On July 27, 2024, Excel Group of Schools proudly hosted the Green Festival, a vibrant event that brought together communities from in and around Kanyakumari district. This festival was a unique platform for showcasing and selling yields obtained through organic farming. People from various places participated, bringing their organic produce from home gardens and farms to share with the larger community.

The event officially commenced with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Mrs. Brindha Sreekumar, the Managing Director of Excel Group of Schools. This marked the beginning of a day filled with activities centered around sustainability and organic living.

Visitors explored various stalls, each brimming with fresh organic products. The auction, a highlight of the event, saw enthusiastic participation from Excel students, who eagerly purchased organic products for personal use. The students also demonstrated their entrepreneurial skills by setting up stalls featuring a range of handmade organic products. These included:

• Organic Soaps: Neem soap, Aloe Vera soap, herbal soaps, and cucumber soap, all crafted by students with guidance from the STEAM faculties in the Culinary Art Lab.
• Hair Oils and Knee Pain Oils: Specially formulated by the students, with the Knee Pain Relief Oil, developed under the recommendation of Mrs. Brindha Sreekumar, being a standout product.
• Health Bars: Nutritious bars prepared in the Culinary Art Lab from a variety of wholesome ingredients.
• Plants: A selection of plants from the school’s Integrated Farming initiative were also available for sale.

The formal inauguration meeting began at 12:00 PM, led by Dr. Rajakumar and Mrs. Geetha Barns. This session included recognition and rewards for outstanding contributions:

• Green Agri Club Members: Some members were awarded for selling their products at higher prices, demonstrating their business acumen.
• Certificates of Achievement: Students from Grades 9 and 11, particularly those enrolled in the Agriculture and Business courses, received certificates honoring their hard work and achievements.

The Green Festival not only highlighted the importance of organic farming but also showcased the dedication and creativity of Excel students in promoting sustainable living. The event was a testament to the school’s commitment to fostering environmental consciousness and practical learning among its students.

This festival also aligns with several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

• Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: Promoting sustainable practices and reducing environmental impact through organic farming and mindful consumption.
• Goal 13 – Climate Action: Encouraging actions that mitigate climate change by fostering sustainable agricultural practices.
• Goal 15 – Life on Land: Supporting the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems through responsible farming and land stewardship.

By aligning with these SDGs, Excel Group of Schools demonstrates its commitment to global sustainability efforts, further enhancing the significance of the Green Festival.