STEM Learning in Action – February 2026 Posted on March 14, 2026 by Divya Priya During February 2026, STEM learning sessions were conducted across several schools to encourage scientific curiosity and practical understanding among students. The sessions were organized for middle school students and focused on strengthening their knowledge in Biology, Physics, and Chemistry through interactive teaching methods. Students explored a variety of engaging topics such as Life Processes in Plants, Diversity in the Living World, How Nature Works in Harmony, Mirrors and Lenses, and The Amazing World of Solute and Solvent. These topics helped students understand fundamental scientific concepts while connecting them with real-life applications. The sessions were conducted in multiple schools including NVGMS Pillaiyachavadi, GHS Alankuppam, CGHS Abishegapakkam, CAEC College, TPGHSS Ariyankuppam, SNGHS Pondicherry, and AAAGMS Mutharayarpalayam. Through demonstrations, discussions, and interactive learning activities, students actively participated and developed a deeper interest in science. Overall, the STEM sessions provided students with valuable opportunities to explore scientific ideas, strengthen their conceptual understanding, and develop curiosity for further learning in science and technology.
Empowering Communities: Our Responsibility to Children February Highlights Posted on March 14, 2026March 14, 2026 by Divya Priya Community ProgramUnder the initiative “Our Responsibility to Children,” community engagement programs are conducted every year to create awareness and support the well-being of communities. Beginning in February 2026, a series of community programs were initiated for women associated with Anganwadi centers.Since February is widely recognized as Psychology Month, the sessions focused on themes related to mental health, emotional well-being, relationships, and personal development.During the month, four community programs were conducted with the participation of 137 women. 1. Enhancing Mental Health Among WomenPlace: Pookkara StreetParticipants: 55 WomenA community awareness program on “Enhancing Mental Health Among Women” was organized to promote emotional well-being and create awareness about mental health. The session discussed common challenges such as stress, emotional overload, and balancing multiple roles and responsibilities.Participants learned about self-care practices, stress management techniques, emotional expression, and the importance of seeking support when needed. Practical strategies such as relaxation techniques, positive thinking, time management, and building supportive relationships were explained in a simple and relatable manner.Interactive discussions allowed women to share their experiences and concerns openly. The session also addressed myths and stigmas associated with mental health and emphasized that seeking help is a sign of strength. The program successfully increased awareness and encouraged participants to adopt healthier practices for mental well-being. 2. Utilizing the Power of Humor to Burst Out from a Stressful LifePlace: Pavanar Nagar, BoomiyanpetParticipants: 15 Anganwadi StaffThis program focused on the role of humor and positivity in reducing stress and improving emotional well-being. The session began with an ice-breaking activity that encouraged participants to relax and engage with one another.Participants took part in fun activities such as singing, dancing, and group interaction, which created a joyful atmosphere. The session also discussed themes such as responsibility, equality, avoiding excessive stress, and practicing self-love.Self-love was highlighted as an important aspect of maintaining mental health, encouraging participants to treat themselves with kindness, set healthy boundaries, and prioritize their well-being. 3. Time to Laugh DayPlace: Pavanar Nagar, BoomiyanpetParticipants: 35 Anganwadi StaffA special program was organized to celebrate “Time to Laugh Day,” emphasizing laughter as a natural way to relieve stress and improve emotional health.The session included interactive activities, humor sharing, laughter exercises, and group participation games, which helped create a positive and energetic environment. The program highlighted how laughter can improve mood, strengthen social connections, and support overall mental well-being. 4. Breast Cancer Awareness ProgramPlace: Pookara Street Anganwadi – MuthialpetParticipants: 32 WomenA Breast Cancer Awareness Program was conducted to promote early detection and preventive healthcare among women.The session provided information about risk factors, warning signs, and screening methods such as Breast Self-Examination (BSE), Clinical Breast Examination, and Mammography. Participants were guided through a step-by-step explanation of breast self-examination, enabling them to regularly monitor their breast health.Preventive measures including maintaining a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, regular physical activity, and routine health check-ups were discussed. The session also addressed myths and misconceptions related to breast cancer through interactive discussions. Focused Intervention ProgramCapacity Building Training on Decision MakingPlace: Udhavi Karangal Samuga Nala Thondu Kalvi Iyakkam, NonankuppamParticipants: 24 MembersA Capacity Building Training Programme on Decision Making was conducted to strengthen participants’ ability to make informed, responsible, and confident decisions in their personal and social lives.The session used interactive learning methods to help participants understand structured decision-making processes and apply them in everyday situations.Outcome:The training enhanced awareness of effective decision-making skills and encouraged participants to apply these skills in education, relationships, and daily problem-solving. The program contributed to improving self-confidence and independence among participants.Individual CounsellingDuring the month, individual counselling sessions were conducted for 11 students (8 boys and 3 girls). Additionally, parental counselling was provided to 2 parents.SchoolTotalMaleFemaleGHS, Kodathur862GHS, Kombakkam220GHS, Kalmandapam101Parental Counselling2––These counselling sessions focused on academic concerns, emotional support, and guidance for personal development.
