In Guwahati, an innovative approach to education under the guidance of Tilottama Phookan is teaching students the importance of waste management alongside traditional academics. At Shiksha Niketan, the school she founded in 2002, environmental responsibility is a fundamental value. Growing up in Shillong and later moving to Guwahati, Phookan was acutely aware of the issues caused by careless waste disposal, and she has made it her mission to instil sustainable habits in her students.
Initially facing challenges with waste accumulation and inadequate disposal systems, Phookan implemented practical measures to reduce waste on campus. Students are encouraged to bring three pencils instead of sharpeners to minimize shavings and to pack home-cooked meals to decrease packaging waste. Through these efforts, the school has successfully eliminated dustbins, demonstrating a commitment to cleanliness and sustainability.
Phookan has introduced a unique grading system where students earn marks for engaging in activities such as waste collection and gardening, which are factored into their quarterly evaluations. This approach addresses the local challenges of waste management in the city, where overflowing garbage and blocked drains have become pressing concerns. By linking waste segregation to academic performance, Phookan has prompted students to take their responsibilities seriously. A pivotal moment came when students visited the Deepor Beel dumping ground, which inspired them to consistently bring in waste for proper disposal.
To date, the school has gathered around 3,800 kg of waste, partnering with a local NGO called ‘Mid-way Journey’. This organization helps transport and process the collected materials at a recovery facility in Lalganesh, where they are sorted for recycling.
As the global community grapples with escalating waste crises, Phookan believes that empowering students to view garbage as a learning opportunity prepares them to cultivate a generation that cares for the planet. By instilling a sense of responsibility towards waste, she hopes her students will contribute to a more sustainable future.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/eco-friendly-school-instils-no-trash-idea-in-students/articleshow/122133923.cms
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Publish Date: 2025-06-29 05:03:00
