On the 5th of every month, the students of Badong Thansing Junior High School in Gangtok, Sikkim, trade their notebooks for shovels and watering cans. What was once an empty, neglected patch of land beside their school is now a thriving farm—all thanks to a simple idea: a monthly “School Environment Day.”
Led by headmaster Rosan Nepal, the initiative has transformed 14 barren acres into fertile farmland in just over a year. The project doesn’t just grow crops—it grows young environmental leaders, links farming to free school meals, and proves that small, consistent actions can lead to big change.
Sikkim, India’s first 100% organic state, has long championed sustainability. But this school’s hands-on approach shows how real change starts at the grassroots—with children leading the way.
The Birth of ‘School Environment Day’: A School’s Fight Against Barren Land
A Barren Land, a Bold Idea
Before the project began, the land near the school was unused, hard, dry, and ignored. Headmaster Nepal saw an opportunity.
“We wanted to teach children that food doesn’t just come from shops,” he says. “If they grow it themselves, they’ll value it more.”
With approval from local leaders, the school launched “School Environment Day,” a monthly event where students, teachers, and parents work together to revive the land.
Community Joins the Movement
The project quickly gained support. Panchayat members, parents, and even the Area Education Officer began joining in. Each month, volunteers clear weeds, prepare soil, and plant seeds—learning as they work.
“At first, some parents wondered if this would distract from studies,” says a teacher. “But now they see their kids learning patience, teamwork, and science in the best way—through their hands.”
From Barren Ground to Blooming Farm
Students Get Their Hands Dirty
For many students, this was their first time farming.
“I didn’t know how seeds became plants,” admits 12-year-old Priya. “Now I’ve planted spinach, and we’ll eat it in our mid-day meals!”
Teachers use the farm as a real-life classroom, explaining soil health, composting, and why organic farming matters.
Linking Farm to School Meals
The school grows seasonal vegetables—cauliflower, broccoli, and local greens—which are used in the government-funded mid-day meal program.
“Before, we bought vegetables from the market,” says Nepal. “Now, students eat what they grow. They take pride in it.”
So far, the farm has produced over 200 kg of vegetables, cutting costs and ensuring fresher, healthier meals.
Beyond Farming: The Ripple Effects
Students Become Eco-Ambassadors
The lessons don’t stop at the farm. Students now teach their families about composting and waste reduction.
“My parents used to burn plastic,” says 11-year-old Arjun. “Now we separate trash because I told them how harmful it is.”
Stronger Community Bonds
The project has brought villagers together. Older farmers share traditional knowledge, while students bring new energy to farming.
“This land was dead for years,” says a local farmer. “Now it’s alive because of these children.”
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Skepticism Turned into Success
At first, some doubted if kids could farm. But consistency proved them wrong.
“We didn’t give up,” says Nepal. “Every month, we came back. Now, everyone believes in the project.”
How Other Schools Can Replicate This
The school’s model is simple:
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Start small—even a tiny patch can grow food.
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Make it regular—monthly workdays build habits.
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Involve the community—parents and leaders add support.
Similar projects are sprouting in Sikkim, like Pakyong District’s Friday Field Day, where schools revive unused land.
The Future: A Living Classroom
The school plans to expand, adding fruit trees, training from agricultural experts, and even selling extra produce.
“We want this farm to fund school supplies,” says Nepal. “And maybe one day, our students will teach others.”
Conclusion: A Revolution Led by Children
What began as a monthly cleanup day is now a student-led farming movement. The kids of Badong Thansing prove that you’re never too young to make a difference.
As Sikkim pushes forward as India’s greenest state, this school shows that real change starts with a shovel, a seed, and a child willing to dig in.
