By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 22 Oct: Maa Anandmayee Memorial School celebrated its 34th Founders Day, “Udaan”, in its senior wing at Gauri Mafi, Raiwala. The Chief Guest on the occasion was environmentalist Chandi Prasad Bhatt, while the Guest of Honour was young climate change activist Ridhima Pandey. Also present were Members of the Board of MAMS, Director Arpit Panjwani, Principal Prasenjit Chakraborty, Headmistress Amita Ohri, Staff, Parents and Students.
The distinguished guests lit the ceremonial lamp and garlanded the Founder, late Ram Panjwani’s statue. It was followed by Saraswati Vandana, and speeches by the Head Boy and Head Girl. There were programmes like dance, drama, music, yoga, etc. A fascinating Chinese dance ‘Shan Wu’ was presented by senior students. Junior students presented a skit on ‘Amelioration of Technology’. Punjabi, Garhwali and The ‘Robin Hood Army’ (zero fund organization) representative oriented the audience to the work it has been doing for Zero Hunger. He shared that, every year, around 40% of food goes waste, which can be used to feed millions. The ‘Army’ has been raising public awareness on zero wastage and zero hunger as its core area of work.
The annual magazine of the school, ‘Mamritam’, was released by Chandi Prasad Bhatt and Ridhima Pandey. Bhatt recalled the days of the Chipko Movement and how unique it was. He stressed upon the need for similar community led movements to safeguard the environment in the age of rapid urbanisation and how students could play a pivotal role as torch bearers.
Ridhima Pandey, a student of class VIIIth, BM DAV Public School, Haridwar, was the centre of attraction. Ridhima filed a complaint to protest the lack of government action on the climate crisis at the UN Climate Action Summit with 16 children, including Greta Thunberg. She filed a petition in 2017 as well with the National Green Tribunal against the government for failing to take action on climate change. She had recently gone to New York to attend the United Nations Climate Action Summit. Ridhima motivated her peers to take proactive steps on countering climate change.
Director Panjwani proposed the vote of thanks.
A play was presented by the senior students of the school raising awareness on the growing menace of drug abuse.
School Principal Prasenjit Chakraborty presented the Annual Report. The event was also attended by Divya Panjwani (Trustee), Mahesh Panjwani ( Chairman), Udit Panjwani and his wife.
