New Delhi: A 75-day programme aimed at improving the reading ability of 3,000 students has been launched by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), bringing a sustained educational initiative into a commemorative event that also included health checks for municipal workers and neighbourhood cleanliness drives.
The programme, named ‘Sankalp’, was launched as part of ‘Kalam Smriti Utsav’, organised to mark the 95th birth anniversary of former President and scientist Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. According to the civic body, the reading initiative aims to strengthen students’ reading skills and support their educational development.
Students who won a creativity test were also presented with awards during the celebrations. The test was intended to encourage innovation, creative thinking and the development of students’ talents.
Municipal primary school students participated in plantation activities, with an emphasis on understanding their responsibility towards nature and contributing to a greener environment.
Plantation and cleanliness drives were held at Ajmal Khan Park in Karol Bagh to promote environmental protection, the development of green spaces and the upkeep of public places.
A street play was organised to spread awareness about sanitation and environmental conservation. Students, resident welfare association members and other participants also took a pledge to keep their surroundings clean and green.
The programme extended beyond student activities to address the health of municipal employees. Health camps were organised at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in Paharganj and Rajendra Nagar specifically for MCD beldars and gardeners. Employees underwent health checks and were provided medicines.
Special cleanliness drives were conducted in slum settlements, markets and areas around railway tracks within Karol Bagh Zone.
These were accompanied by Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities to encourage residents to maintain cleanliness, dispose of waste properly and help keep public spaces clean.
A separate debris-removal drive was undertaken at different locations in Karol Bagh Zone to improve sanitation and clear public areas.
The MCD said the festival brought together education, employee welfare, environmental protection and public participation. The activities were intended to take forward Kalam’s emphasis on education, innovation, social responsibility and nation-building.
