This Diwali, ‘go green’ message echoes at edu institutions

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, November 3

The message of celebrating a green Diwali was reinforced by the authorities for the students of various schools and colleges, just a day ahead of the festival. The teachers and principals sent across a message to celebrate a cracker-free Diwali and enjoy the festival by savouring sweets, chocolates, spending time with families, doing puja and lighting up diyas.

Sanskriti KMV School

Sanskriti KMV School celebrated clean and green Diwali with religious zeal. The day commenced with a special morning assembly wherein students delivered speeches on the significance of festival and the relevance of eco-friendly celebrations. With their enthralling bhajans, they ignited the musical spirit among all. The school wore a festive look with decorated pots, diyas and lanterns adorning the reception and corridors of the school.

The school was beautifully embellished using colourful rangoli designs. Students were briefed on ill-effects of burning crackers and were urged to celebrate the festival with candles, sweets and non-polluting green crackers. Rachna Monga (Principal) offered her warm wishes to both staff and students and reiterated that students should celebrate Diwali in its purest form by lighting earthen lamps and sharing with less fortunate. She apprised the students to act responsibly and be sensitive towards the essence of their environment and conveyed the message of a pollution-free, clean and safe Diwali.

HMV College

Carrying forward its tradition of celebrating Green Diwali, Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya launched “Beej Patakha” start up under the guidance of Principal Prof Ajay Sareen. The start-up was inaugurated by Justice NK Sud (retd), vice-president DAVCMC, New Delhi. Principal Dr Ajay Sareen told that Beej Patakha Box was a new addition to the innovative practices of HMV. Beej patakhas were prepared like traditional fire crackers like sutli bomb, anaars, rockets, chakris etc. These were made of waste cotton and live seeds of radish, mustard, coriander, spinach and peas and were packaged in recycled papers. Instead of polluting the environment, the Beej Kapas can be sown and new plants will emerge. Principal Dr Ajay Sareen congratulated Dr Anjana, Dean Innovations & Research, Dr Rakhi Mehta and her entire team for the unique and innovative venture. On this occasion decorative diyas painted with bright colours were exchanged by the students of HMV with a message of local light for this Diwali. Adding yet another dimension to the festival of lights, HMV also celebrated Diwali as Voter Awareness Diwali. Diyas painted with a message of “No Voter To Be Left Behind” were lighted. Voter Awareness Diyas were presented to Sukhdev Singh, Election Tehsildar, Jalandhar.

State Public School, Shahkot

Making rangoli is an art of colours where the creativity and imagination of the students expatiate itself. With this thinking, the school organised a rangoli making competition, under the guidance of Dr Narotam Singh and Dr Gagandeep Kaur, president and vice-president of Group of State Public Schools, respectively, in which the students participated with great ardour. The students tried to prove their talent in the best possible way. They made different rangolis by using different colours, mirrors, pulses, diyas etc. Each design prepared by the children was a treat to the eyes. The students were divided into three groups. In group of the students from III to V Helen Keller House won first position, 2nd position was bagged by Amrita Pritam House and Kalpana Chawla bagged 3rd position. Students from Classes VI-VIII Helen Keller House, Mother Teresa House and Amrita Pritam House took place on 1st , 2nd and 3rdpositions respectively. In the group of senior students Mother Teresa House bagged 1st position, Kalpana Chawla got 2nd position and Helen Keller won 3rd position. Overall 1st position was won by Kalpana Chawla , 2nd position was bagged by Kalpana Chawla and 3rd position won by Helen Keller House. This fun filled activity witnessed enthusiastic participation of the students.

Lyallpur Khalsa College Technical Campus

Lyallpur Khalsa College Technical Campus organised Diwali fest-2021 to celebrate the Diwali with its students on theme Green Deepawali. Various events were organised, including departmental stalls, rangoli, card making, thali/pot decoration and mehndi on theme Green Deepawali. Students participated with great enthusiasm in these events. Students showed their innate talent and expression of creativity through participating in various events. Sukhbir Singh Chatha (Director, Academic Affair) and Dr SK Sood (Director, LKCTC) congratulated the whole team for conducting this event and said that the people should stop buying too many crackers. They should celebrate Diwali by lighting more diyas and candles as intention is to spread light. By taking this step we can spread brightness and happiness all over the India. The event was coordinated by Dr Pawanpreet Kaur and Dr Nancy (School of Engineering) and Dr Tarunjit Singh and Mandeep Sandhu (School of IT, Management and Hotel Management).

Innocent Hearts Group

From pre-school to college in Innocent Hearts, the festival of Diwali was celebrated virtually with great enthusiasm, in which the five schools of Innocent Hearts and the students of Innocent Hearts College of Education participated with great fervour. On this occasion, children eagerly participated in various activities and competitions like candle-decoration, diya decoration, puja thali decoration, rangoli making, toran making, slogan-writing, poster making etc.

