WWF-India and Samagra Shiksha Assam Celebrate Environmental Excellence in Schools
In a significant event at the State Mission Office of Samagra Shiksha in Assam, WWF-India, in partnership with Samagra Shiksha Assam, officially recognized and felicitated the top five performing schools under the innovative 'Mission Prakriti' programme for the academic year 2025–26. The ceremony was graced by numerous key dignitaries and prominent education leaders from across the state, underscoring the collaborative effort to promote environmental stewardship.
Mission Prakriti: A Student-Led Movement for Sustainability
'Mission Prakriti' represents a groundbreaking student-led initiative specifically designed to transform schools into environmentally sustainable spaces while simultaneously enhancing ecological awareness among students. The programme is strategically structured around five fundamental themes: biodiversity, water management, waste reduction, food sustainability, and energy conservation. This comprehensive framework provides a holistic approach to environmental education, encouraging practical implementation alongside theoretical learning.
Dignitaries and Leadership Present at the Event
The event featured an impressive assembly of officials, including Khanindra Das, OSD of Samagra Shiksha, Assam; Nirada Devi, Director of SCERT; Suranjana Senapati, Additional Secretary to the Assam Government in the Elementary Education Department and Director of Elementary Education; Archita Baruah Bhattacharyya, State Director for Assam and Arunachal Pradesh at WWF-India; Ranjit Chowdhury, Chairperson of the Assam Advisory Board; and Mala Kalita, Consultant for SSA. Their presence highlighted the governmental and organizational support for this environmental endeavour.
During her address to the gathering, Archita Baruah Bhattacharyya emphasized the profound impact and scale of Mission Prakriti in Assam. She stated, "Mission Prakriti is more than a programme — it is a movement that empowers students to become environmental leaders of tomorrow. By engaging with the five core themes, students are not only learning about sustainability but actively practising it in their schools and communities." Her words resonated with the programme's goal of fostering proactive environmental citizenship.
Recognition of Top-Performing Schools and Districts
In Assam, Mission Prakriti is being actively implemented across 4,723 ICT-enabled schools spanning all districts. Based on rigorous evaluation rubrics developed to measure performance against predefined milestones, five schools were honored for their exceptional contributions:
- Natun Fatasil Town HS, Kamrup (Metro)
- Sakai Khangia High School, Jorhat
- Bishnu Jyoti MES, Sonitpur
- PM Shri Jamira Higher Secondary School, Hailakandi
- PM Shri Gossaigaon Girls High School, Kokrajhar
Additionally, Tinsukia district received special recognition as the 'best district' for its outstanding implementation of the programme. Nodal officers or representatives from the top ten districts were also honored for their active and dedicated participation, showcasing widespread commitment to environmental education across the region.
This initiative not only celebrates academic achievement but also reinforces the critical role of youth in driving sustainable development and ecological conservation efforts in Assam and beyond.
