Creating a Culture of Mindful Contribution
At DPS Howrah, education extends beyond textbooks. The school believes in nurturing conscious citizens—students who understand the world around them, develop empathy, and engage in meaningful actions.
As part of Daan Utsav (formerly Joy of Giving Week), the school organised a collection camp and an empathy-building session—enabling students with an opportunity to reflect on giving not as charity, but as a thoughtful act of sharing resources.
Engaging Young Minds – The Collection Camp Experience
On October 14, 2022, the school courtyard transformed into a collection hub, where students from different classes arrived with their contributions.
Collection camp at DPS Howrah during Daan Utsav
Teachers guided students from lower grades to higher ones, and an interesting pattern emerged:
- Younger students eagerly participated, influenced by their parents’ encouragement.
- As students grew older, participation levels declined—highlighting the need to sustain empathy and awareness over time.
This insight emphasised the importance of age-appropriate engagement methods to cultivate a lifelong habit of thoughtful contribution.
Empathy-Building Session – Encouraging Questions & Reflection
To deepen students’ understanding, a special session was conducted with Class 7 students. The session began with a presentation on Goonj’s work.
Students engaged in an empathy-building session
At first, the room was silent as students absorbed the visuals. But soon, hands went up with curious questions
- “Can we donate used stationery and colors?”
- “What if there is no collection camp at school? How can we still contribute?”
These discussions opened up new perspectives, helping students realize that contribution is not about occasional giving—it is a mindset of being resourceful and responsible.
Transforming Birthday Celebrations – A New Tradition of Giving
DPS Howrah has redefined how birthdays are celebrated. Instead of distributing chocolates and candies among peers, students are encouraged to bring stationery items—a simple yet impactful shift.
Students contributing stationery on their birthdays
- The collected stationery is then sent to Goonj to create School Kits—empowering students in faraway regions.
- This initiative fosters gratitude and mindfulness, ensuring that celebrations bring joy beyond the classroom.
Sunita Arora, Principal, DPS Howrah, shares:
“The idea of students contributing stationery on their birthdays rather than distributing chocolates has been instrumental in building strong values. We will continue doing this and assist Goonj.”
Beyond the School Gates – The Ripple Effect of Empathy
What started as a single collection camp has now evolved into a long-term practice. By integrating mindful giving into school culture, DPS Howrah is:
- Building empathy-driven leadership in young minds.
- Creating awareness about the importance of responsible resource-sharing.
- Inspiring students to think beyond themselves and contribute meaningfully.
Through simple yet powerful practices, DPS Howrah is setting up a generation of more conscious, responsible citizens—proving that empathy is best learned through action.
Because giving is not about what we give, but how we share.
DPS Howrah students packaging collected stationery for Goonj
Be part of this movement
Our invitation to you is, start from where you are.. From a small change of starting a Goonj kee Gullak or Team 5000, joining a long and deep change process, or things in between- organising a collection drive, a volunteering journey, an internship, or simply walking with us signing for a Goonj monthly newsletter subscription.. More on www.goonj.org or write to [email protected].
Many options, but the choice is always one; Taking Action..
