MAHARAJA HARI SINGH FOUNDATION INITIATES ECO-FRIENDLY AND SUSTAINABLE DIWALI CELEBRATION AT DPS JAMMU, KATRA AND NAGBANI IN COLLABORATION WITH JKRLM AND UMEED

Friday, November 10, 2023

Delhi Public School (DPS) Jammu, Katra and Nagbani under the leadership of Pro Vice Chairperson Dr. Kuwarani Ritu Singh organised a Pollution-Free Diwali celebration with a primary objective to blend traditional and cultural elements into the festivities. DPS collaborated with JKRLM and UMEED Rural Women Organization for a workshop and outreach program, emphasizing "Vocal for Local" and supporting rural women's economic empowerment. Students from DPS Jammu, Katra and Nagbani participated in an eco-friendly diya and toran making workshop.This eco-friendly Diwali celebration was enriched by the invaluable contributions of trainers from JKRLM and UMEED, who played a pivotal role in guiding and empowering the participating students. The art of crafting cow dung diyas was imparted by Sheela Devi and Reva Rajput from Udhampur. The skill of creating marigold torans was shared by Madhu Devi from Bhalwal. The students were adeptly trained in customised toran making by Preeti Devi and Babli Devi from Khour. DPS, known for its commitment to empowerment, inclusion, and sustainability, aimed to make this Diwali special by spreading the light of love and compassion through a focus on an eco-friendly and sustainable future. Parents of the participating students were also invited at the event to witnessed their children's creative endeavours. Colourful and creative hand-made torans, diyas, home-made mala, and tikkis adorned various stalls, captivating the attention of attendees. The event commenced with a rendition of the Om mantra by students from all three schools, followed by a Ganesh Vandana and cultural presentations by DPS Nagbani students. Kuwarani Ritu Singh, along with students, parents and teachers actively participated in encouraging and supporting the rural women's organisation strengthening them economically. The momentous occasion was graced by esteem S.S Sodhi, Director/PVC DPS Jammu/ Katra Nagbani and Shruti Uppal, Block Program Manager UMEED, Bhalwal. Students also presented hand-made Diwali greeting cards to the guests. Further, Khadi-certified curated by PVC, Kuwarani Ritu
Singh were presented to all guests as a symbol of sustainable and indigenous craftsmanship.
The school’s motto "Service Before Self" embodies DPS's commitment to empowerment, inclusion and sustainability making their Diwali celebration a unique and meaningful contribution to a pollution-free future. The occasion was enriched by the presence of Ruchi Chabra, Principal, DPS Jammu, Meenu Gupta, HM-DPS Jammu, Simmi Sharma, Manager Administration-DPS Katra and Manikarnika Sharma, In-Charge Principal-DPS Katra. Raj Kumar Verma, Principal-DPS Nagbani along with Bhawna Madaan, Headmistress, graced the occasion highlighting the collaborative spirit among the DPS community.