Premier educational center in national capital, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), has added one more feather to its hat with an appreciation certificate at the Forest Department of two-day Delhi Government’s Van Mahotsav celebration. Conducted at the iconic Bharat Mandapam, the festivity was all about environment conservation and people participation, which is gaining increasing national attention when it comes to sustainability and climate resilience.

The award for appreciation was bestowed on IP University as a special tribute to its phenomenal initiatives in propagating environmental awareness, instigating new programs in ecological conservation, and community outreach through its thriving Eco-Club. All these endeavors are evidence not only of the university’s intellectual commitment to sustainability but also of its working initiatives in leaving a greener tomorrow for Delhi and the world.

The award was given by Delhi Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, a prominent political leader known for the cause of green and development policies. On behalf of the university, Prof. Varun Joshi, Dean at the University School of Environment Management, accepted the certificate. His presence at the event symbolized the pivotal role of the scholar as well as environmental stewardship at the university in propelling its green agenda.

Terming himself as proud and grateful, University Vice-Chancellor Padma Shri Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Verma said the award is a time of sheer pride for the organization. He further mentioned that the consistent environmental awareness of the university has always been at the core of its educational and administrative policies. “We do not regard it as an award, but recognition of our persistent dedication towards an environmentally sound and sustainable learning eco-system,” Prof. Verma said.

In the recent past, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University has initiated a number of initiatives towards green infrastructure and environmental preservation. Right from creating biodiversity on its campus to initiating awareness drives and community outreach programs, the institution has undertaken a huge effort. One of its key successes is the conservation and enhancement of green cover on both its Dwarka and East Delhi campuses. These campuses have been promoted and developed more and more as green oases, an admixture of ecology and education.

On a mass program on the silver jubilee of the university, IP University adopted 25 surrounding villages with an aim to green these villages and establish them as more eco-friendly and better societies. This model program is a testament to the commitment of the university to its vision of sustainability not only limited to campus but carrying its influence to the local populace and natural systems. The recent embrace of these villages includes periodic plantation drives, sensitizing villagers to nature-friendly behavior, and involvement of youth and schools in environmental activities. This social-cause effort presents a model for educational institutions to make a difference in local environmental futures.

The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted the tree plantation of the university as the main part of its green policy. Over the last few years, the campus has witnessed thousands of saplings being planted, such as native species that add to the local biodiversity and are requiring nearly nil maintenance. The consistent push has seen the university win the coveted Green Campus Award, yet again positioning it as a trendsetter in campus sustainability drive.

Environmental education goes very deep within the university curriculum, and indeed it happens through the school of Environment Management of the University, which also serves as a major research contributor, innovator, and practical intervention in environmental science. The students and faculty at the university have been at the forefront of embracing sustainable practices, ranging from waste segregation to energy saving, green audits, and water management.

The university’s Eco-Club, specifically mentioned in the appreciation certificate, has developed into an active center of environmental activism among students. Starting from awareness campaigns and clean-up drives to marking World Environment Day and Earth Day with theme-based activities, the Eco-Club has taken a central role in generating environmental awareness among students. The club functions in close collaboration with NGOs, government offices, and environmental think tanks, extending its reach beyond the university campus.

The Van Mahotsav award again signifies the firm conviction of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University in a greener future. It is a reminder that universities, when motivated by vision and collective action, can be a potent tool in forging green citizens and sustainable environments.

As the world’s debate on climate change continues to escalate daily, GGSIPU is a beacon of how universities can include sustainability in their vision, engage positively with society, and translate green ideas into pragmatic realities.