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India Today
02-07-2025
- General
- India Today
Supporting youth climate leaders: Philanthropy and UNICEF unite for grassroots impact
UNICEF YuWaah and Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies co-hosted 'Shaping the Future with India's Youth,' to spotlight stories of ten Green Guardians, youth-climate leaders and volunteers from across India driving change in their communities. The event featured keynote addresses by Uma Mahadevan, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka; Rohini Nilekani, Chairperson, Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies; and Cynthia McCaffrey, UNICEF India Representative. It brought together leading civil society organizations, climate sector experts, and youth leaders, all committed to advancing climate solutions and civic action. advertisementUma Mahadevan, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka said "Individual action is the foundation on which lasting change is built. When every citizen has skin in the game; engaged, invested, and involved, we witness powerful transformation. It becomes a collective force that reshapes communities and redefines what's possible."The highlight was ten inspiring stories of grassroots youth climate champions who are bringing impact through their dedication. From Pune, Ojas Phatak, a young environmental advocate and the founder of Ecoforce, a student-led initiative dedicated to fighting pollution and protecting nature has grown Ecoforce into a movement that has removed 2.75 tons of trash from Pune's hills through 150 clean-up events. Similarly, 29-year-old Afsal Mohammed B from Kochi, founder of Captains Social Foundation, a youth-driven platform dedicated to mobilizing young people to create sustainable change has inspired thousands of youth across India, focusing on environmental conservation, community empowerment, and education. advertisement His work includes transforming 13 schools into plastic bottle-free zones through the BottlesUp campaign, developing a plastic bottle shredding machine, and leading beach cleanups that removed 30,000 kg of waste. Also, Barsha Rani Maharana , a passionate volunteer and youth leader from Berhampur, Odisha, committed to community development, women's empowerment, and education has conducted free pad distribution campaigns and raised awareness on menstrual hygiene in rural areas. She is also an advocate for climate action and has earned her recognition, including the Rajya Puraskar Award from the Governor of Odisha. Dedication of Dwishojoyee Banerjee , a young climate advocate and social entrepreneur from Patna and the founder of The Soft Movement has mobilized over 15,000 volunteers across 51 cities in India to replace 200,000+ single-use plastic bags through her innovative Paper Bag Project. The other extraordinary stories included youth from Punjab, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Chattisgarth, Gujarat , West Bengal Rohini Nilekani, Chairperson, Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies said "I congratulate Team YuWaah on the Green Guardians program. This will inspire many more young people become a force for positive change. Young people today face so many unprecedented challenges, climate change being a major concern. It is important that they are empowered with the skills needed for active citizenship. I commend the collaborative initiative by UNICEF and the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change to create a safe space, and an enabling platform, to advance youth-led solutions at scale."advertisementA practical workbook titled 'Pathways: From Leadership to Advocacy' to equip young people to take local civic and climate action was launched at the event. The workbook was co-developed by Bring Back Green Foundation and young practitioners with support from UNICEF YuWaah, designed to build youth capacity in identifying local challenges, applying problem-solving approaches and advancing their journey in climate action. Cynthia McCaffrey, UNICEF Representative to India and Co-chair, YuWaah Board said, "Children and youth-led climate advocacy drives UNICEF's work in climate change in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. We are committed to working in partnership for a safer cleaner healthier environment for children and young people. The partnership with Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies is a step forward in supporting action for, with and by young people for a sustainable future. Investing in youth today, helps build a better future for children and young people in India."Youth led pro-plant actions have contributed to the national citizen engagement movement in the now 50 million action-strong MeriLiFE national portal, developed two years ago in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. MeriLiFE documents and encourages sustainable lifestyle action across India under the Mission LiFE. - Ends advertisement
Time of India
28-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Patna woman's efforts to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene in rural areas lauded
1 2 Patna: The inspiring works of Dwishojoyee Banerjee from Patna and Barsha Rani Maharana from Odisha were prominently featured at an event titled 'Shaping the Future with India's Youth,' co-hosted by Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies and UNICEF YuWaah in Bengaluru on Thursday. The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including civil society organisations, climate sector experts, and youth leaders, all united in their commitment to advancing climate solutions and civic action. It showcased the stories of young climate leaders and volunteers from across India, highlighting their significant contributions to local communities. Dwishojoyee (19), a young climate advocate and social entrepreneur, was recognised for her innovative efforts through the soft movement. Her paper bag project mobilised over 15,000 volunteers across 51 cities in India, replacing more than 2,00,000 single-use plastic bags. Similarly, Barsha (25), a dedicated volunteer and youth leader from Berhampur in Odisha, was lauded for her commitment to community development, women's empowerment and education. Her initiatives, such as free pad distribution campaigns and raising awareness on menstrual hygiene in rural areas, made a significant impact. