In a significant achievement for Punjab's education sector, twenty-three government schools from the Mohali district have been selected to receive the esteemed National Green School Award. The schools will be formally honored at a ceremony in New Delhi on January 30, 2024, recognizing their exceptional commitment to environmental sustainability and eco-friendly practices.
Recognition for Environmental Stewardship
The award is a prestigious national-level recognition conferred by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). It aims to acknowledge and encourage schools that have successfully integrated comprehensive environmental education and sustainable practices into their daily operations and curriculum. The selection of these 23 schools from a single district underscores a concentrated and successful effort in Mohali to promote green initiatives.
According to the District Education Officer (Secondary) of Mohali, Harinder Singh Benipal, the achievement is the result of a dedicated campaign. He revealed that a special awareness drive was conducted across all government schools in the district to motivate them to apply for the award. The initiative focused on guiding schools to develop and document their green practices effectively.
The Path to the Award and Upcoming Ceremony
The selection process was rigorous. Schools had to submit detailed documentation of their environmental activities, which was then meticulously evaluated by the CSE. The successful schools from Mohali demonstrated excellence in various parameters, including waste management, water conservation, energy efficiency, biodiversity promotion, and overall environmental consciousness among students and staff.
The culmination of this process will be the grand award ceremony scheduled for January 30, 2024, in New Delhi. Representatives from the winning schools are expected to travel to the national capital to receive their accolades. This event will not only honor their work but also provide a platform to share best practices with other institutions from across the country.
A Model for Sustainable Education
This mass recognition places Mohali as a leading district in Punjab for environmental education. The success of these 23 schools is likely to serve as a powerful model and inspiration for other educational institutions in the state and beyond. It highlights how systemic efforts, driven by dedicated education officers and embraced by school administrations, can lead to widespread positive change.
The award reinforces the critical role schools play in shaping future generations who are aware of and responsible towards their environment. By embedding sustainability into the school culture, these institutions are ensuring that students not only learn about ecological balance in textbooks but also practice it in their everyday school life.
This achievement is a proud moment for the entire Mohali district and the state of Punjab, showcasing a proactive approach to education that goes beyond academics and builds responsible citizens for a sustainable future.
