Best Practice 1: Research-Oriented Teaching Learning Environment

• Objectives of the Practice

  To provide a conducive research environment, optimum utilization of institutional capabilities and encourage research initiatives among students and faculty.

• The Context

  ARSD has a strong undergraduate research culture that has been nurtured by the premium placed on Quality Education, Holistic Learning, and Academic Excellence in the College’s Vision and Mission.

• The Practice: Our faculty members and students are involved actively in activities like research writings and research projects funded by agencies like UGC, DST-SERB, ICSSR, CSIR, DBT etc. The College organizes FDPs/Workshops/Seminars/Refresher Courses and national and international conferences on contemporary issues for the benefit of both students and faculty.

• Evidence of Success
  • Faculty and students have several research papers, articles, and books to their credit. 23 faculty members are guiding 71 research scholars at PhD/MPhil levels.
  • The college has launched PRABODH: In-house Interdisciplinary Research/Innovation Projects scheme and a Central Instrumentation Facility.
  • Prof. Sunita Bhagat (Chemistry) has a patent titled “A process for Chemical Synthesis of a Herbal Antidiabetic compound isolated from E. Jambolana”, July 2020 (Patent Application No: PCT 201911030346).
  • Prof. Prashant Singh and Dr. Yogesh Kumar were listed among the top 2% influential scientists of the world in 2022, published by Elsevier and Stanford University.
  • The college scored the highest among all colleges of the University of Delhi in the parameter of Research and Professional Practices in the NIRF 2023 rankings.
  • Dr. Anjali Sharma Kaushik and her research group have been granted two Indian patents for an invention titled A Conductometric Hydrogen Gas Sensor for a term of 20 years from 20th February 2018, under the provisions of the Patents Act, 1970.
  • The college has established the Best Researcher Award to encourage and promote research excellence among faculty members.
  • ARSD College has been selected for the second phase of the prestigious STAR College Scheme by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, with a grant of ₹1.94 crore to enhance interdisciplinary research and science education in alignment with NEP 2020.
  • The multidisciplinary bilingual research journal initiated by the college provides a platform for faculty to publish high-quality research, fostering critical thinking, analytical skills, scholarly engagement, and interdisciplinary knowledge exchange.
• Problems Encountered and Resources Required
  • Adequate Funding
  • Infrastructural Requirements
  • Collaborations

  Resources Required:

  • Research and professional training personnel
  • Monetary resources
  • Administrative and infrastructural support

Best Practice 2: Promoting Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility

• Objectives of the Practice

  To foster a culture of sustainability and environmental consciousness among students, staff, and the community and to engage students and faculty in contributing to positive social and environmental change in tune with United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

• The Context

  ARSD college is playing a pivotal role in addressing concerns like climate change, environmental degradation, and resource depletion by integrating sustainability into its core activities and aiming to instill environmental consciousness in the campus community. Our college believes that sustainable actions at the local level contribute significantly to global environmental health.

• The Practice

  The college has implemented a range of sustainability-focused initiatives undertaken by different societies and cells like NSS, Eco Club, Enactus, Women Development Cell, Garden Committee, Mental Health and Wellbeing Society (HOPE) and Rangayan. These societies and committees organize a range of activities like talks, film screening, quiz, competitions, workshops, awareness campaigns/drives etc. to sensitize students and staff in sustainability initiatives.

• Evidence of Success
  • ARSD College fosters environmental responsibility through initiatives like plantation drives, essay competitions, and biodiversity park visits, cultivating eco-consciousness among students. These efforts have successfully created a green and sustainable campus ecosystem, reflecting the college’s commitment to its best practice of promoting sustainability.
  • The Eco Club of the college is working to raise awareness about environmental concerns, undertakes tree planting initiatives and runs other public-interest campaigns related to clean and green methods. It organizes annual events such as film screenings, expert talks, and competitions to highlight environmental challenges. It celebrates World Ozone Day, Earth Day every year and actively engages in tree planting, waste paper recycling, and public-interest campaigns for clean and green practices.
  • The Gardening Committee of the college looks after the “green needs” of the campus. The verdant campus covering a huge number of trees is a result of meticulous planning by this Committee. The campus is working as a good carbon sink and a productive oxygen park.
  • The College is practicing solid waste management. Twelve sets (green-blue) and 7 sets (green-red-blue) of garbage bins are installed at strategic locations across the campus. The College also has space designated as a Garbage Room.
  • The College in its pursuit of management of degradable and non- degradable waste has entered into MoUs and other arrangements with various agencies such as Jaagruti Waste Paper Recycling Services and PomPom Recycling Private Limited. Chemical waste generated in Chemistry and Zoology laboratories is also segregated and disposed of. A Paper Recycling Unit is in place to recycle waste paper. As a testament to our commitment to sustainability, the College has a 1260 square feet compost pit that serves as a central location for organic waste disposal. It has reserved an area of 358.4 square feet for rainwater harvesting unit along with a rain water storage tank of 4500 square feet. Our College was the first to implement this project conforming to the guidelines of Central Ground Water Board.
  • NSS observes the FIT India Movement, No Tobacco Day, and the Swachhata Pakhwara every year from August 1 to 15. It also conducts donation drives, plantation initiatives, and awareness campaigns addressing social and environmental issues.
  • The Enactus Society at our college promotes sustainability through eco-friendly plantation projects that contribute to environmental and community development. Additionally, Enactus addresses critical issues such as women empowerment, dignity of labor, health and sanitation, and social justice, further advancing the college’s commitment to promoting sustainability and social responsibility.
  • The Mental Health and Wellness Committee of the college also contributes to sustainability by fostering a holistic environment that supports both mental well-being and environmental responsibility. Promoting practices like mindfulness, stress reduction, and connecting with nature through outdoor activities or eco-friendly initiatives can encourage students and staff to adopt a balanced, sustainable lifestyle that nurtures both personal well-being and environmental care.
  • College is also offering papers like – FIT India and Yoga in Practice to promote a sense of sustainability among students.
  • The college provides its premises to organizations like the Lions Club and Rotary Club for various collaborative programs that benefit the community.
  • The College has been recognized as District Eco-SDG Champion 2023 with Outstanding Performance Grade ‘S’ for South-West Delhi district, Delhi for demonstrating its support to Sustainable Development Goals and Social Responsibility by conducting and showcasing several Eco-SDG and Skill Development activities, thereby contributing to national development.
  • The Green audit has been conducted since the last three years for solid waste, electricity and energy, water and wastewater, hazardous waste, air quality and green inventory including carbon sequestration and carbon footprints.
  • These actions have been validated time and again through felicitations and recognitions received by the Government and other external agencies such as the Green Campus award, the Clean Campus award and recognition for its exemplary performance in Swachhta Action Plan (SAP) Green Campus Initiative “One District One Green Champion”.
  • In line with the college’s commitment to sustainability, solar lights have been installed across the campus, reducing energy consumption and promoting renewable energy.
  • Infrastructure for Divyangjan (persons with disabilities) has been enhanced, ensuring an inclusive and accessible environment that aligns with both environmental sustainability and social responsibility. Well-maintained green campus with a rich biodiversity and recognition of the college through prestigious awards demonstrates the college’s commitment to sustainability.
• Problems Encountered and Resources Required

  Problems encountered:

  • Limited funds for large-scale sustainability projects
  • Lack of specialized expertise

  Resources required:

  • Financial support
  • Capacity-building workshops for staff and students

  Please refer below links for previous years Best Practices :

  Academic Year	Weblink
  2017-18	View
  2018-19	View
  2019-20	View
  2020-21	View