KGBVs from Ghaziabad, Kanpur Dehat, Jaunpur, and Barabanki to Be Felicitated at State Level
Lucknow: When the imagination of young girls turns into a path for real solutions, their voices begin to shape social consciousness. This is precisely what unfolded in Uttar Pradesh, where stories penned by girls from four Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) were selected as the finest entries in a state-level story writing competition themed around climate change.
These stories, brimming with environmental concern, creative thinking, and a strong sense of responsibility, stood out among 580 entries received from across the state. A total of 18 stories were shortlisted after thorough evaluation by a panel of experts, and four KGBVs will receive top honours at the state level.
Winners at a Glance:
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First Prize: KGBV Muradnagar, Ghaziabad
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Second Prize: KGBV Gaura, Kanpur Dehat
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Third Prize: KGBV Muftiganj, Jaunpur
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Fourth Prize: KGBV Dewa, Barabanki
The stories tackled critical environmental themes like water conservation, rising temperatures, urban pollution, single-use plastic, and Earth through the eyes of animals. They didn’t just highlight the problems, but also offered hopeful solutions — all from the perspective of adolescent girls deeply aware of their surroundings.
Fostering Environmental Thinking Through Creativity
Conducted across KGBVs in the state, this storytelling initiative provided students a platform to explore environmental challenges creatively. The activity was a part of the Meena Manch online awareness series that ran from September 28, 2024, to February 15, 2025, and included sessions on climate change, health, nutrition, and life skills.
Guided by Dr. Anita Bhatnagar Jain, retired IAS officer and noted children’s author, the sessions encouraged students to research, discuss, and express their thoughts through storytelling. The stories reflected a blend of imagination, empathy, and eco-consciousness, painting vivid pictures of a sustainable future.
18 Stories Chosen to Inspire Others
Out of the 580 entries submitted from across Uttar Pradesh, a final selection of 18 outstanding stories was made. These stories were then presented in schools to motivate other children and generate dialogue around environmental issues.
As part of the competition, each KGBV was assigned a specific theme related to environmental challenges. Students complemented their stories with colorful illustrations, bringing their visions to life through words and art. The activity was designed as a collaborative group effort, enhancing both creativity and teamwork.
Special Recognition and Rewards
The winning students will receive the children’s book ‘Kukkaroo’, signed by Dr. Anita Bhatnagar Jain, as a token of recognition. The book, widely appreciated for raising environmental sensitivity among children, is expected to inspire the young writers further.
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“Environmental education should no longer remain confined to theoretical knowledge. It is essential to actively engage children through imagination and creativity. Such initiatives not only broaden their thinking but also prepare them to become responsible citizens of tomorrow.”
— Sandeep Singh, Minister of Basic Education, Uttar Pradesh
The initiative stands as a powerful example of how education, creativity, and social awareness can come together to nurture a generation that is not just literate, but also environmentally responsible and solution-oriented.
