Environmental challenges and social issues are the biggest challenges of this century.
As an emerging economic power, India faces unique dilemmas. Social disparities and uneven growth sharply contrast with rising consumption and “growth” of the middle class. Globalisation has created a market for everything but these issues. Environmental and social problems impact the vulnerable first and the most.
India needs to be at the vanguard and to act as a role model to demonstrate how it is possible to grow national wealth in a sustainable manner. Future generations of children and young adults, are the key stakeholders who will be impacted by what is happening. The nature of these problems requires completely new ways of thinking, sensibilities, changes in behaviors and responses. They require interdisciplinary subject knowledge and a radical change in approaching the problems. Educational institutions are ecosystems where this can flower.
'earthian Sustainability Program for Schools and Colleges' is designed to act as a catalyst for fostering excellence in sustainability thinking and doing amongst young people. The annual awards program is a first step towards a deeper engagement with children and young adults in schools and colleges.