another.
2. be friendly with everyone.
3. include everyone while working or playing.
4. help others by including everyone whether they are small or big, girl
or boy, belong to any class or caste.

Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Creating Sustainable Cities
1. Save energy by switching off lights and fans when not in use.
2. Use natural light as much as possible.
3. Use energy-efficient lights (LED bulbs) and appliances.

Responsible Consumers and Producers.

We can become responsible about our own environment by
1. reusing paper, glass, plastic, water, etc.
2. taking cloth bags to market carrying fruits and vegetables.
3. donate things we do not use such as clothes, books, furniture, food, etc.
4. Buy and eat seasonal fruits and vegetables from local growers.
5. Repair leaking taps and pipes to avoid wasting water.
6. Sort and treat garbage before disposing.

Protect Life Below Water.

Tons of plastic is found in the seas, which is killing marine life. Protecting
marine life, saving our oceans from pollution is necessary to preserve the
marine life.

Protect Life on Land.

Cutting of trees is leading to soil erosion and making land dry and unusable for
cultivation. Planting more tree to replace the ones that we have cut is an
important step towards sustainable development.

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