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Paras Sector 59 Gurgaon | Paras Floret Low-Rise Flats Paras The Florett Book Now Undo Speaking at the event, Uma Mahadevan, additional chief secretary of Karnataka, emphasised the power of individual action in driving lasting change. "When every citizen has skin in the game; engaged, invested, and involved, we witness powerful transformation. It becomes a collective force that reshapes communities and redefines what's possible," Mahadevan said. Rohini Nilekani, chairperson of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, praised the Green Guardians programme, stating, "This will inspire many more young people to become a force for positive change. Young people today face so many unprecedented challenges, climate change being a major concern. It is important that they are empowered with the skills needed for active citizenship." The event underscored the significant role of youth-led climate actions, which account for 20.6 million of the 50 million pro-planet actions reported on the national Meri LiFE portal. This initiative, developed in partnership with the ministry of environment, forest and climate change, documents and encourages sustainable lifestyle actions across India under the Mission LiFE.
Time of India
28-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Odia woman's efforts to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene in rural areas lauded at Bengaluru event
1 2 3 4 Bhubaneswar: The inspiring works of Barsha Rani Maharana from Odisha and Dwishojoyee Banerjee from Bihar were prominently featured at an event titled 'Shaping the Future with India's Youth,' co-hosted by Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies and UNICEF YuWaah in Bengaluru on Thursday. The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including civil society organisations, climate sector experts, and youth leaders, all united in their commitment to advancing climate solutions and civic action. It showcased the stories of young climate leaders and volunteers from across India, highlighting their significant contributions to local communities. Barsha (25), a dedicated volunteer and youth leader from Berhampur in Odisha, was lauded for her commitment to community development, women's empowerment and education. Her initiatives, such as free pad distribution campaigns and raising awareness on menstrual hygiene in rural areas, made a significant impact. Similarly, Dwishojoyee Banerjee (19), a young climate advocate and social entrepreneur from Patna, was recognised for her innovative efforts through the soft movement. Her paper bag project mobilised over 15,000 volunteers across 51 cities in India, replacing more than 2,00,000 single-use plastic bags. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Discover how Cristina Mittermeier's photography inspires action to protect our oceans. Rolex Read Now Undo Speaking at the event, Uma Mahadevan, additional chief secretary of Karnataka, emphasised the power of individual action in driving lasting change. "When every citizen has skin in the game; engaged, invested, and involved, we witness powerful transformation. It becomes a collective force that reshapes communities and redefines what's possible," Mahadevan said. Rohini Nilekani, chairperson of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, praised the Green Guardians programme, stating, "This will inspire many more young people to become a force for positive change. Young people today face so many unprecedented challenges, climate change being a major concern. It is important that they are empowered with the skills needed for active citizenship." The event underscored the significant role of youth-led climate actions, which account for 20.6 million of the 50 million pro-planet actions reported on the national Meri LiFE portal. This initiative, developed in partnership with the ministry of environment, forest and climate change, documents and encourages sustainable lifestyle actions across India under the Mission LiFE.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
PMC invites citizens to plant, care for native trees under Green Guardians initiative
1 2 3 Pune: The civic body has launched a citizen-led initiative called Green Guardians and called upon individuals as well as housing societies to plant native trees and take full responsibility for its care under the Green Pune, Sustainable Pune campaign. Participants must fill in an online application to receive saplings from a designated list of native species — including tabubiya yellow, bakul, kadamb, peepal, chinch, arjun and mango. These must be planted in open grounds within the city limits. The initiative excludes planting in balconies, terraces or pots. Priority will be given to societies or institutions with space for at least 30 trees. Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) requires participants to submit a maintenance report every six months for a period of seven years. A WhatsApp group will be created for registered societies to track progress and share updates. Volunteers are also being sought to assist with development of urban forest areas at various locations. "As per the rules, new trees of local varieties will be planted in place of trees which are an obstacle to road widening by the civic road department," said Megha Lawand, a junior engineer with the road department. "In place of trees obstructing the process of road widening, trees of local species about 6ft high will be planted along the roads and on the premises of private societies. The trees will also be geo-tagged. It is necessary to maintain the newly planted trees and submit a half-yearly report on regular upkeep for at least seven years," said Lawand. Trees planted on roadsides will be cared for by the road department. Those planted on private premises will be the responsibility of the society. Around 2,600 new trees will be planted at North Main Road in Koregaon Park where 108 trees are being removed for road works.
