Newsletter (September-October 2025)

Our newsletter provides updates on our programs, and fellow Climate Reality Leaders who are making a difference. It carries a gamut of activities carried out in two months' time, showing how each one of us can act to solve the crisis together. We would love to hear from you, your story and acts of leadership in the journey of sustainability. Every action matters!

CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION PROGRAMME

Celebrating Green Champions: GCP Awards (Second Edition – 2025)

The Green Campus Programme (GCP) proudly announced the second edition of the 2025 GCP Awards, honouring campuses that have shown exceptional leadership in sustainability and climate action. On 1st October 2025, 15 schools from across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra were recognized for their outstanding commitment to green initiatives and climate education.

Through the Green Campus Programme, these campuses have demonstrated how consistent efforts ranging from waste management and biodiversity conservation to energy efficiency and student-led climate action can create measurable environmental impact. The programme continues to nurture a growing community of educators and students working together for a more sustainable future.

PLATINUM AWARD WINNERS

Adarsh Public School

C-Block, Vikaspuri, New Delhi

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s Atmakuri Ramarao School

Road No. 45 (End), Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana

GOLD AWARD WINNERS

Abdul Ahad Azad Memorial Degree College

Bemina, Srinagar, J&K

Delhi Modern Public School Pampore

Dobhibagh Krenchoo Pampore, Kashmir

Delhi Public School, Gautam Buddh Nagar

B-1, Sector 132, Noida Expressway, Uttar Pradesh

Govt. Boys Higher Secondary School, Khrew Pampore

Pulwama, J&K

Govt. Degree College for Women, Anantnag

Qazi Bagh, K.P. Road, Anantnag, J&K

MAAER’S MIT Vishwashanti Gurukul School

Behind Swimming Pool Complex, Rajbaugh, Loni Kalbhor, Pune, Maharashtra

RIDGE School

NH-44, Lakshmipuram, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh

RMK Senior Secondary School

RSM Nagar, Sundaracholapuram Road, Thiruverkadu, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600077

SILVER AWARD WINNERS

Govt. Girls Higher Secondary School

Exchange Rd, near BSNL Office, Kothi Bagh, Srinagar, J&K

Mount Columbus School

C – Block, Dakshin Puri, New Delhi – 110062

St. Joseph's School North Point

North Point, Singamari, Darjeeling, West Bengal – 734104

Rahul Model Public School

Sadh Nagar II, Palam, Delhi – 110045

Govt. Girls Higher Secondary Institute, Nishat

Nishat, Srinagar, Kashmir

Principals’ conclave for Rayat Shikshan Sanstha’s 50 campuses

The Principals’ Conclave on “Climate Education and Green Campuses for a Safer Planet” was held on 17th September 2025 at Jijamata Junior College of Education, Satara. Organized for 50 campuses under Rayat Shikshan Sanstha, the event aimed to introduce the Green Campus Programme (GCP) and emphasize the role of educational leaders in advancing sustainability and climate action. The conclave featured sessions by Mr. B. N. Pawar, Mr. Ganesh Jagdale, Mr. Ganesh Satav, and Dr. Sudhir Kumbhar, who shared insights on climate education, sustainable practices, and effective programme implementation at the institutional level.

The event witnessed active participation from 48 principals, engaging in discussions and interactive sessions focused on practical approaches to building greener campuses. The conclave strengthened collaboration between Rayat Shikshan Sanstha and The Climate Project Foundation, setting a strong foundation for the rollout of the Green Campus Programme across Maharashtra. Principals expressed enthusiasm to lead sustainability initiatives within their institutions and foster climate consciousness among students and staff.

GCP Initiative Inspires Plastic-Free Diwali

As part of the Green Campus Programme (GCP) initiative, Swami Vivekanand Shikshan Sanstha, Kolhapur, organized a Lantern-Making Workshop on 4th October 2025 to promote a plastic-free and sustainable Diwali. Conducted across four campuses, the workshop encouraged students to create festive lanterns using paper and recyclable materials, blending creativity with climate consciousness. Guided by teachers, students crafted over 500 lanterns, showcasing how simple actions can lead to meaningful environmental impact.

The activity, held as a follow-up to the hands-on GCP training across 19 campuses, extended the message of sustainability into students’ homes and communities. By celebrating with handmade, waste-free decorations, participants not only embraced eco-friendly practices but also became ambassadors for sustainable living, lighting up their surroundings with awareness and change.

Principals’ Conclave Assam

The Principals’ Conclave held on 9th–10th October 2025 at Bhattadev University, Pathsala, Assam, brought together around 20 Principals and Vice-Principals from Bhattadev University and its affiliated colleges. Organized in collaboration with Mahabahu Climate Forum, the event aimed to build faculty capacity on climate science and sustainability while introducing the Green Campus Programme (GCP) as a structured framework for campus-level climate action. The presence of the Deputy Commissioner of Bajali District underscored the growing administrative commitment to climate-responsive education.

