Bhubaneswar, June 18: Moving beyond textbooks to encourage real-world environmental learning, Sambhav has introduced a first-of-its-kind E-book on Survival and Sustainability for school students in Odisha following the successful completion of the state’s inaugural Olympiad focused on ecology, environment and sustainable living.
The initiative brought together 147 students from Odia- and English-medium schools in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, who participated in the Olympiad held at DAV Public School, Unit-8 Campus. Designed to engage young learners in thinking about environmental challenges and solutions, the competition marked a new approach to introducing sustainability concepts at the school level.
Building on the momentum created through the Olympiad, Sambhav launched the “Info-Action Picture Book”, an interactive E-book developed in both Odia and English. Unlike a traditional answer booklet, the resource combines learning with action by presenting correct responses alongside environmental facts, practical activities and reflective exercises intended to encourage curiosity and hands-on engagement.
The organisers said the initiative seeks to shift environmental education from information-based learning to behaviour-driven understanding by encouraging children to observe, question and apply sustainable practices in everyday life.
Students who performed well in the Olympiad were felicitated with certificates and trophies during the fifth memorial programme of Padma Shri Prof. Radhamohan.
In a move to deepen experiential learning, each winner will also receive a ₹10,000 fellowship that will provide opportunities to engage directly with nature and sustainability-related activities outside conventional classroom settings.
Speaking on the occasion, Padma Shri awardee and environmentalist Dr. Sabarmatee said the objective of the programme is to nurture children who can think independently and respond responsibly to future environmental and survival challenges.
According to volunteers Tushar and Prapti, the E-book will be distributed across schools in Odisha with the aim of strengthening environmental awareness and helping students develop a deeper understanding of ecology and sustainability.
Through the initiative, Sambhav hopes to build a generation of environmentally conscious young citizens equipped with practical knowledge, critical thinking skills and values needed to navigate an increasingly climate-sensitive future.
