DPS JAMMU, DPS KATRA AND DPS NAGBANI UNITE FOR "SWACHHTA HI SEVA (SHS)-2023" CAMPAIGN ON GANDHI JAYANTI

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

In response to the honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's call for 'Ek Tareekh, Ghanta, Ek Saath' – a national call to action for one hour of citizen-led Shramdaan for Swachhata (cleanliness) on October 1st, 2023, at 10:00 am, the staff and students of DPS Jammu, DPS Katra, and DPS Nagbani under the directive of Dr. Kuwarani Ritu Singh Ji, Honourable Founder Member Trustee/Pro-Vice Chairperson of DPS Jammu, Katra, and Nagbani, came together to participate in a remarkable initiative on cleanliness at Bawe Wali Mata, Bahu Fort, Jammu. The purpose of this campaign was twofold: to instill the values of cleanliness and sanitation in the hearts of our students and to offer a heartfelt Swachhanjali (tribute) to Mahatma Gandhi on the eve of his Jayanti.
The students embarked on a Swachhata rally, carrying impactful slogans that resonated with the importance of cleanliness. They tirelessly cleaned the area using broomsticks, presented a thought-provoking nukkad natak (street play), and engaged with the general public to raise awareness about cleanliness.
Dr. Kuwarani Ritu Singh Ji, extended her guidance and support to all three schools for this noble event. Under her guidance the students and staff of all three DPS Schools also launched a cleanliness anthem as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of his birth anniversary along with a video presentation on the cleanliness campaign carried out on 1st October which was greatly appreciated by all.
Earlier, the schools also organized a special assembly to mark the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. Students and staff members paid floral tributes to the Mahatma. Class II students of DPS Jammu presented a heart-warming group song, including Bapu's favourite bhajan, "Vaishnav Jan ke tene kahiye." The school Environment Club Secretaries- Ekaumjit Singh, and Tehzeeb Kour led the entire campaign, while Ayn Bhola, delivered a compelling speech highlighting the significance of cleanliness and also suggested the need for laws to penalize those who litter, urinate, or throw garbage in public spaces.
Before going in public, all 3 DPS Schools carried out the cleanliness drive in their respective schools and took the swacchata pledge under directions of Dr. Kuwarani Ritu Singh Ji, to minimize carbon footprints, reuse plastics, ban single use plastic, plant more trees, and take actions such as, using khadi certificates and banners for sustainable future. During the Swacchata Campaign, students also discussed the concept of creating art exhibits and installations from the waste they collected, emphasizing the "waste to wealth" principle.
It is noteworthy that nine years ago, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had initiated the Swachh Bharat Mission, and citizens from all walks of life enthusiastically embraced the call for cleanliness, making it a national behaviour. As a prelude to Gandhi Jayanti, the Prime Minister issued a unique call to action during the 105th episode of Mann Ki Baat, appealing all citizens to dedicate one hour of Shramdaan for Swachhata at 10:00 am on October 1st. The three DPS schools of Jammu, Katra, and Nagbani successfully completed this challenge at the serene Bawe Wali Mata, Bahu Fort, Jammu on Sunday, October 1st, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
The esteemed management of DPS Jammu, including Sh. M.K Ajatshatru Singh Ji, Honourable President-RCT, Dr. Kuwarani Ritu Singh Ji, Distinguished Founder Trustee/PVC, and Sh. S. S. Sodhi Ji Honorable Director, extended their heartfelt congratulations to all the participants and the school staff for carrying out the Swacchata Campaign successfully and for nurturing the right values in the young children.
Principal-Ms. Ruchi Chabra appreciated the budding eco-warriors and encouraged them to continue organizing such cleanliness campaigns in future also. She thanked the parents for their support and cooperation in making this event a resounding success.
Headmistress Ms. Meenu Gupta also applauded the efforts and commitment of all involved.