Managed Aquifer Recharging | February 2026 Posted on March 14, 2026March 19, 2026 by Divya Priya During February 2026, several activities were carried out as part of the project initiatives to promote water awareness, monitoring, and sustainable practices among students and schools.A Water Audit Programme was conducted in one school with the participation of 19 students. The students actively engaged in analyzing daily water usage within their school campus. As part of the audit, they estimated water consumption for drinking, handwashing before and after meals, post-toilet use, and watering plants. The students also prepared a campus map, recorded the total storage capacity of water tanks, noted the frequency of refilling, and calculated the overall daily water consumption. Additionally, they worked out the per capita water usage of both teaching and non-teaching staff, helping them gain practical knowledge about water conservation and responsible water use.Regular fortnightly monitoring of groundwater levels and water quality testing was conducted at 22 locations across Puducherry. These activities help track groundwater conditions and ensure the safety and quality of drinking water.Under the Kitchen Garden Initiative, follow-up visits were conducted in 9 schools to review progress, provide guidance, and encourage students to actively participate in sustainable gardening practices.
Robotics in Action – February Highlights Posted on March 14, 2026March 14, 2026 by Divya Priya Previous Next The month of February witnessed active engagement through robotics and STEM learning sessions conducted across multiple schools. These sessions aimed to encourage curiosity, hands-on learning, and scientific thinking among students while introducing them to the fundamentals of robotics and basic science concepts.A total of 30 robotics sessions and 1 STEM session were successfully conducted across 17 schools. Overall, 966 students participated in these activities, including 368 boys and 598 girls, reflecting strong enthusiasm and participation in technology-driven learning.The STEM session saw the participation of 44 students, including 28 boys and 16 girls, where learners explored scientific concepts through interactive activities.In addition, 2 Weekend Club Activities were conducted with 28 participants, all boys, providing students an opportunity to further explore robotics concepts through practical engagement outside regular sessions.During the sessions, students learned about various robotics components and concepts such as Potentiometer, Pit Avoider, Light Follower, Line Follower, Sensors, and Motors. These topics helped students understand how different electronic components work together in robotic systems.The STEM session also introduced students to basic chemistry concepts by exploring substances and identifying them as acidic, basic, or neutral, encouraging observation and experimentation.Overall, the month was highly productive, strengthening students’ interest in robotics, science, and experiential learning.
Bridge Education : Be Constitution Aware Posted on February 21, 2026February 21, 2026 by Divya Priya Previous Next January 2026 Newsletter During January 2026, Bridge Education sessions were actively conducted at the Bahour centres, including Vivekananda Centre and Deepsthal School, along with special training programmes for the Forest Department. The sessions focused on civic awareness, environmental responsibility, and constitutional literacy among students and community members. Bahour Centre Classes have been conducted continuously over the past two months. As an initial step, students were given a comprehensive introduction to Indian history and the emergence of the Indian Constitution. This helped them understand the foundations of governance, rights, and responsibilities as citizens. Students were also oriented on the importance of nature and the need to protect the local environment in which they live. Sessions highlighted practical ways to conserve surroundings and develop ecological awareness from a young age. A strong emphasis was placed on social responsibility, guiding students to reflect on how they can behave responsibly within their communities, the changes they can initiate, and their role as active members of society. Following these sessions, the Samvidhan game was introduced as an interactive learning tool. Students have successfully progressed through three stages of the game so far, and a visible improvement in their learning, engagement, and understanding has been observed after each stage. Deepsthal School Training was newly initiated for students of Classes 5 and 6. They were introduced to the basics of the Indian Constitution and Indian history through simplified and engaging explanations. The sessions aim to build early awareness of civic values, rights, and duties among young learners. Pichavaram Forest Department Training As part of our environmental education initiatives, we continue to conduct training programmes on environmental conservation for the public, students, and both private and government stakeholders. Under this initiative, three training sessions have been provided to the Pichavaram Forest Department so far. On 5 January, a specialised training was conducted in the Pichavaram mangrove forests focusing on beekeeping and its ecological role. The session covered how beekeeping supports seed dispersal in mangrove ecosystems, increases bee populations and their colonies, and contributes to biodiversity conservation. Participants were also trained on safe handling of bees, the ecological importance of mountain bees, and methods for their protection. The training was attended by the DRO, forest range staff, forest guards, and selected local community members, strengthening collective awareness towards environmental conservation and sustainable ecosystem management.
