More than 1,000 children came together at The Millennium School, Noida, for the fourth edition of Bachchon Ka Maati-IV, a day-long initiative that put preventive health, hygiene, fitness and wellness at the centre of learning and fun.
The message was simple: healthy habits can start early—and children can carry that message far beyond the school gates, taking it home to their families and into the wider community.
Organised by Maati Trust in association with Illness to Wellness (ITW), the programme aimed to turn children into young ambassadors of healthy living, equipping them with simple, practical habits they could take back to their homes, schools and communities.
From handwashing and hygiene to nutrition, obesity, air pollution, physical activity and the impact of social media on health, the initiative tackled everyday health concerns through interactive activities rather than conventional classroom lessons.
A key highlight was the Illness to Wellness handwashing and hygiene activity, where children were trained in proper handwashing and everyday hygiene practices. Colonel Sanjay Chaturvedi led the training.
The programme also featured yoga, meditation, values and etiquette sessions, along with crafts, games, live performances and a magic show, creating a mix of education, entertainment and experiential learning.
Anil Rajput, Chairperson, Advisory Council, Illness to Wellness Foundation, said, “Preventive healthcare cannot begin in hospitals. It must begin at home, in schools and through the everyday habits we build from an early age. When children understand the importance of hygiene, nutrition and physical activity, they do not merely improve their own health; they become powerful ambassadors of wellness within their families and communities. Initiatives like Bachchon Ka Maati help make preventive health engaging and relatable, while giving children the knowledge and confidence to spread these messages further.”
The event also brought together prominent guests for a prize distribution ceremony. Mahesh Sharma, Member of Parliament and former Minister, attended as Chief Guest, while Mritunjay Pratap Singh, Director, RVNL, was the Guest of Honour.
Among the other dignitaries present were Swapna Roy, mother of Kargil martyr Sumeet Roy; Sandeep Jain, General Manager, Illness to Wellness; Dhirendra Pratap Srivastava, Chairman, Abhijeet Memorial Foundation; Alok Aviral, General Manager, Indian Oil; poetess Vandana Raj; and Anand Singh.
Addressing the children, Mahesh Sharma shared several mantras for success and highlighted the importance of a healthy lifestyle. He also urged the gathering to participate actively in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign ahead of Independence Day, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for participation.
Swapna Roy urged the children to respect and honour their parents, stressing the importance of the blessings and guidance of elders. Mritunjay Pratap Singh encouraged the students to cultivate creative thinking and dedication towards the nation, while maintaining a healthy body and a positive, refined mindset.
Asif Azmi, Convenor, Maati Trust, said that Maati has evolved into a cultural identity of Purvanchal across the country. The programme was compered by Prakhar Malviya ‘Kanha’, Co-Convenor, Maati Trust.
The fourth edition builds on the strong participation recorded in previous editions. According to the programme brief, the first three editions drew 1,430, 1,410 and 1,490 participants respectively, including children and parents, with participation from 150 schools across Delhi-NCR.
The event concluded with the recognition of young talent across drawing, quiz, dance, speech and essay-writing competitions.
Kothari International School won the Maati-Relaxo Trophy for Best Performing School.
In the Drawing Competition for Classes 3–5, Anirban Mihir of Kendriya Vidyalaya secured first place, followed by Anushka of Antah Prerna School and Aardhya Shukla of Radiant Academy.
For Classes 6–8, Naitik Gupta of Ivey International School emerged winner, while Ishu Chauhan of Great Columbus School and Leelanshee of G.G.S.S School finished second and third respectively.
In the Quiz Competition for Classes 3–5, Ivaan Ratul of Kothari International School took the top spot, followed by Kian Ratul of Kothari International School and Pranjali Singh of Holy Public School. Among Classes 6–8, Mayank Joshi of Holy Public School won first place, with Kavya Chauhan of Great Columbus and Abhispa of SS Public School taking second and third positions.
The Dance Competition for Classes 3–5 was won by Aradhya Rajbhar of Jesus Mary Playway, followed by Niyati Singh of The Millennium School and Sakshi of Jesus Mary Play Way. In Classes 6–8, Niyati Tyagi of S.R. DAV Sr. Sec. School stood first, while Kashvi Mazumdar of S.L.S. DAV Public and Riddhika Vishwas of G.G.S.S.S secured second and third positions.
In the Speech Competition for Classes 3–5, Vivaan Kapoor of Kothari International School won first place, followed by Risna Sai of D.A.V. Centenary School and Avishi Gupta of Bharat National.
The Essay Writing Competition for Classes 6–8 saw Kashika Mittal of Kothari International School take first place, followed by Ansh Kumar of Salvation Tree School and Nishtha Sinha of The Millennium School.
Winning participants received cash prizes and gift hampers, while all participating children were presented certificates and refreshments.
With its blend of health education, creativity, physical activity and competition, Bachchon Ka Maati-IV sought to make preventive healthcare a part of children's everyday lives.
