Green Diwali & Gift of Happiness
4th November 2026
NSS Cell of Dronacharya College of Engineering (DCE), Gurugram, organized a community outreach programme titled “Green Diwali & Gift of Happiness: Spreading Joy with Growing Children” on 4th November 2026 in a slum area of Gurugram, Haryana. The initiative aimed to extend the joy of Diwali to underprivileged children while promoting awareness about education, health, hygiene and environmental sustainability. It also provided student volunteers with an opportunity to interact with the community and contribute towards social welfare through meaningful engagement.
During the visit, NSS volunteers conducted an interactive awareness session for children and local residents on personal hygiene, sanitation and healthy daily habits. They explained the importance of regular hand washing, maintaining personal cleanliness, consuming safe drinking water and keeping the surroundings clean to prevent common illnesses. The session encouraged children to adopt these practices in their everyday lives and understand the connection between cleanliness and good health.
As part of the Green Diwali initiative, volunteers highlighted the harmful effects of firecrackers, particularly their contribution to air and noise pollution and their impact on human health and the environment. Children were encouraged to celebrate the festival in an eco-friendly manner by lighting traditional earthen diyas, creating colourful rangoli and decorating their surroundings with flowers. The interaction aimed to develop environmental awareness and inspire children to promote safer and cleaner celebrations within their families and neighbourhoods.
Adding warmth to the festivities, the “Gift of Happiness” drive involved the distribution of festive gifts, sweets, healthy snacks and essential items among the children. The initiative sought to make Diwali special for them while promoting the values of kindness, sharing and inclusiveness. Volunteers also organized creative and recreational activities, including drawing, storytelling, nursery rhymes and interactive games. These activities encouraged imagination, confidence and active participation while creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm and togetherness.
Guided by NSS Officers Dr. Ashok Kumar and Dr. Anupam Dalal, the programme emphasized the importance of student participation in community development and social welfare. They encouraged volunteers to recognize their responsibilities towards society and highlighted how education, health awareness and environmental consciousness can contribute to improving the lives of underserved communities.
The outreach programme successfully combined festive celebrations with social awareness and community engagement. Through personal interaction, educational activities and the distribution of gifts, student volunteers shared the happiness of Diwali while spreading messages of cleanliness, healthy living and environmental responsibility. The initiative strengthened the spirit of empathy, compassion and social commitment among students and reflected the NSS motto “Not Me But You,” demonstrating how small collective efforts can bring happiness and create a positive impact in society.