Between 6 and 9 October 2026, SVARNIM Puducherry carried out five activities across environmental conservation, environmental education, water resource monitoring, academic outreach, and youth mental health. Together, they show how SVARNIM combines hands-on learning for children and young people with continuous field work and sustained engagement with schools, colleges, and communities.
Seed Planting near Bahour Lake (6 October)
Students of the Aranganoor Bridge Education Centre took part in a seed-planting activity in their locality near Bahour Lake, fostering a deeper connection with their surroundings and local water bodies. The initiative encouraged students to understand the importance of conserving lakes, protecting biodiversity, and nurturing nature. Through this hands-on experience, students were motivated to develop environmental responsibility and become active participants in the conservation of their local ecosystems.
Exposure Visit to Aurovanam by MIT College (7 October)
A group of 56 students and 2 tutors from MIT (Manakula Vinayagar Information Technology) College visited the Aurovanam Environmental Campus to gain insights into the natural environment, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable living practices. The students explored native seed varieties, the saplings nursery, rare plant species collections, and the butterfly garden, gaining first-hand exposure to the richness of biodiversity and the importance of nature conservation.
The visit also introduced students to sustainable technologies and eco-friendly solutions, including biogas, solar energy, a solar drier, and a container-model laboratory setup, highlighting practical applications of renewable energy. Students also visited the Nature Interpretation Centre, which helps visitors understand the ecological significance of the natural world. Photographs from the day show the students gathered in a large group beneath the shade of a banyan tree near the campus's wooden structure, listening closely to the guide. A video session titled “Wonders of Nature Around Us” was screened in an open hall, featuring close-up footage of creatures such as a millipede, followed by an interactive discussion on how observations of nature inspire human discoveries, innovations, and scientific advancements.
Open Well Monitoring (8 October)
The SVARNIM team conducts fortnightly monitoring of open wells in identified locations to assess groundwater levels and track seasonal fluctuations. The latest round was carried out at Kalapet, Sandhaipudukuppam, and Thondamanatham. Field photographs show team members at the wells with measuring equipment, recording readings at structures that range from overgrown, partly covered wells to open wells with algae on the water surface. The observations help the team understand groundwater availability, the impact of rainfall and recharge measures, and the effectiveness of local water conservation initiatives, supporting informed decision-making and sustainable groundwater management in the region.
Orientation for MSW Students from Palamuru University (9 October)
SVARNIM Puducherry, Sri Aurobindo Society, conducted an orientation programme at its office for 21 students and 2 faculty members from the Department of Social Work, Palamuru University, Telangana. The group, Master of Social Work senior students, was in Puducherry on a study tour, and a group photograph was taken with the Sri Aurobindo Society sign. The session introduced the founding of Sri Aurobindo Society and its conscious approach to holistic development and social transformation.
World Mental Health Day Celebration (9 October)
Our Responsibility to Children (ORC), SVARNIM Puducherry, in association with the NSS Cell and the Institution's Innovation Council (IIC), organised a World Mental Health Day celebration at Perunthalaivar Kamarajar
Government Arts and Science College, Kalitheerthalkuppam, Puducherry, on 9 October 2026. Held under the theme “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change”, the programme saw the participation of 77 students.
The programme focused on raising awareness about mental health, emotional well-being, life skills, coping strategies, empathy, and gender equality. The sessions emphasised listening without judgement, understanding individual experiences, offering emotional support, and fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.
The role of education, sports, and healthy lifestyle practices in promoting mental well-being was also highlighted. The programme was facilitated by Dr. P. R. Vinothkumar, Programme Coordinator, ORC, along with psychologists Ms. M. Pavithra, Ms. K. Gunalakshmi, Mr. R. Ganesamoorthy, and Ms. G. Devi, in association with the college's NSS Programme Officers, Dr. A. Senthamilraja and Dr. J. Udayageetha. The celebration encouraged students to break the stigma surrounding mental health, practise empathy, and contribute to a caring, inclusive, and emotionally supportive community.
Over four days, the five activities engaged school children, college students, and faculty from several institutions. The seed planting and Aurovanam visit built environmental awareness, the well monitoring added to the data guiding water conservation efforts, the Palamuru University orientation opened doors for future internships and volunteering, and the World Mental Health Day programme helped 77 students engage openly with emotional well-being.
