Baramulla,24 April: The Kashmir Environmental and Social Organization (KESO) commemorated Earth Day 2026 with a two-day programme in the border areas of Uri and Boniyar in Baramulla district, bringing together students, educators, and environmental advocates to raise awareness about climate change and promote sustainable living.
The programme was held under the global theme “Our Planet, Our Power,” the initiative highlighted the urgent need for environmental conservation, especially in the ecologically fragile Himalayan region. The programme was supported by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, and witnessed enthusiastic participation from students of Army Goodwill School Uri and Army Goodwill School Boniyar.
A variety of activities were organized during the event, including painting competitions, slogan writing, on-the-spot essay writing, cultural performances, plantation drives, and a student human chain. These activities aimed to engage young minds and encourage them to adopt practical measures for protecting the environment.
The programme was attended by several dignitaries, including Principal Baljeet Kour of Army Goodwill School Uri, Principal Syed Aabid of Army Goodwill School Boniyar, Vice Principal Manzoor Ahmad, Coordinator Hilal Khan, KESO Chairperson Rukhsana Maqbool, Programme Coordinator Anayat Malik, and event organizer Muzaffar Ahmad.
In her inaugural address, Chairperson Rukhsana Maqbool highlighted the visible and alarming impact of climate change in the Kashmir Valley. She urged students to understand their responsibility in safeguarding the environment for future generations. Programme Coordinator Anayat Malik spoke about the region’s environmental vulnerability and stressed the need for proactive and sustainable measures to tackle emerging ecological challenges.
Muzaffar Ahmad emphasized the importance of research-based approaches in addressing climate-related issues, while Principal Baljeet Kour underlined the significance of collective efforts in environmental protection. “Earth Day reminds us that the health of our planet is closely linked to the well-being of our communities and future generations,” she said.
Principal Syed Aabid also addressed the gathering, speaking about the impact of climate change on daily life and calling for urgent collective action to preserve the environment.
The programme also featured an interactive session with students, focusing on the importance of Earth Day and environmental awareness. The event concluded with the distribution of mementos to guests of honour in recognition of their contributions to environmental conservation.
Hundreds of students from various schools in Uri and Boniyar attended the programme and took a pledge to adopt eco-friendly practices in their daily lives.
At Boniyar, Rimsha Javid secured first position in the essay writing competition, followed by Umrah Ali and Noorul Amin Huda. In slogan writing, Zahid Hilal, Rehan, and Reva Ayyoub emerged as the top three winners, while Sayam Yaseen topped the painting competition, followed by Hadiya Altaf and Shazia Iqbal.
Similarly, at Uri, Faizan Shabir, Subra Mudasir, and Sara Zubair excelled in the painting competition. Zoha Mir, Syed Furqan, and Umama secured top positions in slogan writing, while Arizoo Zaheen, Faiqa Altaf, and Tooba Batool were the winners in the essay writing competition.
All winners were felicitated with mementos, certificates, and cash prizes. Certificates of participation were also distributed among all participants, and refreshments were served.
The programme concluded on a positive note, reaffirming KESO’s commitment to promoting environmental awareness and encouraging community-driven efforts towards sustainable development in Jammu and Kashmir.
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