Business Recorder
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Marriyum inaugurates ‘CM Punjab Green Credit Programme'
LAHORE: Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on Tuesday formally inaugurated the Chief Minister Punjab Green Credit Programme by depositing a plastic bottle in a recycling machine at a ceremony organized by the Department of the Environmental Protection. She also visited an exhibition of environmental paintings by children, interacted with them, and appreciated their creative efforts. The event concluded with Marriyum Aurangzeb distributing cash prizes among the Green Guardians for their exemplary environmental services and commending their dedication. The programme includes 31 sectors eligible for Green Credits, such as the purchase and use of energy-efficient fans, lights, e-bikes, e-rickshaws, rooftop gardening, tree plantation, cycling, and e-charging solutions. Media houses, schools, hospitals, and industrial units are also actively being included to ensure the message reaches every segment of society. The Minister emphasized that this programme belongs not just to the government but to every citizen. She stressed that real change will only come when collective thinking and behaviour shift toward environmental responsibility. While this is currently a pilot project, a dedicated budget will be allocated for its expansion in the upcoming Annual Development Programme (ADP). She appealed to the public to actively participate in this national cause and prioritize environmental conservation in their daily lives. The event was attended by representatives from various departments, environmental activists, and students from educational institutions, media personnel, and Green Guardians. In her address, Marriyum Aurangzeb shed light on the challenges posed by climate change, government policies, and the initiatives being taken for environmental sustainability. She stated that in the past, climate change was considered an unusual or irrelevant issue, but it has now become a reality directly affecting human life, agriculture, health, and the economy. She informed the audience that as soon as Chief Minister Marriyum Nawaz Sharif took oath, she initiated multi-sectoral efforts to tackle air pollution. Punjab's first climate change policy was introduced and is now being actively implemented. Changes in monsoon patterns have brought about significant shifts in the agricultural system, turning environmental challenges into everyday concerns. Aurangzeb highlighted that for the past one and a half years, the government has been enforcing a comprehensive Anti-Smog Plan across various sectors. Additionally, the first multi-sectoral Environmental Force has been established and is operational 24/7. A dedicated budget of Rs10 billion has been allocated to combat smog, while 42 advanced Air Quality Index (AQI) monitors have been installed across Punjab to continuously track air quality. Drone surveillance is also being used to detect environmental violations. In the agricultural sector, the government is promoting e-mechanization by providing super seeders to farmers at a 60 percent subsidy to discourage the burning of crop residues. Under the Green Credit Programme, citizens will receive incentive credits for engaging in eco-friendly activities, aiming to bring positive behavioural change. So far, 90 industrial units have been taken onboard and are receiving continuous guidance. She further announced that each e-bike user will earn five carbon credits along with financial support of Rs50,000 to encourage the adoption of environment-friendly transport. The Punjab government plans to distribute 150,000 e-bikes in the next phase, which will reduce pollution and help citizens save on daily commuting costs. In addition, 500 electric buses will be added to Punjab's transport system starting August 2025. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