Celebrating Pongal with Nature: Svarnim Team at Aurovanam Posted on February 15, 2026February 15, 2026 by Divya Priya Previous Next The Svarnim team joyfully celebrated Pongal at Aurovanam, embracing the spirit of gratitude, togetherness, and sustainability. The celebration was rooted in tradition and nature, reflecting the values of ecological living and community bonding that Aurovanam represents.As part of the festivities, the team prepared traditional Pongal together, symbolizing prosperity and thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. Adding a unique and meaningful touch to the celebration, the meal was cooked using fresh vegetables harvested directly from Aurovanam’s garden. This farm-to-table experience highlighted the importance of local produce, sustainable agriculture, and mindful consumption.The celebration also included a variety of fun and engaging activities that strengthened team spirit and created a lively and cheerful atmosphere. Team members participated enthusiastically in games, interactions, and cultural moments, making the event both enjoyable and memorable.Overall, the Pongal celebration served as a beautiful reminder of living in harmony with nature, appreciating simple joys, and fostering a strong sense of community. It not only celebrated tradition but also reinforced Svarnim’s commitment to sustainability, collective learning, and eco-conscious living.
The Svarnim team joyfully celebrated Pongal at Aurovanam, embracing the spirit of gratitude, togetherness, and sustainability. The celebration was rooted in tradition and nature, reflecting the values of ecological living and community bonding that Aurovanam represents.As part of the festivities, the team prepared traditional Pongal together, symbolizing prosperity and thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. Adding a unique and meaningful touch to the celebration, the meal was cooked using fresh vegetables harvested directly from Aurovanam’s garden. This farm-to-table experience highlighted the importance of local produce, sustainable agriculture, and mindful consumption.The celebration also included a variety of fun and engaging activities that strengthened team spirit and created a lively and cheerful atmosphere. Team members participated enthusiastically in games, interactions, and cultural moments, making the event both enjoyable and memorable.Overall, the Pongal celebration served as a beautiful reminder of living in harmony with nature, appreciating simple joys, and fostering a strong sense of community. It not only celebrated tradition but also reinforced Svarnim’s commitment to sustainability, collective learning, and eco-conscious living.
Water Hyacinth Entrepreneur Workshop, Training and Production Posted on February 15, 2026February 21, 2026 by Divya Priya Previous Next The Water Hyacinth Entrepreneur Workshop commencing from 19 January 2026 and will continue until 11 March 2026 as a 45-day intensive training program under the project supported by DSTE, Puducherry and implemented by Svarnim. The workshop focuses on building sustainable livelihoods through water hyacinth–based handicrafts, value-added by-products, and mushroom cultivation, transforming an invasive aquatic weed into a valuable ecological resource.An interview process was conducted to carefully select 30 women candidates for the training, ensuring dedicated participation and skill development. During the workshop, the women are actively engaged in producing a range of handcrafted products based on orders received from Aura stores, providing them with real-time market exposure and practical entrepreneurial experience.The initiative aims to equip participants with technical skills, design knowledge, and income-generation opportunities while promoting circular economy practices and environmental sustainability. By linking production directly with market demand, the program strengthens women’s financial independence, encourages local entrepreneurship, and contributes to long-term livelihood security. Previous Next The Water Hyacinth Handicraft initiative continued to make strong progress this month, both in capacity building and livelihood creation. Four of the trained Master Trainers (ToTs) are now independently conducting training sessions for new batches of women in Ariyalur and Chidambaram. These workshops focus on harvesting, processing, and crafting with water hyacinth, transforming an invasive aquatic weed into useful, eco-friendly products. Through these sessions, participants are not only learning technical skills but are also being introduced to concepts of resource conservation, upcycling, and sustainable entrepreneurship. The trainings emphasize hands-on learning, where women practice weaving and product-making such as baskets, mats, coasters, bags, and decorative items. Many trainees are first-time artisans, and the programme has been instrumental in building their confidence, teamwork, and economic independence. Alongside skill training, there is also a focus on quality control, design finishing, and market readiness to ensure that the products meet buyer expectations. Women who have already completed previous rounds of training are now productively engaged in fulfilling real market orders. They are currently working on confirmed orders placed by Aura Stores, which provides them with a stable source of income. This direct market linkage is a key strength of the programme, as it ensures that training translates into tangible livelihood opportunities rather than remaining only as skill development. Overall, the Water Hyacinth initiative is contributing on multiple fronts: removing an invasive species that threatens water bodies, promoting eco-friendly craft production, strengthening women’s economic empowerment, and building local entrepreneurship. The ongoing trainings and steady production work highlight the growing self-reliance of the artisan groups and the long-term sustainability of the programme.
