YaRI (The Yamuna River Initiative) is a school-based programme that reconnects children and communities with the Yamuna through storytelling and activities. It aims to build river literacy, create awareness about Yamuna River, and inspire young custodians of our rivers.
On 26th July 2025 the students of Modern School, Barakamba Road, organized a powerful interdisciplinary exhibition under the Yamuna River Initiative, aimed at raising awareness about the deteriorating condition of the Yamuna River under the meticulous guidance of Principal Dr Vijay Datta. The event was graced by Shri Parvesh Verma, Honorable Minister for Water, Public Works, Irrigation and Flood Control, Government of Delhi, who has been taking up an active role in the revival of the holy river.
Blending art, science, and performance, the exhibition creatively depicted damage inflicted on the river due to pollution and human negligence. Students conducted in-depth research on the Yamuna River through an interdisciplinary lens, studying its economic impact on local livelihoods, psychological effects of environmental degradation, geographical changes along its course, and chemical analysis of its waters. This holistic approach reflected how various academic disciplines can come together to understand and address real-world issues. Striking paintings and illustrations depicted the contrast between the river’s past purity and its present toxicity. Students carried out compelling scientific experiments to demonstrate water pollution levels and also showcased eco-friendly solutions. Engaging performances including poetry and storytelling brought emotional depth to the issue, linking cultural reverence for the Yamuna with its current crisis. Student-made documentaries along the banks of the river further immersed the visitors in the river’s journey. This initiative reflected the students’ deep sense of responsibility and their innovative approach to the environmental advocacy.
The Yamuna River (YaRi) Exhibition was held on Friday, 1st August 2025, in the M.N. Kapoor Hall with great enthusiasm and participation from students of class S1 to S7. The exhibition was graced by the presence of Mr. Himanshu Gupta, Secretary, CBSE, as the Chief Guest.
The event showcased an impressive array of projects prepared by students, reflecting interdisciplinary approaches that seamlessly integrated concepts from various subjects. The projects explored various dimensions of the Yamuna River, such as its historical, geographical, and cultural significance, environmental concerns, economic aspects, and policy interventions.
Students confidently presented their research, models, and analyses, and engaged in insightful discussions with the Chief Guest. Mr. Gupta appreciated the depth of their research and posed thought-provoking questions, which the students answered with utmost zeal. He shared his valuable insights on how these projects could be taken a step further by encouraging students to think critically about its real-world applications and also suggested that the school organise field trips, allowing students to witness first-hand the challenges and restoration efforts associated with the Yamuna River.
The exhibition proved to be a valuable learning experience for all participants, fostering a sense of responsibility towards environmental conservation and the importance of interdisciplinary learning.
On the morning of 8th August, we gathered at MN Kapur Hall around 10 a.m., just before the Independence Day celebrations began. Soon, the hall echoed with the chatter of students, parents, and teachers trickling in to see what we had been working on for weeks.
Guided by our ever-supportive mentors, we had spent countless hours honing every last detailfor the exhibit. From the arrangement of exhibits to the way we would present our projects, everything was honed upto the last details — especially since we were expecting our Chief Guest, Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, AVSM, PVSM, and NM.
While waiting for the Chief Guest’s visit when the stage performances for the Independence Day Celebrations were ongoing, we put the time to good use. Standing in a circle, each of us rehearsed our lines one last time, with the teachers helping us refine our words so that our message about the Yamuna could shine through, just like an extraordinary conversation.
Our theme this year, ‘Yamuna Resurgence’, was close to our hearts.
As the final moments ticked on the clock before the doors opened, we found ourselves running around — shifting a planter or two here or there for a fresh look; moving signboards where they’d catch more eyes; and wearing the eco-friendly badges a friend had lovingly made for everyone.
The smiles, applause, and curious questions from parents, teachers and peers more than made up for it. That warm wave of appreciation told us all we needed to know that we had surelymade an impact.
We walked out of MN Kapur Hall that day not just proud of our work, but inspired to keep fighting for the exceptionally polluted Yamuna and for its environment we all share.
The students and teachers involved in the exhibit didn’t just make the conclusion of the‘Yamuna Resurgence’ exhibit more than just a exhibition — they made it a moment for all to remember.
Mohditya Gautam
S2-E
