Students create attractive rakhis using sustainable materials as Municipal Corporation’s Swachh Bharat Mission combines the message of Raksha Bandhan with environmental responsibility
YAMUNANAGAR | PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK
The Swachh Bharat Mission team of the Yamunanagar Municipal Corporation organised an eco-friendly Rakhi competition at the Government Secondary School in Labour Colony, Ward No. 16, on Monday, combining the message of cleanliness, environmental protection and the cultural significance of Raksha Bandhan.
The programme was organised under the guidance of Mayor Suman Bahmani and Municipal Corporation Commissioner Mahabir Prasad. The initiative provided students with an opportunity to showcase their creativity while also encouraging them to understand the importance of using environmentally sustainable materials in their daily lives.
During the competition, girl students prepared a variety of attractive and colourful rakhis using eco-friendly materials such as thread, paper and cotton. The activity focused on promoting the use of sustainable alternatives and discouraging dependence on materials that may contribute to environmental pollution.
The students displayed considerable creativity while designing the rakhis. The competition not only encouraged artistic expression but also helped introduce young participants to the idea that festivals can be celebrated in a manner that is both meaningful and environmentally responsible.
After preparing the rakhis, the girl students tied them to the boys at the school, symbolising the traditional bond of affection, protection and mutual respect between brothers and sisters. The activity created a festive atmosphere on the school campus and also promoted the values of friendship, harmony and brotherhood among students.
The boys, in return, presented pens and colours to their sisters as gifts and encouraged them to continue working hard, pursue their goals and move forward in life. The exchange reflected the spirit of Raksha Bandhan while also giving the celebration an educational and creative dimension.
Swachh Bharat Mission Urban expert Akash Kumar interacted with the students and spoke about the importance of environmental conservation and maintaining cleanliness. He encouraged students to adopt responsible habits and play an active role in keeping their homes, schools and surrounding areas clean.
He also made the students aware of the harmful impact of single-use plastic on the environment and urged them to completely avoid its unnecessary use. Students were encouraged to choose reusable and environmentally friendly alternatives wherever possible.
The awareness session highlighted the role of young people in promoting cleanliness and environmental responsibility. Students were told that small changes in everyday habits, including proper waste disposal and reducing the use of plastic, can collectively make a significant difference to the environment.
The programme was designed not only as a competition but also as an awareness initiative aimed at strengthening creativity, cultural values and environmental consciousness among schoolchildren. By linking the festival of Raksha Bandhan with the concept of eco-friendly practices, the organisers sought to deliver the message that traditions and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
Such activities, organisers said, help students understand environmental issues at an early age and encourage them to become responsible citizens. Schools play an important role in developing awareness among children, who can further carry these messages to their families and communities.
The initiative also reflected the broader objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission, which focuses on cleanliness, waste management, public awareness and community participation. Through interactive activities and school-based programmes, the mission aims to encourage citizens to adopt sustainable practices and contribute towards cleaner and healthier surroundings.
The eco-friendly Rakhi competition at the Labour Colony school offered students a platform to express their creativity while learning about the importance of protecting the environment. The combination of a cultural celebration with an environmental awareness campaign made the programme both educational and engaging for the participants.
The Municipal Corporation’s Swachh Bharat Mission team continues to organise awareness activities aimed at encouraging citizens, particularly young students, to adopt cleaner and greener practices. The organisers expressed hope that the students would carry forward the message of environmental protection and inspire others to reduce the use of harmful materials, especially single-use plastic.
The programme concluded with a renewed message of cleanliness, sustainability and social responsibility, encouraging students to celebrate festivals with creativity while remaining conscious of their duty towards the environment.
POD/DESK
