Healthy challenges go viral

KOZHIKODE: Taking the ‘My Tree’, ‘Rice Bucket’ and ‘Swachch Bharath” challenges to heart,  students of the Malabar are going the whole hog  in trying to change society around them for the better.
The  St. Michael's Girls Higher Secondary School led the way by  adopting  the  ‘Swachch Bharath’ (clean India) campaign and soon three other prominent city schools followed. While the challenges began on the lines of the very viral ‘Ice Bucket challenge,’ they have now turned into a competition among  students to contribute to society in different ways and forms.   
“We have learned that change can be brought about in society if we act together,” said school leader of St Michaels GHSS, Anagha A. “Today it is our turn and tomorrow other schools may also  join in the mission for a  Clean India and many similar  challenges,” she added hopefully.
Students of Presentation School in the city, meanwhile, took on the “Rice Bucket” challenge of  the Kerala Fashion League  and contributed around 20,000 kgs of rice to the  deserving. Inspired by them, students of Silver Hills and Anglo Indian School came forward  to donate rice as well to the needy.
Excited by the response of  school students to the Rice Bucket challenge, its organiser, Abil Dev said, “One of the most effective ways to prepare students to be more responsible leaders is to give them opportunities to  engage in activities in their communities. More than college students,  school students have really stunned us by their commitment to society.”
The “My Tree” challenge presented by noted actor, Mammootty has galvanised  students into collecting and planting saplings regularly. Many have vowed to celebrate their birthdays by planting saplings every year.  
“Abodes of learning should always have a positive ambience for students and these challenges are a perfect way to create it,” said Sister Sujaya, principal, St Michael’s.  “Like our Prime Minister said, all citizens of the nation are equally responsible for keeping India clean and for  the well- being of the needy. We are attempting  to infuse our students with such ideals,” she added.
  “Abodes of learning should always have a positive ambience for students and these challenge drive is a perfect example to meet this goal”, said Sister Sujaya, principal, St Michael’s.  “Like our PM said, all citizens of the nation are equally responsible for keeping India clean and work for the well being of the deserving people, we are also in an attempt to inbuilt it in our students”, she added.