Kids create environmental awareness through art

| S VENKATESHWARAN |
Students of Chirpi, a unit of Chisel Montessori School,
organised an inspiring art exhibition – Last Drop – Wednesday,
June 24, 2026, at Independence Day Park, Nanganallur, in
collaboration with NGO Aram Thinai.
The exhibition attracted local residents, walkers and Nature
enthusiasts who came to learn about the ecology and history of
Adambakkam and Nanganallur through the creative works of
children.
The exhibition was inaugurated by environmental activist, Mr.
Nithyanand Jeyaraman of Vettiver Collective, Mr. Vetriselvan of
Poovulagin Nanbargal, and Ms. Swathini, a textile designer.
The event showcased various student-created exhibits,
including drawings of birds found in Puzhuthivakkam lake, a
comparative 3D model showing the region before and after
urbanisation, a flip book on the changes in Veerangal Odai,
eco-prints made from locally collected leaves and flowers, and
artworks depicting the importance of water conservation.
One of the major attractions was a mosaic artwork showing the
map of the region in 1965 and 2025. This public artwork has
been permanently installed in the park for visitors to engage
with and learn about the area’s transformation over time.
Students also screened a short film and a documentary that
highlighted the environmental and social changes in the
locality. Many local residents shared their memories and
experiences of the area, making the exhibition an interactive
learning experience.
The exhibition was the outcome of the Community Museum
Project initiated by Aram Thinai in partnership with Chirpi
School. Through classroom learning, field visits, community

interactions and artistic activities, students explored the
interconnected wetlands, biodiversity and ecological history of
the Pallikaranai watershed.
They documented oral histories, observed landscapes, and
studied the impact of urbanisation on local ecosystems.
Speaking about the initiative, Ms. Benisha of Aram Thinai said
the project encourages students to understand and connect
with the places where they live. She noted that art, storytelling,
mapping and observation became valuable tools for students to
learn about environmental changes and the need for
conservation.
The project aims to inspire young people to become active
caretakers of their environment and contribute to a more
sustainable future.
Many visitors appreciated the efforts of the students, teachers,
and organisers for creating awareness about local ecological
issues through creative expression.
The students will present their work once again at
DakshinaChitra Museum on July 4 as part of the Environment
Action Month celebrations organised jointly by Aram Thinai and
DakshinaChitra Museum.