The Day We Made a Difference

As the Principal of C. P. Goenka International School, Ulwe, I have always believed that education must inspire action. This belief came alive in the Academic Year 2023-24 when we addressed one of the most pressing environmental challenges—electronic waste. Partnering with Green India, a Pune-based organization specializing in e-waste collection and recycling, we launched an E-Waste Collection Drive to educate our community and take action.

The drive began on a bright July morning. Standing before a hall of eager students, I posed a question: “How many of you have old phones or chargers lying unused at home?” A sea of hands went up. “Do you know where they end up?” The silence that followed told me we had their attention.

Experts from Green India shared startling facts: millions of tonnes of e-waste end up in landfills, releasing toxins into the soil, water, and air. Students listened intently as they learned how recycling discarded electronics could prevent environmental damage.

Our plan was simple: over two weeks, e-waste bins would be placed around the school for students to bring in old gadgets from home. But the drive wasn’t just about collection—it was about creating a movement. Students were encouraged to involve their families and communities, spreading awareness about the need for responsible e-waste disposal.

What followed was extraordinary. Students threw themselves into the initiative, creating colorful posters and slogans like “E-Waste Today, Green Tomorrow”. They spoke to neighbors, persuaded relatives, and even took to social media to promote the drive.

One story stood out. Rohan, a seventh-grader, shared how he convinced his grandparents to part with an old radio they had cherished for years. “At first, they didn’t want to let it go,” he admitted. “But I explained how recycling could help the environment, and they finally agreed.” His story reflected the power of awareness and the ability of young minds to influence change.

To deepen the learning experience, we organized workshops in collaboration with Green India. Students observed firsthand how e-waste is dismantled and sorted into components for recycling. They were fascinated as they watched broken gadgets transformed into reusable materials. These sessions also reinforced the importance of the three R’s—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle—and inspired students to make sustainable choices.

The bins steadily filled with old phones, chargers, laptops, and other gadgets. By the end of the drive, we had collected over 250 kilograms of e-waste—a remarkable achievement. The final day was a moment of pride as representatives from Green India arrived to transport the collected waste for responsible recycling.

Addressing the students, I said, “This drive wasn’t just about collecting e-waste; it was about taking responsibility for our planet. Today, you’ve proven that even small actions can lead to meaningful change.”

That evening, as I walked through the school’s corridors, I reflected on the success of the initiative. The bins weren’t just filled with e-waste—they were filled with hope, responsibility, and a commitment to a greener future.

This drive was more than an environmental effort; it was a lesson in action, responsibility, and the impact of collective effort. It’s a day I will always cherish as one where education transcended textbooks, inspiring students to be the change-makers our planet needs. Together, we took a small but significant step toward a sustainable tomorrow.

Principal: Dr. Smita Gandhi 

CPGIS Ulwe.

SDG - Responsible Consumption and Production.