When sustainability becomes part of everyday school life, environmental responsibility grows naturally with every child
Every school has the potential to shape the future.
Some do it through academic excellence.
Others do it by helping children experience values that stay with them for life.
At Sheth R. N. Shah English Medium Primary School and Dr. G. G. Shah English Medium High School, Principal Mrs. Archana Dharu has demonstrated how sustainability can become an integral part of everyday school life—not as a one-time campaign, but as a way of thinking.
When Leadership Makes the Difference
When Mission City Chakra introduced the idea of reducing unnecessary plastic exposure in schools through three simple policy changes—
Steel tiffin boxes
Steel water bottles
Non-plastic textbook covers
Mrs. Dharu’s response was immediate.
“This is necessary, and we are going to do it.”
She was equally confident that once parents understood the reasons behind the initiative, they would support it wholeheartedly. That confidence proved to be well placed. During the parent-teacher meeting, parents appreciated the school’s commitment to safeguarding children’s health alongside academic excellence.
Archana Dharu Madam Felicitation by Mission City Chakra for implementing the rule to phase out three plastic products from the school
Sustainability Beyond Plastic
For Mrs. Dharu, reducing plastic was only one part of a much larger vision.
The school has developed a terrace kitchen garden nourished by vermicompost prepared from kitchen waste, food waste generated by the school canteen, and dry leaves collected from the campus. This creates a beautiful circular system where waste is transformed into a valuable resource for growing vegetables and plants.
The garden is not merely decorative.
It is an outdoor classroom.
Many urban children have never seen how vegetables flower or how fruits develop on plants. Here, students observe nature closely, making environmental education tangible and memorable.
Small Decisions, Big Impact
Several thoughtful practices demonstrate how sustainability has become embedded in the school’s culture.
The school has discontinued the use of balloons for decorations, recognising both their environmental impact and the safety risks they pose to young children.
It also actively participates in Janwani’s e-waste collection programme, encouraging students to bring electronic waste from home for responsible recycling. Every collection drive becomes an opportunity to spread awareness not only among students but also throughout their families.
The school also participates actively in the Pune Climate Warriors programme, encouraging students to engage with climate action and environmental stewardship.
Why This Story Matters
Many sustainability initiatives begin with enthusiasm but remain isolated projects.
Mrs. Dharu’s school demonstrates a different approach.
* Plastic reduction.
* Organic waste composting.
* Kitchen gardening.
* E-waste collection.
* Climate education.
Each initiative reinforces the others, creating a school where sustainability is woven into everyday life.
Implementation Learning
One important lesson emerges from this school’s journey.
Sustainability becomes lasting when it is integrated into multiple aspects of school life rather than treated as a single environmental activity.
By combining policy changes, practical projects and experiential learning, the school has created an environment where children do not simply learn about sustainability—they live it.
Principals on the Mission
Principal: Mrs. Archana Dharu
Schools: Sheth R. N. Shah English Medium Primary School & Dr. G. G. Shah English Medium High School, Pune
Mission City Chakra Impact Certificate: ⭐⭐⭐ (Three Plastic Waste Reduction Appeals Implemented)
Mission City Chakra Initiatives Implemented
✅ Steel Tiffin Policy
✅ Steel Water Bottle Policy
✅ No Plastic/Laminated Textbook Covers
Sustainability Leadership
🌱 Terrace Kitchen Garden
♻️ Vermicomposting using kitchen waste and dry leaves
🥬 Circular food-to-garden system
💻 E-waste Collection Programme
🎈 Balloon-free celebrations
🌍 Active participation in Pune Climate Warriors
Implementation Highlights
Successfully implemented Mission City Chakra’s three plastic reduction policies through parent engagement.
Developed a kitchen garden that serves as both a compost utilisation project and a living classroom.
Integrated e-waste collection into school activities, extending awareness beyond students to their families.
Demonstrated how multiple sustainability initiatives can work together to build an environmentally conscious school culture.
Mission City Chakra Learning: “When sustainability becomes part of everyday school life, environmental responsibility grows naturally with every child.”