Kolkata: Progress requires change, and those who resist it hinder progress. Awareness is crucial for a greener, healthier society. As a developing country, India needs proactive youth to drive this transformation.
Auxilium Convent School, Dum Dum, a renowned institution in Kolkata, organized a Cleanliness Awareness Drive on 19 July 2024, coordinated by sisters, teachers, students, and members of the Salesian family.
The drive began with Sr. Principal Sr. Aruna Kispotta, Environment Club moderator Ms. Mow Das Roy, Club president Shreyanshi Poddar, and Sir Phalguni securing permission from North Dum Dum Municipality Chairperson Shri Harendra Singh and local police. The Environmental Club then organised a poster and slogan-making activity, with students creating placards on cleanliness, water conservation, tree planting, and reducing plastic use.
On this day, a dedicated group of approximately 750 students from classes VI to XII undertook a coordinated environmental awareness walk.Divided into four groups, each group headed in different directions to raise awareness. The walk commenced at 8:30 am and concluded around 10:00 am.
Group 1, led by Sr. Shanti, Sr. Siljera, Ms. Ahana, Ms. Atasi, Ms. Poonam, Ms. Ananya, Ms. Sudeshna Roy, Phalguni Sir, and the Past Pupil Association, began their campaign at 8:30 a.m. The group walked through Kumar Para, Modern Park, Kamalapur Tank, Digla Road, and Jessop Gate, engaging residents with slogans like “Save Water, Save Earth,” “Go Green Live Green,” and “Keep the Area Clean.” They questioned locals about their environmental contributions and gave speeches on reducing plastic use and protecting the environment. These moments were captured on camera.
Group 2, accompanied by Sr. Alma, Sr. Anand, Ms. Annie, Ms. Krishna, Ms. Tumpa, Ms. Martina, and past pupils, walked through Gorabazar, PK Guha Road, SP Mukherjee Road, and Barwari Tala to Jessop Gate. They chanted slogans like “Pedh lagao, desh bachao,” “Save water, save life,” and “Jal hi jeevan hai,” while holding placards to encourage cleaner practices. The students remained enthusiastic throughout the walk.
Group 3, led by Sr. Principal, Sr. Mini C., Ms. Mow, Ms. Martina Roy, Ms. Suniti, Ms. Sharbani, and the Auxi Green Club President, walked from P.K. Guha Road, past Debonair Restaurant and SBI Bank, to Jessop Gate. They chanted slogans like “The Earth, save it,” “Go Green Live Green,” and “Keep our Earth Green and Clean,” interviewed residents about waste management, and spread awareness on the importance of water conservation and social responsibility as they moved through NC Mitra Road and Post Office Road.
Group 4, accompanied by Sr. Superior, Sr. Stella, and several teachers and members of the Past Pupil Association, conducted an awareness campaign. They walked past the municipality hospital and local shops, using slogans in Bengali and Hindi to promote eco-friendly practices like reducing plastic use and conserving water. They engaged with shopkeepers and residents, highlighting the importance of a clean and green environment. The campaign ended at Dhobiya Pukur Park with speeches by the Past Pupil Association President, teachers, and students, followed by a group rendition of the National Anthem, which motivated the local community.
This campaign was supported by Officer in charge Dum Dum Police Station and Municipality Chairperson Shri Harendra Singh.
