I am in the fourth year of BHMS. My intent is to practice homoeopathy in the U.S. Do you feel it is feasible and are there opportunities?
Aravindhan Ramesh
via email, Mangaluru
The U.S. has a reasonable and ever growing presence for alternative medicine in the healthcare system. Some universities and institutions have embarked upon research projects to bring about an integration in the healthcare systems for complementary / alternative therapies. Considered an alternative therapy, homoeopathy did receive a boost with the creation of the Office of Alternative Medicine when the U.S. Congress established the unit under the aegis of the National Institutes of Health.
Homeopathy received a further fillip when the legislature of the U.S passed the National Institute of Health Revitalisation Act in 1993, wherein a categorical mention was made to facilitate the evaluation of alternative medical treatment modalities, including acupuncture, oriental medicine, homoeopathic medicine and even physical manipulation therapies.
However in most of the States of the U.S. it will be mandatory to possess a postgraduation qualification and have a licence to practice.
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I am a teacher in a private school with graduation and B.Ed. I handle classes in moral values and ecology and environment, besides my regular classes for high school. I am keen to pursue courses in ecology and environment by correspondence as I will not be getting leave to attend the programmes on a regular basis.
Nivedita Joshi
via email, Bengaluru
The one-year Green Teacher: Diploma in Environment Education offered by the Centre for Environment Education (CEE) (www.ceeindia.org) and the Commonwealth of Learning (CoL) (www.col.org) incorporates a total of four modules covering a wide area of knowledge. The modules are Life Support Systems and Basics of Ecology; Understanding Sustainable Development; Environmental Education in Schools and Resources; and Opportunities for Ecology and Environment.
The one-year programme is conducted through a learner study of 240 hours for the four modules besides 200 hours focused on the project, which helps the learner get to the practicalities of the subject. The programme has been well received by the teachers and is conducted by well trained environmental scientists across India.
You can connect with CEE, Bengaluru office at: CEE Karnataka, Kamala Mansion, 143, Infantry Road, Bengaluru-560001. Ph: 22868039. Email: ceekarnataka@ceeindia.org
You can also browse the www.greenteacher.org website for inputs on projects, activities, and eco-clubs that CEE has to offer.
The Department of PG Studies in Environmental Science of Kuvempu University offers the two-year M.Sc (Environmental Science) through the Directorate of Distance Education (DDE) (www.kuvempuuniversitydde.org). You should contact the Admission Officer, DDE, Kuvempu University, Jnana Sahyadri, Shankaraghatta-577451. Ph: 08282-256450.
Email: info@kuvempuuniversitydde.org
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I had enrolled for a B.E. programme in VTU, but have not been able to complete the first year. The college has asked me to rejoin as a fresher. What should I do next? I have lost close to three years. I was actually not keen to study in the B.E. course, I was interested in Zoology after PUC examination. Please guide me.
Kunal P.
via email, Bengaluru
In regards to your exit from the B.E. programme, the college authorities have informed you as per the norms and statutes of the University. Readmission is possible; however, it is a decision that you and your family will have to take. You have expressed your liking for the subject of Zoology.
Approach a college to pursue B.Sc Zoology. The three-year programme will help you to pursue your interests. Of course the loss of three years whilst you had pursued B.E. cannot be compensated. On completion of B.Sc you can pursue M.Sc in Zoology.
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I have developed an interest in horticulture thanks to a friend of mine who has land and is into cultivation. I would like to pursue a course in this field. I am working in the social sector, hence I would be able to attend programmes only during the weekend or on a short-term basis.
Diana Christopher
via email, Bengaluru
One of the best places to connect would be the Indian Institute of Horticulture Research (IIHR) (www.iihr.ernet.in), a premier institute of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) which works under the Government of India. IIHR conducts short-term programmes and you should contact the Director at IIHR, Hessarghatta Lake Post, Bangalore-560089. Ph: 28466353, 28466471. Email: director@iihr.ernet.in
Another centre of excellence is the Directorate of Extension, University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) (www.uasbangalore.edu.in), Gandhi Krishi Vignan Kendra, Bangalore-560024. Ph: 23418883.
UAS conducts the two-year M.Sc in Horticulture and you can also connect with the Department of Horticulture in the University and get information that would interest you. The M.Sc is a regular campus-based programme.
The Department of Horticulture (www.horticulture.kar.nic.in), Government of Karnataka, also conducts many programmes. It has done a lot of work through various flower shows, and focused on kitchen and terrace gardening which has become very pertinent in urban areas today.
The Department conducts short courses in horticulture, post-harvest technology, and mushroom cultivation at its facility in Lalbagh. It also organises programmes in Bonsai and Ikebana. You can contact the Directorate of Horticulture, Lalbagh, Bangalore-560004. Ph: 26578184.
Shaheed Khan
Shaheed_k@yahoo.com
