Udupi: The water bell initiative, launched with the objective of inculcating the habit of drinking water at regular intervals among students, was inaugurated at the Govt Higher Primary School, Nallur, Karkala taluk, recently. The programme was inaugurated by Lokesh C, deputy director of public instruction, Udupi district, by offering water to the students.Addressing the gathering, he said that caring for the health of children attending govt schools is a collective responsibility and called upon all teachers to take special care to ensure the success of this initiative.The programme was organised by Nagesh, headmaster, who, in his introductory remarks, appreciated the contribution of Diwakar Shetty Gundyadka for donating water bottles.Also present on the occasion were Satish Shetty, president of Shikshana Premi Shatamanotsava Samithi; Harish, SDMC member; Kondalli Prabhakar Shetty, president, Udupi District High School Assistant Teachers’ Association; Satish Vaddarse, technical assistant; and others.The water bell initiative is a school-based programme introduced to promote healthy hydration habits among students by encouraging them to drink water at regular intervals during school hours. Under the initiative, a bell is rung at fixed times each day, reminding children to pause their activities and drink water, thereby preventing dehydration, fatigue, and related health issues.The programme is beneficial in govt schools, where many children may otherwise neglect adequate water intake. By integrating the practice into the daily school routine, the water bell initiative not only supports students’ physical well-being but also helps improve concentration, alertness, and overall learning outcomes. This was an attempt to promote healthy living through simple, low-cost interventions in education, the headmaster said.
