Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 08 September 2025
On the occasion of World Literacy Day 2025, the Dakshin Foundation, in collaboration with the Directorate of Education, launched the revised edition of Treasured Islands, an environmental education book for middle school students of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The launch took place at Megapode Resort in the presence of senior officials, educators, and students.
Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, graced the event as the chief guest. Other dignitaries included Dr. Sachin Shinde, Commissioner-cum-Secretary; Mr. L. Kumar, Secretary (Education); Ms.. Jyoti Kumari, Secretary (Fisheries, Tourism, Art & Culture); and Mr. Vikram Singh, Director of Education. Trustees of Dakshin Foundation, Dr. Naveen Namboothri and Dr. Meera Anna Oommen, were also present.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Secretary emphasized the importance of children cultivating an appreciation of the islands’ history, culture, and ecology. He commended the initiative for promoting place-based education that links classroom learning to local realities.
Welcoming the guests, Ms. Madhuri Mondal, Policy Lead from the Andaman Nicobar Environment Team (ANET), described Treasured Islands as more than just a resource book. “It is a tool for place-based education, helping students connect classroom lessons with the natural and cultural environment they experience daily,” she said. The book spans topics ranging from the oceans to tropical forests, aiming to build stronger connections between children and their surroundings.
The Directorate of Education announced plans to introduce Treasured Islands as a handbook for environmental education across middle schools in the islands. Teachers’ training sessions will be held in the coming months to ensure its effective use. Additional copies will also be printed, expanding on the initial 500 distributed by Dakshin Foundation, with support from Axis Cares.
Expressing gratitude, Dr. Naveen Namboothri thanked Axis Cares for supporting the printing and dissemination of the book, and acknowledged the Directorate of Education and the Science Wing staff for their contributions to revising the volume. He also appreciated the keen involvement of Director of Education, Mr. Vikram Singh, in ensuring the success of the initiative.
Following the formal launch, an engaging biodiversity-themed Bingo game was organized for students, which saw enthusiastic participation.
The event highlighted that literacy goes beyond reading and writing, encompassing empowerment, community building, and fostering a sustainable future for the islands’ youth. (Story Based on PR)
