Opinion | Sewa Parv 2025 Turning Schools into Hubs of Social Change

Sewa Parv 2025 has introduced a fresh wave of enthusiasm into schools. The Ministry of Education and Ministry of Culture launched the campaign to instill service, social responsibility and civic consciousness among students. In Kashmir schools have received the campaign with high enthusiasm. 17 September to 2 October saw campuses in the Valley turned into service centers. Not only are the students participating but also leading the process of organizing and mobilizing their peers.

The idea of Sewa Parv is simple to understand to connect study with action. Students are encouraged to give their effort and time to society and put into practice what they have studied in classrooms. Teachers take a backseat and just facilitate teaching the students but not ruling over them. This has turned schools into vibrant centres of cooperation and teamwork.

Cleanliness drive has been among the most prominent activities observed during Sewa Parv. Students sweep classrooms, school campus and neighboring areas. It creates a sense of respect towards their environment in them and helps them understand how much they need to maintain cleanliness. Students in some schools took their cleaning work beyond the campus and swept roads, bus stops and public places in the neighborhood. The scene of children working together with dustpans and brooms inspired villagers and parents to join them. It took a community movement shape and transmitted the message that it is everybody’s duty to keep our surroundings clean.

Donation drives are trendy too. Used clothes, books and stationery are collected from houses by students and given to underprivileged children. This inculcates kindness and kindness to others. Students involved in these drives, in the view of teachers get to know more about sharing and equality. In certain schools, “Wall of Kindness” stations were established where students leave donated goods and anyone in need can take them.

Another amazing activity is sharing meals. The students take some extra food from home and share with their peers, especially those who may not have much. This small act has encouraged a caring culture and sense of bonding in classrooms. Shy students who sat alone earlier have opened up more. Teachers have observed that these activities reduce bullying and make students feel like they are at home.

Plantation runs are also part of the celebrations. Saplings are planted by students in schoolyards and around patches of bald land close by. They water them daily and are responsible for them growing. It gives the children a sense of ownership towards nature and makes them learn about biodiversity. Small kitchen gardens are being set up in some schools where children plant vegetables and give them out to their classmates later on.

Essay and art contests have been conducted under the topic “Spirit of Sewa.” The students write essays, deliver speeches and create posters on the importance of service. These contests allow them to express their views in a creative manner and reflect deeply on the importance of contributing. There are also cultural activities in which students enact skits, sing and dance with performances derived from social causes like cleanliness, water harvesting, gender equity and elder respect.

Classes on health awareness are being conducted through the program. Physicians and healthcare workers visit schools to deliver lectures about personal hygiene, nutrition and mental well being. Simple advice regarding how one can remain healthy is taught to the students. The teachers also conduct sessions on emotional wellness and stress relief. This overall strategy trains the students not just to serve other people but also take care of their own physical as well as mental health.

The teachers have played an invaluable role. They guide the students liaise with the local government officials and organize the events perfectly. Teachers say that Sewa Parv has improved the teacher student relationships in most cases. Since most activities are practical and fun the students become more bonded with their mentors.

Parents have also responded positively. They have accepted donation camps, encouraged children to participate in them and even joined cleanliness campaigns. This school society partnership is one of the finest outcomes of Sewa Parv. It has demonstrated that education does not remain within the four walls of classrooms but permeates every corner of society.

Another significant impact is the enhancement of the confidence and leadership skills of the students. Many of the students are now held accountable for planning events, tracking attendance and motivating fellow students. This activity is introducing them to decision making and working in teams at a young age. Teachers see timid students voicing themselves and asserting themselves.

The program also supports Sustainable Development Goal 4 which is ensuring quality education. By connecting learning to service schools are meeting the mission of becoming responsible citizens who can help build their country. Through activities, problem solving, empathy and teamwork are promoted all of which are necessary 21st century skills.

But for all these successes, there are challenges. Some of the schools have shortages of resources. They need more cleaning machines, saplings and materials for fundraising campaigns. Low enrollment schools with limited facilities struggle to organize large scale events. Teachers and students are finding ways to work around these restrictions by being inventive with available materials and going for community support.

The real test will be to keep the pace going after two weeks. Sewa Parv cannot be an event but a lifestyle. Schools can create “Sewa Clubs” wherein students sit together each week to plan small activities. They can also interact with local agencies for weekly sanitation drives or social campaigns.

Over the coming years if schools keep up this service culture students will carry these habits with them into adulthood. They will become good citizens who care for their society and environment. This will lead to cleaner villages, indissoluble social relations and a more responsible society.

Sewa Parv 2025 therefore went beyond engaging students. It planted seeds of leadership, responsibility and compassion. Kashmir schools and the rest of India have turned into social change points. If the Sewa Parv spirit continues it will shape a generation of kids that not only excel academically but also actively contribute towards building a better India.

(Writer is a Teacher, An Author and Columnist hails from Boniyar Baramulla and He Can Be Contacted on mukhtar.qur@gmail.com)