Mysore/Mysuru:  Associations must ensure to identify meritorious students like the parents who support their children for scoring good marks, said Additional Secretary (retd.), Government of India, C.V. Gopinath.

Speaking after inaugurating the Pratibha Puraskar programme, World Environment Day and Sakhi Swavalambi programme, jointly organised by Sakhi Foundation and Surya Charitable Trust at RamaGovinda Rangamandira at Ramakrishnanagar here on Sunday, Gopinath said that it was also the responsibility of the public to support the organisations which have been supporting the student community.

Calling upon people to create awareness among the children to conserve the environment, Gopinath said, people, who indulge in smoking not only pollute the environment but also spoil their health.

“Education plays a vital role in building a strong foundation for life for one to become a good citizen. Though scoring good marks is not the only target, good marks are given importance,” he added.

About 52 students, residing in Ward 58 in Ramakrishnanagar, were felicitated for scoring the highest marks in SSLC and PUC examinations held during the 2023-24 academic year.

Certificates were also distributed to students who took part in the Montessori teacher’s training programme under the Sakhi Swavalambhi programme on the occasion.

People were also distributed with saplings of various plants to commemorate the World Environment Day celebrations.

Sakhi Foundation and Surya Charitable Trust Founder-Secretary Gayathri Sundaresh, Bharatiya Jain Sanghatan District Programme Officer Swaraj Jain and others were present.