World Environment Day is often marked by tree plantation drives, awareness campaigns, and discussions on environmental conservation. At IMAGIN, we believed it was also an opportunity to recognise a group of people whose daily work directly contributes to a cleaner and healthier environment but whose efforts often remain unnoticed—the sanitation workers .
To acknowledge their invaluable service, IMAGIN organised the “Poribesh Bandhu Samman 2026” on 5 June 2026 at the Auditorium of The Government College of Engineering & Textile Technology- Berhampore. The programme was conceived as a tribute to the individuals whose commitment to cleanliness helps make environmental protection a reality every single day.
The celebration began with a symbolic offering of water to saplings, reaffirming the connection between environmental stewardship and sustainable living. As representatives of the sanitation workforce across Berhampore, sanitation workers from all 28 municipal wards were felicitated with the “Poribesh Bandhu 2026” honour. Along with commemorative mementoes, they received saplings, T-shirts, towels, hand sanitisers, soaps, gloves, and utility kits as a token of appreciation for their dedicated service.
The formal programme commenced with chants led by Swami Vishwamayananda Ji Maharaj, Head of Sargachi Ramakrishna Mission. In his address, he reflected on the deeper meaning of the environment, describing it not merely as trees and greenery but as the very essence of human existence. He spoke about the five fundamental elements—sky, air, fire, water, and earth—and how they shape both the external world and human consciousness. He urged everyone to recognise environmental protection as a collective responsibility rooted in our way of life.
The event was attended by several distinguished guests from public life, administration, education, healthcare, and civil society. Among those present were Berhampore MLA Subrata Maitra, Nabagram MLA Dilip Saha, DSP (D&T) Sushanta Rajbanshi of Murshidabad District Police, District Information and Cultural Officer Subir Sarkar, Dr. Ajay Adhikari, Principal of Rani Dhanyakumari College, Dr. Indrani Basu, Principal of Berhampore College, Swarup Saha, Vice-Chairman of Berhampore Municipality, Sandip Sen, Inspector-in-Charge of Berhampore Police Station, noted physicians Dr. Nirmal Saha and Dr. Supratik Chakraborty, industrialist Pankaj Choudhury, and several other eminent personalities.
Speakers emphasised that environmental protection cannot be the responsibility of sanitation workers alone. Maintaining cleanliness, reducing waste, and protecting public spaces require active participation from every citizen. The recognition of sanitation workers, they noted, is not merely an award ceremony but a reminder of society’s shared responsibility towards environmental sustainability.
As part of the programme, IMAGIN also presented a special recognition to the Mary Immaculate School Alumni Association for its contribution to creative urban greening initiatives in Berhampore. Environmental activist Ardhendu Biswas was also honoured for his sustained efforts in promoting environmental awareness and conservation.
For IMAGIN, the event was more than a ceremonial celebration. It was an opportunity to bring visibility to a workforce whose contribution often remains behind the scenes. Sanitation workers perform their duties not only out of professional obligation but also through a deep commitment to the well-being of the community. Their work directly supports cleaner neighbourhoods, healthier living conditions, and a more sustainable urban environment.
