Essar Foundation organized an elocution competition for school children to educate them about protecting the Earth and help save the planet. Jointly organized with The Hindu in Vishakhapatnam on World Ozone Day, the finals of the competition was well attended with contestants speaking on the theme in detail and sharing tips on how to protect the most important layer in the atmosphere.
Out of 100 students from 40 schools who participated in the preliminary rounds, 10 participants were selected for the final round, which concluded at the Government Residential School for Visually Challenged Girls on September 16, 2013. Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University, Prof GSN Raju was the chief guest. He encouraged the students to practice what they highlighted at the event. “Having no control over pollution and the US contributing generously to the depletion of the ozone layer and the mismanagement of e-waste are some of the causes leading to the low strength of ozone. Your knowledge is your beauty, so participate in such programs and join hands to help protect our nature,” he explained.
Mr S Venkatesan, CEO, Essar Steel India said: “Development in a positive manner and protection of the environment go hand in hand. What mistakes we have committed earlier in our lives should be a lesson for us that mould us into better individuals. And every person plays a role in strengthening the ozone layer.”
Professor of Andhra University’s department of environmental sciences Prof K Kameswara Rao and professor of department of commerce and management studies Prof B Mohan Venkata Ram were the judges for the competition. Head, HR and administration of Essar, Mr DS Varma; DGM-CSR Mr Sunil Upadhyay; Senior Manager (environment) Mr K Satya Prasad and Regional General Manager of The Hindu, Mr TV Suresh were among the attendees.
The winners were given away prizes. They also participated in a tree plantation drive initiated by Essar Foundation on the premises of the Government Residential School for Visually Challenged Girls. Essar employees also extended their support to contribute a washing machine to the management of the residential school.