The conclave featured insightful addresses by Dr. Dhanapati Deka, Vice Chancellor of Bhattadev University, and Mr. Mridul Kumar Das, Deputy Commissioner, Bajali District, followed by a keynote presentation from Mr. Aditya Pundir, Director, The Climate Project Foundation. His session outlined GCP’s alignment with national sustainability goals such as Mission LiFE and NAAC guidelines. Adding regional perspectives, speakers including Mr. Rituraj Phukan, Mr. Anjan Sarma, and Mr. Sanjeev Sarma highlighted Assam’s unique climate challenges and the role of academia in driving solutions. The two-day event concluded with a workshop on Media Advocacy and Environmental Justice, engaging students and faculty in strengthening climate communication and youth-led action.

MoU Signing and Faculty Development Session at Vivekanand Global University, Jaipur

The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF) formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vivekanand Global University (VGU), Jaipur, on 14 October 2025, marking the beginning of collaboration under the Green Campus Programme (GCP). The ceremony was graced by Dr. D.V.S. Bhagavanulu, Pro-President of VGU, and facilitated by Climate Reality Leader and CEO of ACIC VGU, Mr. Gaurav Sharma. Representing TCPF, Mr. Bhavesh Swami led the MoU signing and delivered an engaging session on Climate Change and Solutions, emphasizing youth leadership and institutional responsibility in advancing sustainability.

Over 60 faculty members participated in the Faculty Development Session, actively engaging in discussions on climate awareness, sustainable practices, and the GCP implementation roadmap. Prof. Kailash Aggarwal, Dean of Faculty – Applied Sciences, commended the initiative, noting its alignment with NAAC Criterion 7 and its relevance for institutional sustainability missions. He encouraged faculty members to initiate committee formation and further sessions for faculty and students to carry forward the Green Campus vision.

CLIMATE CHANGE ENGAGEMENTS & ADVOCACY

Joined hands with Global Shapers for shaping climate future

Global Shapers, a vibrant community of young changemakers who continue to ignite bold ideas and initiatives shaping our shared future. As part of this movement, the Jaipur Hub, led by Gaurav Sharma (Climate Reality Leader and CEO of VGU Incubation Centre), partnered with us to host a landmark event on October 7, 2025, marking the launch of the Shape South Asia report. The gathering brought together over 200 Shapers from across Asia, fostering dialogue, collaboration, and renewed commitment to climate action. We proudly showcased our Green Education Initiatives for schools and universities, which received enthusiastic engagement from participants. The event also featured a session for early-stage entrepreneurs and recent graduates, exploring emerging career opportunities in climate tech and sustainability innovation. These exchanges sparked curiosity and encouraged youth-led solutions. The celebration concluded with a heartfelt tribute to women-led enterprises transforming rural Rajasthan, honouring their resilience, leadership, and impact in driving inclusive climate solutions.

CLIMATE REALITY LEADERS- HIGHLIGHTS

Launch of ‘Rise of the Reef campaign

Varsha Rajkhowa, Climate Reality Leader, National Director of Miss SCUBA India, and winner of Miss SCUBA International 2016 has launched an inspiring international initiative titled Rise of the Reef, focused on restoring coral reefs and mangrove ecosystems. The project commenced its first restoration effort on Usukan Island, Borneo, Malaysia, in collaboration with One Ocean Empire, an organization dedicated to marine conservation on September 6th 2025. The initiative also received support from OCBC Malaysia, one of the region’s leading banks.

In a conversation with The Climate Project Foundation, Ms. Rajkhowa shared:

“Rise of the Reef is more than just an environmental initiative—it’s a call to action. Our mission is to restore and protect some of the planet’s most vital coastal ecosystems: coral reefs and mangroves. These habitats are not only biodiversity hotspots but also natural barriers that protect shorelines, support fisheries, and help combat climate change.”

Igniting Climate Consciousness:
Deep Dive at TERI SAS

Shivkumar Krishnamoorthy, a passionate Climate Reality Leader from the 2025 cohort, continues to champion decarbonization, nature-based solutions, and climate innovation. Recently, he led a dynamic 90-minute session at the TERI School of Advanced Studies, Delhi, engaging over 60 students in discussions on the history of the environmental movement, industrial decarbonization, and the role of nature-based solutions in reversing climate trends.

The session received an enthusiastic response, with many students staying back for deeper conversations and volunteering to join Shivkumar’s upcoming climate outreach stall at the IIM Lucknow Sustainability Conclave, reflecting the growing energy of youth-led climate action.

Launch of the New Reality Hub!

We’re excited to announce the launch of the new Reality Hub—a dedicated platform for Climate Reality Leaders to connect, collaborate, and stay informed. We encourage all our leaders to register, share their inspiring work, and engage with the wider network. The Hub serves as a one-stop knowledge repository to showcase initiatives, exchange ideas, and access the latest updates from Climate Reality.