Nypunya students demonstrate how small complaints can bring civic change 

Mysuru: Civic consciousness and awareness of citizens’ rights should be inculcated among children to build a responsible society, said City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar. 

She was speaking after inaugurating ‘Civic Consciousness is My Duty – Questioning is My Right’, organised under the ‘Bhavishyada Praje’ (Citizens of Tomorrow) programme at Nypunya School of Excellence, Dattagalli (Kanakadasanagar) campus recently. 

Stressing that questioning injustice and raising one’s voice against problems were both rights and responsibilities of citizens, she said civic education must become an integral part of school curriculum.  

She also expressed concern over the growing incidence of juvenile delinquency and said, educational institutions had an important role in inculcating human values, love and harmony among children. 

Mysuru City Corporation Commissioner M.K. Savitha, who was the chief guest, appreciated the students for bringing civic problems in their neighbourhoods to the notice of the authorities.  

She said, the cleanliness campaigns undertaken by them and the numerous complaints submitted to the administration had served as an eye-opener.  

She commended the school for encouraging children to take responsibility for a cleaner and healthier society. 

During an interactive session, students raised questions on concrete roads being laid over existing roads in good condition, footpath encroachments, pedestrian rights, stray dog management, cleanliness, cybercrime, deforestation, pollution, electricity theft, cable-laying difficulties and noise pollution caused by public functions on roads. 

CESC Engineer Tara also answered queries relating to electricity and public infrastructure. 

Students presented civic issues they have identified at Dattagalli and R.T. Nagar campuses over the past few months. They had submitted written complaints to the departments regarding roads, water supply, electricity and sanitation problems in their neighbourhoods. 

Photographs documenting the complaints, responses from officials and action taken to resolve the issues were displayed. Students also explained how their efforts had helped address problems in their localities. 

An exhibition of paintings depicting civic and social concerns, created by students under the guidance of art teacher Puneeth, was another attraction. The programme was presided over by MLC and School Chairman R. Raghu Kautilya. Students from the ICSE R.T. Nagar and CBSE Kanakadasanagar campuses and parents participated.  

Vice-Principal Sohini delivered the welcome address, while ICSE Principal K.S. Dechamma and Taramani introduced the dignitaries. Dr. Mohammed Humayun and Puneeth coordinated.