KOLKATA: Sri Sri Academy on Tuesday celebrated its second Founder's Day by organizing the annual exhibition, Prithvi Prayas - II, which focused on environmental concern.

Dr Nirupam Bajpai, director of Columbia Global Centers and senior development advisor at the Earth Institute at Columbia University, New York, graced the occasion as the chief guest and inaugurated the two-day programme. He also delivered a speech on "Sustainable Development in India - How can we grow and develop in the midst of climate change", explaining how every individual can contribute towards fighting global warming and climate change.

"Scientific data shows us today that global warming is real and unless we change course, there'll be serious problems for humanity very soon. The biggest challenge lies in the fact that it is a global phenomenon and we need a global consensus to fight it,and we've tried instilling within them such values by organizing the exhibition" Bajpai said. He elucidated on factors that can control degeneration of the environment like carbon capture, saving water and electricity among other things. He also released the school magazine, Srikiran, on the occasion.

Interestingly, the items on display at the exhibition were all made from recycled matter. Apart from displaying models and charts on issues that can save the environment like alternate sources of energy, garbage recycling and integrated solid waste management among others, the exhibition also focused on India, its flora and fauna as well as mineral deposits. A book fair, displaying a wide range of books was also organized within the school premises.

"Our founder, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, whom we fondly call Guruji lays emphasis on caring for the planet. He says the earth nourishes us and it is important that we take care of it. Today's programme is a continuation of Guruji's vision," Suvina Shunglu, principal of the school, said. "Being environment-friendly is something that we need to teach children from a very young age. Children should be taught to appreciate the beauty of the earth and to value the gifts that it bestows on us.

As the students prepared for the exhibition, they found out new concepts about recycling. We cannot bring about a revolution overnight, we need to motivate young children towards caring for the environment,and we've tried instilling within them such values by organizing the exhibition" she added.