The winners of Swachhata Pakhwada 2023 were felicitated at the state level felicitation programme held in collaboration with Samagra Shiksha at the directorate of School Education, here on Monday.
The event was graced by advisor of School Education & SCERT, Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome as special guest.
In his address, Yhome said 1350 government schools were observing Swachhata Pakhwada which began in 2016.
He said there were two levels of cleanliness and the one observed under this program had more to do with the physical cleanliness.
Yhome said people did not have much concept of personal hygiene in the past, however, since the advent of Christianity into Nagaland many things like personal hygiene had been picked up.
He observed that India being a big country with a huge population, the art of cleanliness should be taught to its citizens.
He pointed out that when the Covid-19 pandemic broke out, the need to teach something such as basic washing of hands was greatly felt. Yhome said self care and personal hygiene could also be translated as progressing into modernity.
He pointed out that there were around 4 lakh students under the School Education system in the State including private and government institutions. “If 4 lakh students drops 2 sweet wrappers each then in a given day around 8 lakh wrappers would turn into more than millions of waste in a year. All these would contribute towards our carbon footprint and therefore this needs to be dealt with effectively. We have to be mindful,” Yhome said.
He also said children should also be taught on how to stay healthy by taking bath regularly.
He also congratulated the winners of various competitions held under this program.
Delivering the keynote address, commissioner & secretary, School Education & SCERT, Kevileno Angami said Swachhata Pakhwada also called Cleanliness Fortnight had been observed across the country annually since 2016.
She informed that the program was observed from September 1 to 15 during which the importance of cleanliness was both taught and practiced.
She pointed out that although the program was designed for just a fortnight, the habit of cleanliness should be practised throughout a person’s life.
Therefore, she said it was important to inculcate this habit to people when they were still young and children has to be groomed so that they would make it a part of their lives as they grow up.
She pointed out that besides homes and schools, people should also keep their surroundings clean as well.
In this regard she urged the cooperation of students, teachers, parents and every citizen to work hand in hand.
Earlier, the felicitation programme was chaired by principal director, School Education, Thavaseelan K and invocation by joint director, School Education, Nuchisalu Nienu. Vote of thanks was proposed by director, School Education, Wonthungo Tsopoe.
Winners list.
Painting:
First-John GHSS (Kohima)
Second-Assam Rifles public School (Kohima)
Third-Assam Rifles public school (Kohima)
Craft/Model Making:
1st Model School (Mon)
2nd GHS Jakhama (Kohima)
3rd GMS Alichen (Mokokchung)
Slogan:
1st GHS Mezoma (Kohima)
2nd Zakiesato Memorial High School (Dimapur)
3rd GHS Toluvi (Dimapur)
Poem:
1st EMRS Diphupar (Dimapur)
2nd EMRS Diphupar (Dimapur)
3rd Zakiesato Memorial High School (Dimapur)
Essay:
1st John GHSS (Kohima)
2nd EMRS Diphupar (Dimapur)
3rd John GHSS (Kohima)
Cleanliness:
1st GHS Pughoboto (Zunheboto)
2nd GPS Dibuia (Mokokchung)
3rd Police Unit Mon (Mon)