Children of pre-primary, primary, KG-1, KG-2 of Innokids made beautiful rangoli with different types of flowers. Candle decoration activity was conducted by the children of class II, in which children displayed their art by decorating candles in a very attractive manner. Diya decoration activity was conducted by the children of Class III, in which children exposed their hidden talents by making beautiful designs on earthen diyas. By making earthen diyas, they gave the message of celebrating pollution-free Green Diwali. On the other hand, ‘Anti Cracker Deepawali Week’ was celebrated at Innocent Hearts College of Education with the message of celebrating eco-friendly Diwali.

MHR DAV Institute of Nursing

Diwali was celebrated at MHR DAV Institute of Nursing at college campus. Diwali celebration was organised by the students of MSc Nursing, BSc Nursing, Post Basic Nursing and GNM batches. The celebration was started by welcoming the guest of occasion Dr Veena Williams, Principal and Dr Harbans Kaur, Vice Principal of MHR DAV institute of Nursing. Students and teachers were full of joy and curiosity for celebrating this Diwali function. Everyone looks gorgeous and enthusiastic in traditional dresses like Punjabi suits. Student showed their spiritual feelings on holy festival which could be seen through their wonderful performances like bhangra, giddha, classical dance. Different stalls were organised by the college in campus for the students like eatable things, decorative materials.

Lyallpur Khalsa College for Women

A clean and green Diwali was celebrated at Lyallpur Khalsa College for Women as an initiative undertaken by the library. On this occasion students and the library staff decorated the library green with leaves and twigs taken from the garden, thus inculcating a beautiful pious decoration. The whole library was adorned in beautiful vibrant rangoli designs, made and drawn by the students and the library staff. As gratitude and a hope to bestow peace and harmony upon all, a pooja (religious prayer) was also organised in the library. This was followed by Jyoti Prajwalan (holy lamp lighting) by Principal Dr Navjot Kaur. Then a small get-together was organised as a celebration in which everyone felt jubilant while exchanging verbal wishes amongst them. Principal Dr Navjot Kaur appreciated the efforts of Kanchan, librarian and her staff for their beautiful initiative.

Emm Aar International School

Diwali celebrations at the Emm Aar International School, Adampur, illuminated everyone’s heart with joy and fervour. The celebrations began under the supervision of Principal Navdeep Vashishta. Children from Nursery to Class II actively participated, sang poems and songs related to Diwali. The students were dressed in colorful dresses giving the significance of the festival and the relevance of eco-friendly celebrations. Children of Classes II made colorful rangoli designs, decorated candles, and lighted the diyas paying tribute to Lord Rama spreading the message of victory of good over evil. The entire block was resplendent with lovely Diwali decorations. Director Dr Simmi Tandon, applauded the efforts of the children and urged them to celebrate a clean, green, and safe Diwali.

Lyallpur Khalsa College

Social Sensitisation Cell of Lyallpur Khalsa College organised an exhibition in collaboration with an NGO, Apaar, which assists intellectually disabled adults in assimilation with society. The NGO provides quality skills training and the trainees make products all year around in their workshop like painted diyas, lanterns, earrings and decorative items. Principal Dr Gurpinder Singh Samra appreciated the initiative taken by Dr Navneet Bhullar, who is doctor in USA and started Apaar in 2014. This organisation enables these disabled adults to lead dignified and financially independent lives. Principal Dr Samra distributed fruits among them and presented saplings to Dr Navneet Bhullar. Diwali is an opportunity for them to sell various items. Lyallpur Khalsa College has given the opportunity to Apaar for displaying their products like diyas, door hangings, wooden birdhouses, tea light holders, wind chimes etc. Staff members and students encouraged them enthusiastically and purchased their stall items in huge numbers. Social Sensitisation cell members Prof. Amita Shahid (Convenor), Dr Patwant Atwal, Dr. Ubique Bedi, Dr. Manmeet Sodhi, Prof. Manish Goel and other staff members and students actively participated through the event.

KMV College

Kanya Maha Vidyalaya celebrated the festival of Diwali with fervour and enthusiasm. Principal Prof (Dr) Atima Sharma Dwivedi extended her Diwali wishes to all the staff members and the students of the college. Addressing the staff members and the students on the occasion, she averred that the people should try to celebrate eco-friendly Diwali in order to conserve the environment. She wished that this beautiful festival of Diwali may bring happiness, joy and prosperity in everyone’s life. She further maintained that every person of society should celebrate this festival with communal harmony, love and brotherhood. On this occasion, a cultural programme was also organised in which students showcased their dancing and singing talent. Students named Yukta and Diksha mesmerised everyone with their singing skills. The Principal lauded the efforts of Dr Madhumeet, Dean, Department of Student Welfare, for organising the celebrations.

