Sri Vijaya Puram, July 14: As part of Swachhata Pakhwada (01-15 July 2026), the Atal Centre for Ocean Science and Technology for Islands (ACOSTI), a field centre of the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, organized an awareness-cum-competition programme at Government Senior Secondary School (GSSS), Bathu Basthi, Sri Vijaya Puram, in accordance with the directions of Prof. Balaji Ramakrishnan, Director, NIOT. The initiative aimed to create awareness among students on sanitation, hygiene, and environmental responsibility, encouraging their active participation in the Swachh Bharat Mission.
The NIOT-ACOSTI team was warmly welcomed by the Principal, Mr. J. Dasan Pushparaj, along with the school staff and students, and expressed his gratitude to the NIOT- ACOSTI scientific team for their efforts in educating young minds and organizing the programme. Around 60 students from various classes, along with teachers and NIOT-ACOSTI staff, actively participated in the programme. Competitions such as essay & slogan writing, drawing, and poetry were conducted to promote awareness on cleanliness and environmental protection.
Prizes were distributed by Dr. Dilip Kumar Jha, Scientist F & OIC, NIOT-ACOSTI, to the winners. He also interacted with the students and appreciated their enthusiasm and creativity. On this occasion, sanitation and cleaning materials were distributed to the school to support and encourage the maintenance of a clean and hygienic environment. The initiative reinforced the importance of cleanliness, sustainability, and collective responsibility towards building a cleaner and healthier India.