ICAR-MGIFRI, Motihari Organises Swachhata-Themed Creative Competitions for School Children

1 October 2026, Motihari, Bihar

ICAR–Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute, Motihari, organised a series of Swachhata-themed painting, poster-making and slogan-writing competitions for school children at Government School, Piprakothi, as part of the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS)–2026 campaign.

The programme, organised under the guidance of Dr Raghavendra Singh, Director, ICAR-MGIFRI, aimed to engage children in promoting cleanliness, sanitation, responsible waste management and environmental protection through creative and participatory activities.

The students enthusiastically participated in competitions centred on cleanliness, waste segregation, reduction of plastic waste, environmental protection and the 3Rs—Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Through paintings, posters and slogans, they conveyed messages on keeping schools and public spaces clean, avoiding littering, using dustbins, reducing single-use plastics and adopting responsible waste disposal practices.

Following the competitions, scientists and staff of ICAR-MGIFRI conducted an awareness session on waste segregation at source and responsible waste management, explaining the distinction between biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste through simple, practical examples. The students were encouraged to minimise waste generation, reuse materials, recycle wherever possible and adopt reusable alternatives to single-use plastics.

Interacting with the students, Dr Raghavendra Singh emphasised the importance of inculcating cleanliness and environmental responsibility among children from an early age. He encouraged the students to make Swachhata a part of their daily lives and inspire their families and communities through their actions. The programme also highlighted the spirit of Jan Bhagidari, underscoring that a clean and healthy environment requires active participation from individuals, institutions and communities.

The programme concluded with the evaluation of entries and prize distribution for the three competitions. The winners were recognised for their creativity and understanding of Swachhata-related themes, while all participating students were appreciated for their enthusiastic participation. The school authorities and teachers also appreciated the initiative and interaction with the ICAR-MGIFRI team.

Through the initiative, ICAR-MGIFRI reinforced the message that children can play an important role as ambassadors of Swachhata, carrying the values of cleanliness, responsible waste management and environmental stewardship from schools to homes and communities, contributing towards a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable India.

(Source: ICAR–Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute, Motihari, Bihar)