New Delhi: A vibrant showcase of environmental awareness and sustainable practices took center stage at India Gate during a two-day national exhibition and programme focusing on the LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) themes. Organized on 9th and 10th February, the event drew the participation of over 2,500 school and college students from more than 60 institutions, bringing forth their energy and creativity to promote eco-friendly actions. The exhibitions attracted over 3,000 visitors over the two days.
On the second day, school students took the lead in demonstrating their innovative ideas for adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle. Their projects ranged from harnessing kinetic energy from everyday mechanical activities to generating energy from agricultural stubble and creating decorative products from e-waste. The ideas showcased were not only thoughtful but also practical, reflecting the students’ commitment to sustainability.
A lively on-the-spot face painting and poster-making competition provided a platform for school children and youth to creatively express their views on environmental consciousness. Their expressions ranged from advocating a healthy lifestyle and optimal use of electric appliances to planting trees for enhancing the surrounding flora and fauna.
A workshop on waste management conducted by Sulabh-International Institute of Health and Hygiene emphasized the simple segregation of dry and wet waste at the source, empowering individuals to contribute effectively to waste management.
The exhibition featured LiFE-themed products, showcasing items created by individuals trained under the green skill development program of Environment Information Awareness, Capacity Building, and Livelihood Programme (EIACP). Non-government organizations and EIACP centers from various cities displayed a range of environmentally friendly products, including millets-based foods, organic honey, and utility items crafted from non-timber forest produce. Products such as cutlery, lampshades, baskets, bags, and manure from kitchen waste were highlighted, along with a portable solar panel for powering an electric stove.
The event celebrated the inspiring ideas and creative expressions of environmental consciousness by the young participants. Awards were presented to outstanding individuals, teams, schools, and colleges by Ms. Nameeta Prasad, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
Organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) India EIACP center with support from MoEF&CC, the event aligned with the LiFE initiative introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at COP26. LiFE encourages mindful and deliberate utilization to protect and preserve the environment, fostering a lifestyle that is synchronous with nature and minimizes harm. Mission LiFE seeks to translate this vision into measurable impact by nudging individuals and communities towards sustainable practices.
