Bangalore: How can we spark interest in biodiversity among schoolchildren? One effective method is through a scrap-sheet activity using leaves and flowers. Children don’t need to venture far to collect specimens, as their surroundings are rich in biodiversity. The Green Circle team organized an event for approximately 80 students in classes 6 to 8 on World Environment Day to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity.

The task involved collecting fallen leaves and flowers from the garden and creating a creative scrap sheet showcasing the various types. The children were excited about this hands-on activity, gathering a wide range of leaves with different shapes and colourful flowers. Once the specimens were collected, they were arranged on sheets in various artistic forms, some portraying nature and related patterns. Impressed by the vibrant designs, the organizers decided to award prizes for the best creations, ultimately shortlisting about eight designs. Vindya from Green Circle, a jury member, commented, “The students’ creativity exceeded expectations, making it challenging for the jury to choose the best designs. Therefore, we decided to recognize all the children who excelled.” This activity was part of Green Circle’s World Environment Day celebrations, and the participants came from Sai Shankar Vidyashala in Sriramanahalli, managed by the People’s Trust. Meanwhile, Kumar Kalyandurg of Green Circle oversaw an essay competition for senior students in grades 9 and 10 at the same school. Various environment-related topics were provided, and prizes were awarded for the best essays. On the same day, around 100 students participated in a plogging drive at Dharmadarshi Nanaiah Park, collecting approximately 100 kg of plastic waste. Vasanth Kumar of Green Circle led this initiative. Earlier in the school assembly, Anvi, a 9th-grade student from Kendriya Vidyalaya, demonstrated her project, which involved developing a zero-cost fertilizer from organic waste. Harish Udhaiah honoured her with a memento, and Ganga, the headmaster of the school, provided the vote of thanks.