Kalam's four-point formula for kids to create "happy homes"

He was speaking after presenting state-level 'Paryavaran Mitra' awards instituted by the Centre for Environment Education (CEE).

It was children, who could influence parents better than anybody else and if they sense any corrupt practice by their father or mother, they should immediately oppose it and make the elders mend their ways for better, Kalam said.

"Opposing corruption would be part of one of the four activities in the happy home concept," the former president said.

The former President, who administered an oath with the students gathered there, said each student should plant at least 10 saplings at their home, neighbourhood or in public park and ensure their growth for a certain period.

They should also strive for water conservation, energy conservation, biodiversity, waste management and culture and heritage, the five themes of Paryavaran Mitra programme, he added.

Earlier, after going through the exhibits on environmental awareness set up students, Kalam said he could see the dynamic thought process of young minds on multi-dimensions of environment in the exhibits.

As many as 33 schools from all districts in the State received Paryavaran Mitra and PM Plus awards.

Project Director of Rajiv Vidya Mission V. Usha Rani, Chief Executive Officer of Arcelor-Mittal for India and China Vijay Bhatnagar, Director of CEE Karthikeya V. Sarabhai, programme director of CEE-AP Vanitha Kommu also spoke in the meeting.

CEE is an organisation engaged in developing programmes and resource material to increase awareness about the environment and sustainable development.