The Puzha Padasala (River School) initiative by Friends of Bharathapuzha is the result of years of grassroots river education work carried out across schools and colleges in the Palakkad region. Since FOB’s founding in 2020, the organization has been conducting river-related classes and programs for students of various age groups and grade levels. However, challenges such as limited resources, lack of a standardized curriculum, and uncertainty about engagement methods with schools, colleges, and volunteer organizations had delayed the formalization of a structured program.

After internal discussions held nearly two years ago, FOB took a decisive step forward and resolved to launch the Puzha Padasala project on a pilot basis in select schools during the upcoming academic year. The response from schools has been far greater than anticipated, inspired in large part by the work of Vipin Master of Koodalur School, who has been running a highly successful and expansive River School program — serving as a model and motivation for other institutions across the district.

The Puzha Padasala program is now being planned on a wide scale, with schools, colleges, and volunteer organizations at its core. FOB sees this initiative as a long-term, high-impact effort to build a generation of informed, river-conscious citizens who will carry forward the mission of protecting and restoring the Bharathapuzha.