Eklavya School

Eklavya School celebrated Diwali festival. Students showed their creativity for decorating the school. They enjoyed very much by doing this work. Students made charts of ‘Happy Diwali, Shubh Diwali, Shubh Labh’. They also made rangoli of different designs. They decorated their classes and reception area with different decorative materials and balloons. The items prepared by students included different types of candles, diyas and pooja thalis which were very colourful and decorated with ribbons, sparkles, beads, shells, stars, mirrors, glitters etc. Candles displayed were of varying shapes and sizes — ranging from small diya shaped to floral, floating, minar shaped, dome shaped and some were even decorated with bows and frills made of wax. Primary wing displayed their items in a very innovative way – decorating it with colourful dupattas, pictures of gods and goddesses and making various designs of rangoli ranging from geometrical to floral patterns. There was a stall put up by the pre-primary section of the school, which had candles and diyas. Dikanshant of Class 1 played dhol very nicely. Student of Class IV performed a group dance on traditional song.

DIPS (Urban Estate)

DIPS Urban Estate authorities organised a potluck activity in which the tiny tots with their pre-primary advisor Monica Mehta and teachers together had a sumptuous lunch wherein a message to live together with the family and friends was propagated. Students brought healthy snacks from home like sandwiches, juice, salad, beans, chat, poha, idli etc and ate with their friends and teachers. During the activity, preprimary teachers organised games like blindfold passing the parcel and antankshari for the amusement of children. Mothers also participated during the activity and played different games. MD Tarwinder Singh and CEO Monica Mandotra remarked that care should be taken during Covid times, nevertheless distance should not be made from friends and family.

Ivy World School

Ivy World School under the aegis of the Vasal Education Society celebrated clean and green Diwali with festive gusto. The day started with a special morning assembly wherein students delivered speeches on the significance of the festival and the relevance of eco-friendly celebrations. Decorated in vibrant hues, the school had an ambiance of joy and happiness. Students were briefed on ill-effects of burning crackers and were urged to celebrate the festival with candles, sweets and non-polluting green crackers.

Various other activities such as ‘Diya Decoration’ for Grade I to III and ‘Diwali corner decoration’ for Grade IV to VIII were organised. All the participants were very energetic and they performed enthusiastically. Principal Sanjeev Chauhan applauded the efforts of the children and also expressed her deep concern about the environment and advised the students to celebrate Green Diwali. K K Vasal, president, Vasal Educational Society, and R K Vasal, vice-president praised the efforts of the school in keeping the cultural spirit alive through such celebrations. They all wished happiness, peace, and prosperity to all.

Cambridge International

Cambridge International School (Co-Ed) celebrated Diwali in school premises. The festival fervour has already gripped the nation and to keep this spirit of festivity alive, the school celebrated the festival but with a difference. To inculcate the value of optimism and goodness, the children of Grade I and II were motivated to make colourful diyas and candles. To sparkle the life with joy and happiness the students of Grade III and IV prepared beautiful cards on this divine festival. The students of Grade V, VI, VII and VIII prepared beautiful torans and decorated the school with rangoli. Children took a pledge to celebrate green Diwali and to create awareness among the people of the society and neighbourhood. They made beautiful pledge cards with the message ‘Say no to crackers’ and ‘Use earthen diyas’. The celebration started with a traditional ceremony by worshiping Lord Ganesh and Goddess Mahalaxmi in the assembly followed by a speech in which the students were enlightened over the reason behind the celebration of Diwali every year. Poems were recited spreading the triumph of good over the evil, light over darkness. The students presented a beautiful play showcasing Rama’s triumphant return to his home. Awareness was created among the children to celebrate an eco-friendly Diwali this year. Stress was laid upon not to burst crackers as it creates noise as well as environmental pollution which leads to many health related issues and environmental problems.

MGN College of Education

Diwali was celebrated in the premises of MGN College of Education by organising Diya Decoration competition. Students of the college very creatively and aesthetically decorated the diyas. The Diwali vibes could be seen through colourful rangolis with which different areas of the college were also decorated. In this competition, Rachita Garg stood first, Rozy got second position and Kajal stood third. On this occasion, acting Principal Neelu Jhanji appreciated the efforts of students and motivated students to celebrate environment friendly Diwali. Geetanjali Mittu coordinated the event. Along with students, all the staff members witnessed the event.

Seth Hukam Chand SD Public Senior Secondary School

Seth Hukam Chand SD Public Sr Sec School, Kapurthala Road, organised various activities to mark Diwali celebrations. Various activities such as diya making, wall hanging, toran making by using origami, paper plate rangoli etc were organised in the classes. Students participated in these activities with great enthusiasm and zeal. Principal Priyanka Sharma offered warm wishes to the children and reiterated that children should celebrate pollution-free Diwali by lighting the lamps and sharing with less fortunate.

Pyramid College

Pyramid College celebrated Diwali with great devotion on the college premises. College campus decoration with lights and flowers added charm and religious fervour to the atmosphere. All the students took the initiative to decorate their classes in the most beautiful manner. To mark Diwali celebrations, the students from all the departments organised various activities. Students of the Management Department put up various stalls like ring game stall, water ball stall, tambola, and other fun activities. Hotel Management students organised stall “Vaikunth Dham”, which was further segregated into “Amrit mahal”, “Naivedyam” and “Khel Khiladi”. Besides, eatable stall included corn sandwiches and mocktails like twisted jhol, chatka marry, etc.