ISM, Patna, April 22, 2025: In an age where the Earth’s cry for compassion echoes louder than ever, a group of spirited students from the International School of Management (ISM), Patna, chose to mark Earth Day not with fanfare, but with footprints of purpose, on the humble soil of Lal Kothi, Danapur, where stories of resilience bloom against all odds.
On this Earth Day, the NSS (National Service Scheme) volunteers of ISM paid a stirring visit to Naari Gunjan, a beacon of empowerment for Dalit girls and women in Bihar. Founded by Padma Shri awardee Sudha Verghese, Naari Gunjan stands as a living testament to the idea that education is the most powerful seed we can sow for a better planet.
At the heart of this human encounter was more than just environmental symbolism; it was a celebration of empowerment, literacy, health, advocacy, and vocational skill, the very roots of social sustainability. Under the thoughtful guidance of Ms. Neeru Kumari, the NSS Cell Coordinator, the undergraduate volunteers not only extended solidarity but also experienced firsthand the transformative ripple effect of grassroots activism.
Speaking with the steely yet compassionate Sudha Verghese was an education unto itself. As the girls of Naari Gunjan shared their tales of struggle, survival, and spirited triumph, the ISM students listened, not as visitors, but as future changemakers, inspired to sow their seeds of social reform.
The visit was meticulously orchestrated by dedicated faculty members and NSS Cell members, Dr. Shah Ali Adnan and Dr. Anand Kumar Choudhary, who not only ensured that the event was a success but also demonstrated the essence of experiential learning in the realm of community service.
“Earth Day is not just about planting trees, it’s about planting ideas and nurturing human potential,” said Ms. Kumari, underlining the day’s significance. “Our collaboration with Naari Gunjan is a humble beginning towards building eco-social consciousness among future leaders.”
She further added that ISM, as a premier institution, is committed to fostering academic excellence with a strong emphasis on social responsibility and experiential learning, striving to develop leaders who serve not just industries but also humanity.
