Outstanding Contribution to Education: A Journey of Art, Sustainability, and Community Engagement

I am honored to share my journey as an educator, artist, and advocate for sustainable living, recognized with the Outstanding Contribution to Education award by Ashneer Grover at the Bharat Business Awards.

Admin Mar 3, 2025 9 0

Outstanding Contribution to Education: A Journey of Art, Sustainability, and Community Engagement

I am honored to share my journey as an educator, artist, and advocate for sustainable living, recognized with the Outstanding Contribution to Education award by Ashneer Grover at the Bharat Business Awards. My name is Smt. Rakhee Garg, and with nearly three decades of experience as a Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT) in Art at Arwachin Bharti Bhawan School in Vivek Vihar, Delhi, my mission has always been to nurture creativity while instilling a strong sense of environmental responsibility in my students.

My passion for sustainability took a transformative step on May 6, 2022, with the launch of the Sudarshan Bartan Bank and Pustkalay in Sarita Vihar. The Bartan Bank promotes the use of eco-friendly steel utensils, offering a practical solution to combat single-use plastics. This initiative not only reduces plastic waste but also encourages the community to adopt sustainable practices.

The Pustkalay is more than a library; it serves as a cultural hub, offering a wide array of academic and religious texts. This space fosters learning and curiosity, enriching the community's intellectual landscape.

In 2023, my commitment to environmental advocacy deepened through a collaboration with Dharti K Prahari NGO. Together, we organized a Plastic Collection Drive at the RRR Centre in Sarita Vihar. The collected plastic waste was handed over to the Indian Pollution Control Association (IPCA), which provided us with innovative products made from recycled materials. This initiative not only aided waste management but also educated the community about the importance of recycling and repurposing.

My work in organic waste management has also been significant. Partnering with CHINTAN NGO, we’ve been involved in composting wet waste and transforming it into creative projects, such as sculptures and eco-friendly incense sticks made from cow dung. This initiative beautifully marries environmental conservation with artistic expression, offering innovative solutions to reduce dependency on harmful materials.

Each milestone in this journey reflects my unwavering dedication to fostering an eco-conscious mindset among the community and future generations. Through art, education, and sustainable practices, I strive to inspire others to embrace eco-friendly alternatives and think creatively about addressing environmental challenges.

I am deeply grateful for the recognition of my work, which continues to motivate me to create a sustainable future for our planet.