Marico Eco-Campus Project: Advancing Water Sustainability and School-Based Environmental Stewardship Posted on February 15, 2026February 15, 2026 by Divya Priya Previous Next The Marico Eco-Campus Project has made significant progress in strengthening water sustainability and environmental awareness across schools and communities. Rooftop rainwater harvesting systems have been successfully completed at 80 sites, enhancing groundwater recharge and promoting responsible water management. Water audits were conducted in 7 schools to assess water consumption patterns and identify areas for conservation, while 6 water literacy sessions were organized to build awareness among students on the importance of water conservation and sustainable usage.In addition to water-focused interventions, kitchen gardens were established in 10 schools, encouraging ecological learning, nutrition awareness, and hands-on environmental engagement among students. Greywater treatment systems were also completed in 9 schools, enabling the reuse of wastewater for gardening and other non-potable purposes, thereby reducing water wastage and promoting circular water practices.At the community level, a comprehensive borewell inventory covering 200 borewells was completed in the Bahour region to support better water resource planning. Water level monitoring is being carried out in 23 open wells in Pooranankuppam to track groundwater trends and support informed decision-making. Simultaneously, water sample collection and testing are in progress to ensure water quality and safety. Regular monitoring of open well water levels continues across the project locations.To strengthen long-term awareness and engagement, display boards on rainwater harvesting have been installed in schools, and consistent follow-ups are being conducted for the maintenance of kitchen gardens. Overall, the project reflects a holistic approach that integrates water conservation, environmental education, and sustainable school ecosystems.
WaterFest’26 Inauguration: Launching a Bioregional Journey for Water Stewardship Posted on February 15, 2026February 15, 2026 by Divya Priya WaterFest’26 (WF’26) marks an important milestone as the festival enters its 10th anniversary phase, gradually evolving from an annual awareness event into a more sustained, bioregional platform for water stewardship. Rooted in the landscapes and communities of the Puducherry bioregion, WF’26 carries forward a decade of learning, partnerships, and on-ground practice, while opening pathways for deeper and long-term engagement with water systems and governance.Anchored between World Wetlands Day (2 February) and World Water Day (22 March), WaterFest’26 is conceived as a living journey across the region’s waters—from ponds, tanks, and groundwater to wetlands, estuaries, mangroves, and the sea. Rather than viewing these as isolated systems, the festival foregrounds their ecological and social interconnections and emphasizes the shared responsibility of caring for them as a continuum.The festival is guided by an integrative framework that brings together learning, grounded action, culture, exhibitions, and livelihoods. Orientations and workshops introduce participants to wetlands, biodiversity, aquifers, and coastal ecosystems. Hands-on activities such as field demonstrations, clean-ups, and environmental monitoring help translate knowledge into practice, while exhibitions and interactive displays make science, data, and ecological processes visible, tangible, and accessible to wider audiences.The inaugural program on 2 February 2026 at Thengaithittu is designed as a preview and invitation to the wider WaterFest’26 journey. Set within an estuarine and mangrove landscape, the day features interactive displays on wetlands and estuaries, citizen science engagement using tools like iNaturalist and water-testing kits, youth-focused activities including kayak-based clean-ups and guided mangrove tours, and marine science experiences such as plankton observation, research equipment demonstrations, immersive learning modules, and short films on water and marine ecosystems. Early showcases of livelihoods, circular economy practices, and regeneration narratives provide insight into the deeper work that will unfold throughout the festival period.A central pillar of WF’26, based in Bahour, is a 45-day integrated training on water hyacinth–based livelihoods and circular economy practices, moving beyond episodic clean-ups. The initiative reframes aquatic weeds from “waste” into ecological resources, enabling women’s groups and local communities to engage in diverse value-added applications including woven handicrafts, handmade paper, papier-mâché products, mushroom cultivation, and bio-based materials. At a broader landscape level, harvested biomass is utilized through composting and biochar for soil improvement and biogas generation for clean energy, thereby linking livelihoods with regenerative land, energy, and water management.These practices collectively support pond and wetland regeneration through systematic biomass removal, improved water quality, and strengthened community stewardship of common water bodies. Water hyacinth emerges as a significant material for climate-responsive action by aiding carbon sequestration, enhancing soil health, improving energy efficiency, and reducing methane emissions from unmanaged decomposition. This demonstrates how localized circular economies can contribute meaningfully to climate mitigation and water conservation.In parallel, WF’26 emphasizes household-scale water responsibility through awareness and demonstrations on rainwater harvesting and greywater treatment, encouraging every household to become an active participant in water conservation and groundwater recharge.As WaterFest’26 progresses across the bioregion, activities extend through workshops, field visits, public art initiatives, film screenings, and youth engagement programs. Open to the general public—with a special focus on school students, college youth, community groups, and women’s collectives—the festival aims to move beyond awareness towards sustained care, collective action, and long-term transformation in how water is understood, managed, and lived with in the Puducherry bioregion.