PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Feb 10: The Green School initiative, enabled by Tata Steel Foundation (TSF), was presented at the World Sustainability Development Summit (WSDS), organised by The Energy and Resource Institute (TERI), in New Delhi, from February 7 to 9.
The theme of the 23rd edition of WSDS, Leadership for Sustainable Development and Climate Justice, aligns to Tata Steel Foundation’s efforts to mobilise young students with innovative ideas to combat climate change and develop an environment-sensitive attitude.
Sustainable practices
The session started with an introduction of the journey of the Green School initiative, and the impact it has been creating on children, teachers, and the nearby communities.
A panel of students from (Residential Bridge Course) Joda, DAV Alkusa, Jharia and Steward School, Sukinda, were part of the session on the Green School initiative.
These students have been associated with Green School since the initiation and have now become changemakers in their own capacities, inspiring change among others, to inculcate sustainable practices.
Speaking about the initiatives, they also stressed upon the awareness campaigns which were activated to motivate the community living in the vicinity.
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Van Gujjar tribe
The second panel saw insights and inputs from Taukeer Alam, from Van Gujjar tribe, as he spoke about the importance of birds in the lives of the Van Gujjar tribe, residing in the Himalayan Ecosystem.
The discussion highlighted the importance of keeping the traditional practices and wisdom to maintain a greener and healthier environment.
Taukeer Alam, is a distinguished Samvaad fellow, part of the fellowship programme enabled by Tata Steel Foundation, to restore and preserve tribal art, culture, language and wisdom.
TSF CEO Sourav Roy
During the final session of the summit, Sourav Roy, CEO, Tata Steel Foundation, shared, “We often tend to focus on individual sustainability than contemplating the sustainability of the planet itself and there is largely a need for us to consider a paradigm shift in our attitudes. The Green School Initiative has been one of foundation’s efforts to instil a sense of sustainability in those who are the future residents of this planet through awareness of the current times. The vibrant youth of the nation is brimming with enthusiasm and requires the provision of adequate skills to channelise this energy effectively. We are thankful to TERI for being our partners in driving this narrative of sustainability among the youth, across Jharkhand and Odisha.”
Vulnerable communities
Working in the remotest areas of Eastern India, the Green School initiative intends to make children proactive towards sustainable behaviour, thus contributing to safeguarding the interests of vulnerable communities who bear the brunt of environmental adversities, despite their limited involvement in its genesis.
The Green School has reached to around 23,000 students, 371 teachers, and 5000 community members in and around 47 schools.
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