Green Student and Society Initiative - A project under the Saksham Initiative of the Centre for Public Policy, IIM Bangalore
In the first week of June, under the Green Student and Society Initiative, the Centre for Public Policy at IIM Bangalore, in association with the Environmental Management and Policy Research Institute (EMPRI), Government of Karnataka, conducted a unique experiential learning program for the schools adopted under the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan.
The student members of the Eco-Clubs were engaged in activities such as essay writing, poster making, and tree guard making prior to the event impress upon them the importance of environmental protection and conservation. The students were encouraged to hold discussions with their peers, teachers, parents, and community members to identify the most suitable areas to plant fruit-bearing and shade-giving trees in and around the community and the school. The plantation drive took place at 10 schools, where the students also had a session and a Q&A with Conservationists and officials from the Forest Department
Saplings such as wild indian gooseberry, wild almond, mulberry, neem, hongamia, rose apple, and java plum that grow fast, provide good shade, and give nutritious fruits. The students pledged to take care of the plants year round as part of their Eco Club Activities
A total of 1000 students across the 10 schools took part in planting 80 saplings in all the schools. They were also joined by teachers, parents, SDMC Members, Gram Panchayat Members, Officials from the Forest Department and others from the community
This program was a testament to enacting social change through community action and participation that Saksham has committed itself to do through schools of Rural Karnataka