In the bustling halls of GHS Jakkur, a green revolution was underway, fueled by the passion and dedication of the students and their supportive mentor, Mrs. Vijaya Bharathi, through the Veggie4school Gardens initiative. What began as a simple gardening project became a profound environmental awareness, empowerment, and community engagement journey.

Among the enthusiastic participants were Anjaneya, Gayathri, and Mohammed Imad, who eagerly embraced their roles as eco-explorers, driven by curiosity and a desire to impact their surroundings positively. Alongside their peers, they embarked on an enlightening expedition, discovering the interconnectedness of nature and the importance of sustainable practices.

Under the guidance of Mrs. Vijaya Bharathi and the Garden Gurus, including Dhanush M and Mohammed Tahir, students delved into various aspects of environmental stewardship, from composting to waste segregation. Hands-on activities like pot-making and garden maintenance taught them valuable skills while fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

The impact of the Veggie4school Gardens initiative extended beyond the school grounds as Eco Explorers shared their newfound knowledge and enthusiasm with their families and communities. Through reflection forms and feedback sessions, students articulated their experiences and aspirations, showcasing the depth of their engagement and the breadth of their impact:

Willingness to Educate Others

• Waste Segregation Advocacy: Pavani S expressed a strong commitment to sharing, stating, “Yes, it is essential,” echoing the sentiment of 91% of students
• Interest in Recycling Techniques: Manjunatha A showed a keen interest in learning more, reflecting the curiosity of 42% of respondents.

As these budding environmental champions continue to nurture their green sanctuary, their collective efforts serve as a beacon of hope for a greener, more sustainable future, one seedling, one eco-conscious decision at a time.

Headmistress Rukmini of Government Primary School Jakkur takes pride in her 76 budding gardeners laying the groundwork for a healthier planet with their V4S garden. Mrs. Rukmini described her reasoning: “Joining the Veggie4School program allows us to integrate real-world, experiential learning opportunities into our curriculum. Through activities like planting and tending to crops, our students develop valuable skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and environmental awareness.”

Abdul Sakib, Akshara, Anjaneya, Anushka Choudki, Arunkumar, B Manu, B Prashanth, Barna Das, Bindushree V, Chaitra Bai, Charvini, Dhananjay M K, Dhanush M, Dhanyatha A, Gayathri, Hajeera Reyan, Hanumatharaya, Harishesha K V, Harsha, Harshavardhana B, Jayadeep A, Jeeth Adhikari, Jyothi, Likhith S, Lishitha S, Madhumitha, Manjunatha A, Manojkumar, Manunaika, Mohammed Irfan, Mohammed Tahir, Mohammed Farhan, Mohammed Imad, Mohammed Munthajir, Mohammed Mursalin, Monika M, Ngaraja P, Nandini, Pavani S, Pushpa, Ramachandran, Ramya M, Rohith R, S Anilkumar, Sadik, Saphia Jainab, Sagar S D, Samreen, Samuel, Sangareddy S, Shravanth, Somnath Mondal, Sri Janani L, Suryansh, Vignesh Gowda S, Jainab.