AmritCem’s Deepor Beelclean-up nets 78 kgs plastic

Marking the 79th Independence Day with action and purpose, AmritCem, the flagship brand of Amrit Cement Limited, through its CSR wing—Amrit Foundation—placed environmental protection at the heart of its three-day celebration in partnership with Akshar Foundation.
Under the theme “Freedom to Learn, Power to Grow”, the event began on 14th August with a symbolic clean-up drive at Deepor Beel, Assam’s only Ramsar wetland site and a biodiversity treasure. Students from Akshar Foundation intervention schools, including Akshar Forum students, alongside AmritCem volunteers, collected 78 kilograms of plastic waste—one for each year of India’s freedom—sending a strong message on collective responsibility to protect the environment.
Wearing gloves and carrying sacks, students worked in teams along the wetland, gaining hands-on experience in sustainability, teamwork, and civic responsibility while making a visible difference to their surroundings.
Speaking about the drive, Pradeep Bagla, managing director, Amrit Cement Limited, said, “Clean surroundings are the foundation of a healthy and progressive nation. This Independence Day, our clean-up at Deepor Beel reflects our belief that freedom comes with the duty to preserve our natural heritage for future generations. At AmritCem, we believe that true freedom is about building not just infrastructure, but stronger, self-reliant communities.”
The event also featured an art and craft competition, where children showcased their vision of a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable India.
The celebrations culminated on 15th August with a flag hoisting ceremony, NCC parade, cultural performances, and the inauguration of an under-construction kitchen funded by Amrit Foundation—a space that will serve nutritious meals and double as a vocational training centre for students.
Speaking on the occasion, Alaka Sarma, Founder & Executive Director, Akshar Foundation, said:
“Our mission has always been to empower children not just academically, but as responsible citizens. Initiatives like this clean-up teach them that their actions matter, and that they can be leaders in building a sustainable future. Partnering with AmritCem makes these lessons stronger and more impactful.”
Parmita Sarma, Co-founder & Associate Director, Akshar Foundation, said, “We deeply appreciate AmritCem’s support in building our capacity to serve students better. The upcoming kitchen will nourish our children and empower them with vocational skills. The Deepor Beel clean-up was equally meaningful—it taught our students that caring for the environment is as essential as classroom learning.”
Pradeep Sharma, Vice President – Logistics, Amrit Cement Limited, reflected, “The collaboration brought together purpose and action. Witnessing students and volunteers work collectively for the environment and education was both motivating and impactful. The spirit they showed is what will drive long-term change.”
Akanchha Dubey, Principal, Akshar Forum, noted, “The energy and commitment displayed by our students during these activities reflect their readiness to lead and learn. Through the clean-up, art activities, and interactions, they understood sustainability, teamwork, and civic responsibility in a way that goes beyond textbooks. This collaboration is a step forward in empowering them holistically.”