ECO-FESTIVAL IN THE DESERT LAND OF BATHINDA To see a world in a grain of sand And heaven in a wild flower Hold infinity in the palm of your hand An eternity in an hour. This magnificent dream is far from reality in today’s world of pollution, corruption, competition and consumerism. Human being is gradually becoming careless and irresponsible in his/her attitude towards ones own environment. Only when today’s youth who are our only hope are enlightened about the environmental disasters, will they be motivated to conserve and protect our Mother Earth. Taking a small step in this hour of crisis to create greater awareness among our students and also to work in collaboration with the neighbouring schools, we at St. Joseph’s Bathinda organized a three day Eco-Festival from 27th Oct. to 29th Oct. 2006.27th Oct. saw the opening of this grand Eco-Festival making the event a landmark in the history of St. Joseph’s which became the first school in the region to host such a function. Various inter school competitions like Model Making, Poster Making, Collage Making, Poetry Recitation, Elocution, Painting, One Act Play and Quiz Contest were held on 27th and 28th Oct. It was heartening to see the overwhelming response of 17 schools (though for the first time) actively involved in activities. A panel of 12 qualified Judges from different fields was appointed to assess the performance of the participants. The atmosphere was charged with vibrancy and excitement of children who seemed to have enjoyed every moment. They became aware of the sustainable choices for living, working and playing in the kinship of the natural world.The real excitement began on Sunday 29th at 4.00 p.m. when the august gathering of parents of students from VI to X was addressed on different crucial issues by eminent speakers comprising Dr. S.S. Dhillon a Zoologist, Dr. Rajiv Gupta a Psychiatrist & Mr. Ramesh Menon a Journalist & Film Maker.  The exuberant audience was much appreciative of an interesting slide show by a renowned environmentalist Mr.Nirlep Singh that kept them spell bound. The presence of Shri Vijay Zade, I.A.S., A.D.C. (D) the Chief Guest and Sr. Maria Leena, the Provincial and Corporate Manager who was the Guest of Honour, added colour to the occasion and enhanced our joy.  The prize winners of different schools were awarded certificates and trophies during the function for their outstanding performance.  A colourful tableau titled ‘CHIPKO MOVEMNET’ marked the end of the exciting and enriching Eco- Festival.  Hats off to Josephite and all those who helped to give a concrete shape to the wonderful idea of an Eco-Festival instead of the conventional Annual Function.