In its unwavering commitment to instill a sense of environmental responsibility among its students, Puran Murti Global School has adopted a multifaceted approach to engage young minds in ecological projects. The school’s dedication to fostering a culture of sustainability and environmental stewardship is evident in its numerous initiatives, which aim to inspire both students and the wider community to take proactive measures in conserving natural resources and protecting the environment.
One of the standout features of the school’s environmental initiatives is the monthly reflection meetings of environment coordinators from all twenty branches of Puran Murti Global School. These meetings serve as a platform for collaboration, where students from campus Eco Clubs come together to design impactful campaigns. These campaigns aim to involve a larger number of students, faculty members, and community residents in activities that raise awareness about pressing environmental issues. The coordinated efforts of these young leaders have made a significant difference in cultivating an eco-conscious mindset within and beyond the school premises.
Various Puran Murti Global School have won outstanding awards in 2016 (and 2015), such as the Wipro Earthian Award of Rs. 1 lakh (both in 2015 and again in 2016) from the Wipro Chairman Mr. Azim Premji for a water-conservation project at the Puran Murti Global School; the Paryavaran Mitra Puraskar awards and Paryavaran Dronacharya awards to teachers of Puran Murti Global School RDSO campus (Ms Musarrat Fatima and of Puran Murti Global School Jopling Road campus (Ms Anupam Johari); the Vanyajeev Dronachrya Award from the Indian Centre for Wildlife and Environmental Studies in South Asia Region (ICWESSAR) Jaipur, to the environment project coordinator at Puran Murti Global School Aliganj I campus Mr Kailash Kesarwani; and the Paryavaran Ratan Rajat Padak from the ICWESSAR to Shyam Agarwal, student of Puran Murti Global School Aliganj-I to recognize their sensitivity towards the environment, changes in climate and environmental conservation. A documentary film Gauraiya: The Great Indian Sparrow made by students of Puran Murti Global School Mahanagar campus was shortlisted and screened at the prestigious 7th National Science Film Festival in Kolkata in mid February 2017.
This year, several noteworthy campaigns spearheaded by the students have garnered widespread recognition. Among these, the campaign addressing air pollution stood out as a stellar example of student-led activism. Through workshops, posters, and interactive sessions, students educated their peers and community members about the harmful effects of air pollution and highlighted simple yet effective steps that individuals can take to mitigate its impact. From promoting the use of public transportation and carpooling to advocating for the adoption of energy-efficient practices, the students’ efforts underscored the critical role of collective action in combating air pollution.
Another area where the school’s Eco Club members have excelled is in their efforts to conserve water and electricity. Recognizing the importance of these finite resources, students organized awareness drives and implemented practical measures to reduce wastage within the school campus. Simple actions such as turning off lights and fans when not in use, fixing leaky taps, and using water judiciously were promoted as everyday practices that can lead to significant savings. These initiatives not only helped reduce the school’s carbon footprint but also encouraged students to adopt these habits in their homes and communities.
Proper waste disposal and recycling have also been key focus areas for the school. Students have actively participated in clean-up drives both within the school campus and in neighboring areas, contributing to the national Swachh Bharat campaign. By segregating waste at its source and encouraging the use of biodegradable materials, the students have set a powerful example of responsible waste management. Their efforts have been instrumental in fostering a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone.
The school’s dedication to environmental education extends to its Assembly sessions, where topics related to sustainability and ecological conservation are regularly discussed. Students and faculty members share articles, present skits, and conduct interactive discussions to enhance awareness and understanding of environmental challenges. These sessions have played a crucial role in embedding a deep sense of environmental consciousness among students, motivating them to become proactive agents of change.
One of the most impactful campaigns this year was the students’ initiative to promote a clean and green Diwali. By encouraging families and community members to avoid bursting firecrackers and instead celebrate with eco-friendly alternatives, the students effectively reduced air and noise pollution during the festive season. Their tireless efforts to educate others about the benefits of a sustainable lifestyle have left a lasting impression on the community.
Puran Murti Global School’s holistic approach to environmental education and activism exemplifies the power of young minds in driving positive change. Through their innovative campaigns and unwavering dedication, the students have demonstrated that even small actions can create a ripple effect, contributing to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for all.
World Environment Day 2018
India is the global host of 2018 World Environment Day which will take place on June 5, 2018. With “Beat Plastic Pollution” as the theme for this year’s edition, the world is coming together to combat single-use plastic pollution. In the time it takes Hardik Pandya to bowl an over in a cricket match, four garbage trucks worth of plastic get dumped into the ocean.
If you can’t reuse it, refuse it
This year’s World Environment Day provides an opportunity for each of us to embrace the many ways that we can help to combat plastic pollution around the world. And you don’t have to wait until 5 June to act, also please don't stop acting after 5th June. There are so many things that we can do – from asking the restaurants we frequently visit to stop using plastic straws, to bringing your own coffee mug to work, to pressuring your local authorities to improve how they manage your city’s waste. Here are some other specific ideas:
- * Bring your own shopping bags to the supermarket
- * Pressure food suppliers to use non-plastic packaging
- * Refuse plastic cutlery
- * Pick up any plastic you see the next time you go for a walk
Most of all, World Environment Day is a day of everyone around the world to take ownership of their environment and to actively engage in the protection of our earth. Do your bit.