January 31, 2011
Department of Social Work, Amritapuri
 

The Amala Bharatam Campaign envisioned by Chancellor Amma, and begun by the students of Amrita, is now beginning to inspire students at other schools and colleges, as well.
 

Forty-five students from the coastal region of Karunagappally Thaluk participated in a painting competition organized by Amritapuri’s Department of Social Work. The theme of the competition was waste management.
 

The Amala Bharatam Campaign came alive in a powerful way through evocative student sketches.
 

Mr. Shoolapani, Head Master of Government Fisheries Higher Secondary School in Kuzhithura thanked Amrita for organizing the competition.
 

“Any activity that involves children will be fruitful, as they are the vibrant citizens of tomorrow,” he said.
 

Balu, who studies in this school painted a telling picture on environmental pollution.
 

“Today, a few brothers and sisters of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham came and gave us a chance to reflect on this issue,” he shared enthusiastically.
 

“Next time, when you come, you must tell us more about this topic. It will be useful for all students in our school.”
 

For Archana A, Gladson, Nayana, Sumesh, Anees, Paulson, Kala Raj, Rucku, Joby, Harikrishnan, Manu, Mona, Eldo, Nishanth, Sathyaraj, Archana RS and Samseer, first-year MSW students who facilitated this competition, there could have been no greater acknowledgement.
 

They heard similar sentiments expressed at other schools they visited.
 

Bineeshlas at the Government High School in Azhikal sorrowfully reflected, “As days pass by, mother earth is drowning in pollution. For artificial benefits, we are destroying the natural beauty of our land.”
 

“Through my picture, I have tried to show a few ideas. I hope Amrita can implement these ideas; Amrita has the capability of bringing positive changes in the minds of people.”
 

The painting competition was also organized in the Government Vocational Higher Secondary School in Cheriazhekkal.
 

At all schools, the program was inaugurated by the respective principals/head masters. Amrita faculty members including M. M. Rajeev, Renjith R. Pillai and Gireesh Kumar coordinated the program in collaboration with school teachers.
 

Best paintings from every school will be selected by a judging panel; these students will be invited to the Amrita campus in February to take part in the final stage of the competition series.