Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 8: On the occasion of World Literacy Day 2025, Dakshin Foundation, in collaboration with the Directorate of Education, launched the revised edition of Treasured Islands, an environmental education book designed for middle school students of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Dakshin Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to informing and catalysing conservation and natural resource management, while promoting sustainable livelihoods, social development and environmental justice.
The launch event held in Megapode resort was graced by the Chief Secretary of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar as the Chief Guest. The other eminent guests were Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Dr. Sachin Shinde, Secretary Education, Shri L. Kumar, Secretary Fisheries, Tourism, Art & Culture, Smti. Jyoti Kumari and Director of Education, Shri Vikram Singh.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Secretary highlighted the need for children to develop a sense of appreciation and understanding of the history, culture and ecology of the Islands. Highlighting the critical role of place-based education, the CS appreciated the effort that has gone into the development of the book.
Welcoming the guests, Madhuri Mondal, Policy Lead from the Andaman Nicobar Environment Team, highlighted that Treasured Islands is more than a resource book. It is a tool for place-based education, helping students connect classroom learning with the natural and cultural environment they experience daily. Aiming to build connections between the children and the nature of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the book covers a range of topics from the Oceans to the Tropical Forests.
With the support of the Directorate of Education, Treasured Islands will soon become a handbook for environmental education in middle schools across the Islands. Teachers’ training sessions are planned in the coming months to ensure effective use of the book. Additional copies will be printed so that it can reach beyond the initial 500 copies provided by Dakshin Foundation.
At the conclusion of the inaugural session, Dr. Naveen Namboothri, Trustee of Dakshin Foundation thanked the dignitaries and the participants for their precious time. He thanked Axis Cares for their support in the printing and dissemination of the book and thanked the Directorate of Education and the staff of the Science wing for their inputs and advice in revising this book. He specifically thanked the Director of Education, Shri Vikram Singh, for his interest and support in making the venture a success.
Following the book launch, a fun-filled Bingo game was conducted with the students to increase their knowledge of the island biodiversity, which saw an enthusiastic participation. The event, held on World Literacy Day, reinforced the message that literacy is not only about reading and writing but also about empowering the children and youth of the Islands, strengthening communities and shaping a sustainable future.
Among the others present on the occasion were Trustee of Dakshin Foundation Dr. Meera Anna Oommen, Staff from the Directorate of Education, Middle school students and teachers from over 15 schools along with invitees from different scientific and research organisations, youth and civil society organizations.