Swastika Ghorai, 17, studying in Class 11 at Narayanpur High School says, “We are surrounded by pollution and it is up to us to take action and protect our environment before it is too late. His words embody a remarkable transformation in the school, which was once detached from biological concerns, but is now a model of sustainability.
Nestled in the lush East Kolkata wetlands of Bhangar, Narayanpur High School has become a beacon of environmental responsibility with several initiatives aimed at instilling ecological awareness and sustainable practices among its students.
At the forefront of this change is 48-year-old headmaster Avijit Dasgupta, whose commitment to practical, socially-conscious education has been a major force behind the school’s transformation. With a Master’s degree in English and an MPhil in Education, he combines academic expertise with a sense of purpose. His aim is not only to revitalize the academic environment of Narayanpur High School, but also to cultivate the concept of social responsibility in his students.
When Avijit assumed the leadership in 2019, the school was mired in a traditional cycle of textbooks and exams, with little connection to the real-world challenges around them. Students were unaware of pressing social and environmental issues affecting their communities.
For Avijit, education is not just about memorizing facts. “It’s about preparing students for life, helping them understand the world around them, and equipping them with the knowledge to make a difference,” he tells The Better India.
“I want my students to be more than passive learners,” he says. “They need to understand the world, engage with its challenges, and acquire the expertise to address them.”
Recognizing the seriousness of endemic problems such as child trafficking, child marriage and drug abuse, Avijit knew that his students must be prepared to face these realities. He envisioned a curriculum that went beyond traditional academic learning to focus on practical problems, especially those affecting their own communities.
Moving education from textbooks to action
Narayanpur High School’s journey towards sustainability has started with the goal of making conservation education more effective. One of the school’s earliest initiatives was partnership Babies for tigersA program focused on the conservation of the Sundarbans, which is only 70 km away from the school.
Through this partnership, students were introduced to the region’s rich biodiversity, with special emphasis on the endangered Bengal tiger. “This initiative gives students a substantial, first-hand understanding of the ecological challenges around them, instilling a sense of urgency and responsibility to protect their local and global ecosystems,” says Avijit.
The school also joined the Namami Gange programme, a national initiative focused on cleaning and protecting the Ganga River. Avijit sees this as an essential part of instilling environmental responsibility among his students. “Teaching them about the Ganges is teaching them about their own responsibility towards the environment,” he explains. “Students plan to engage with people living along the ghats and educate them about the effects of river pollution.”
In addition, the school partnered with ‘Disappearing Dialogues’, a group focused on practical sustainable education. This collaboration allowed students to participate in hands-on projects related to water conservation, waste management and biodiversity conservation.
“For example, they learned about water use patterns and strategies to reduce consumption within the school. These initiatives encouraged students to witness how their actions can have a tangible impact on the environment,” explains Avijit.
Working for a plastic free school
One of the most notable outcomes of these initiatives was the school’s push to become a plastic-free zone. “When I joined as principal, students were careless with plastic,” says Avijit. “But now, they know better. They understand the impact of their actions on the environment.”
Although the school has already met about 70% of its plastic waste elimination target, the achievement was a big milestone considering the resistance and lack of awareness when the initiative started.
“Earlier I was careless with plastic, but now I make sure it goes in the dustbin. I have started teaching my family and friends to do the same. It’s about changing habits, one step at a time,” says Class 11 student Anjali Das.
In 2023, Narayanpur High School received the WIPRO Earthian Award for Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Education. This recognition strengthened the reputation of the school and instilled more enthusiasm among the students. The award not only confirms the success of the school’s initiative but also opens the door to further partnerships with local and national organisations.
“We have turned the entire school into a living laboratory,” says Abhijit proudly. Students now participate in activities such as naming and cataloging trees, which allow them to engage with nature in a meaningful way.
Riya Ghosh, studying in class 11, says, ‘I have come to know from various programs that cutting trees is not an option. I have seen these plants and animals in real life, and now I want to show future generations how important they are.
“We also encourage our students to participate in pottery making, where they make items from waste materials that can be sold in the market. Through this, we are helping them understand that education can create employment opportunities,” says Avijit.
“We organize waste management workshops to impart practical skills to students,” he explains. As a result, students have actively started separating waste into three separate bins at school.
From concern to admiration
Despite the progress, the reform has not been without challenges. Initially, many parents were skeptical of the emphasis on environmental education, fearing it would disrupt traditional academic learning.
“Initially, parents were not very supportive when they saw their children participating in cleanliness activities,” recalls Avijit. “They were concerned that environmental initiatives would disrupt regular academic progress.” However, Avijit remained steadfast in his vision.
He recognizes that engaging students in practical, community-focused issues empowers them in ways that traditional textbooks cannot. “Textbook learning is one-dimensional,” he opines.
Over time, as students began to see the real impact of their efforts, the community’s perspective began to change. “Nowadays, parents don’t just help, they are actively involved,” says Avijit. What began as a cautious response turned into wholehearted participation.
The school’s environmental initiatives have received significant recognition. In 2024, Narayanpur High School received the Swachhta Hero 2024: Guardians of Our Rivers Award for its contribution to environmental protection. This prestigious honor, along with the WIPRO Earthian 2023 Award, reinforced the importance of the school’s environmental efforts and encouraged students to continue advocating for change.
It is no longer just about reading facts in textbooks
Looking ahead, Avijit has ambitious plans for the future. He envisioned creating an exhibition to showcase the school’s waste management projects, where products made from recycled materials would be sold. The project will not only raise funds for school development but will also show students how sustainability can lead to economic growth.
“I also plan to expand school environmental programs by engaging local schools and NGOs in workshops on waste management and water conservation,” he adds.
Avijit’s leadership is inspired by his father, a dedicated educationist who believed that education should make the world a better place. “This is a legacy I want to continue, teaching students not only to succeed in life, but to make a positive impact on the world.”
Through his efforts, Narayanpur High School has become a model of how education can advance social and environmental change. The ripple effect of these efforts is felt in the community, where students, parents and local organizations collaborate to build a sustainable future.
As Abhijit Dasgupta aptly puts it, “It’s no longer just about reading facts in textbooks; it’s about taking action.”
Edited by Arunav Banerjee; All images courtesy Abhijit Dasgupta