Art, Slogan, Essay and Quiz Contests Promote Patriotism, Cleanliness and Environmental Responsibility Among Children

YAMUNANAGAR / PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK

The Municipal Corporation, in association with the Helping Hands Group, organised a series of art, slogan, essay and quiz competitions at the Government Middle School in Govindpura, Ward No. 22, as part of the activities being held ahead of Independence Day.

The programme was organised under the directions of Mayor Suman Bahmani and Municipal Commissioner Mahabir Prasad. Swachh Bharat Mission Urban experts Akash Kumar and Gagan Beniwal, along with Helping Hands Group founder Dr Narendra Singh Sai, interacted with the students and encouraged them to celebrate Independence Day with a strong sense of patriotism while also taking responsibility for cleanliness and environmental protection.

During the programme, the students were encouraged to display the national flag at their homes and understand the importance of keeping their surroundings clean. The organisers also highlighted the connection between responsible citizenship, environmental protection and the spirit of Independence Day.

Swachh Bharat Mission Urban expert Akash Kumar gave the students detailed information about the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026. He explained the importance of segregating waste at source and told the students about the harmful effects associated with the excessive use of plastic.

The students were also made aware of the importance of maintaining cleanliness in their homes, schools and neighbourhoods. They were encouraged to avoid single-use plastic and adopt more environmentally responsible habits in their daily lives.

During the programme, the students took a pledge to avoid the use of single-use plastic and contribute towards maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings.

Helping Hands Group founder Dr Narendra Singh Sai distributed steel water bottles among the students. While distributing the reusable bottles, he explained the environmental and health-related concerns associated with excessive dependence on plastic bottles.

The students were encouraged to replace disposable and single-use products with reusable alternatives wherever possible. The initiative was aimed at helping children understand that small changes in everyday habits can contribute towards environmental conservation.

Dr Sai also spoke about the significance of Independence Day and encouraged students to understand their responsibilities as citizens. He emphasised the role of young people in nation-building and urged them to combine patriotism with social responsibility and concern for the environment.

The programme also included an interactive quiz in which students were asked questions related to Independence Day and environmental issues. Students who provided correct answers were encouraged with gifts, including steel bottles, drawing kits and other items.

The competitions provided students with an opportunity to express their thoughts and creativity on themes connected with the country, environment and social responsibility.

Students participated in drawing, slogan writing, essay writing and quiz competitions. The participants who secured first, second and third positions in the various competitions were presented with gifts and certificates of appreciation.

The organisers said that such activities provide students with a platform to demonstrate their creativity while also helping them understand important social issues.

The programme placed particular emphasis on the importance of cleanliness and environmental responsibility. Students were encouraged to understand that waste segregation, reducing plastic consumption and keeping public spaces clean are not merely government responsibilities but require active participation from citizens.

The message was also linked with Independence Day, with the organisers encouraging students to view patriotism not only as participation in national celebrations but also as a commitment towards responsible citizenship.

School Principal Rajiv Kumar said the objective of the programme was to promote awareness among students about cleanliness, environmental conservation, a plastic-free lifestyle, patriotism and social responsibility.

He appreciated the efforts of the Municipal Corporation, Helping Hands Group and the participating experts in organising activities that combined education with social awareness.

The school authorities said the participation of students in competitions and awareness activities helped create an atmosphere of enthusiasm ahead of Independence Day.

The programme also provided an opportunity for students to learn about waste management practices and the importance of reducing plastic consumption while participating in activities celebrating the country’s Independence Day.

The successful organisation of the programme was supported by the Municipal Corporation team and the school’s teaching staff.

The organisers said such awareness activities can help students develop responsible habits at an early age and encourage them to become more conscious of their role in maintaining clean and environmentally sustainable communities.

POD/DESK