Wipro Earthian Awards ceremony honors 3 schools from Kashmir, Ladakh

In a remarkable achievement, three schools from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh were recognized at the 14th edition of the Wipro Earthian Awards 2024. Organized by Wipro Limited, a global technology services and consulting firm, the awards ceremony took place at Azim Premji University in Bengaluru. The annual event is dedicated to fostering sustainability education and acknowledging Indian schools and colleges that actively contribute to sustainable action and awareness.

Among the winners was Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Manigam, which received recognition for its insightful submission on solid waste management. The students effectively highlighted the challenges of handling increasing waste and demonstrated a clear distinction between the traditional linear disposal system and circular recycling and reuse methods. Their project documented the journey of solid waste in their region, showcasing an in-depth understanding of the issue.

Another winning entry came from Ladakh’s Lamdon School (Tsang Chu), where students presented a compelling perspective on water management in the cold desert landscape. Despite the region’s low water demand due to extreme temperatures, water scarcity remains a pressing issue. The team focused on the significant challenges of water storage and distribution, bringing attention to a critical sustainability concern in their environment.

Additionally, students from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Leh, explored the evolving awareness of climate change and its impact on daily life. Their project demonstrated how increased consciousness about environmental shifts has led to innovative water conservation techniques, particularly the role of ice stupas in preserving glacial water. As a residential school, their campus implements drip and sprinkler irrigation systems to manage its relatively higher water consumption efficiently.

The awards were presented by Anurag Behar, CEO of the Azim Premji Foundation, alongside Narayan P S, Global Head of Sustainability and Social Initiatives at Wipro Limited and Managing Trustee of the Wipro Foundation. Narayan P S emphasized that the Wipro Earthian Awards mark the culmination of a long-standing initiative aimed at engaging young minds in understanding humanity’s deep connection with nature. He noted that the program not only brings together students and teachers from diverse backgrounds but also fosters experiential learning that highlights the interconnectedness of individuals, communities, and the environment.

He further expressed admiration for the resilience and optimism displayed by young participants as they prepare to address the complex challenges of sustainable development. The Wipro Earthian program has grown to become one of India’s most extensive sustainability education initiatives for schools and colleges. This year alone, over 1,500 project submissions were received, with 23 winning entries and 43 shortlisted projects selected by an independent jury.

Since its inception in 2011, the initiative has engaged with over 50,000 schools, 4,000 colleges, 200,000 students, and 40,000 teachers. The 2024 edition witnessed substantial participation, with more than 1,500 school submissions and over 700 from colleges. The program’s outreach has expanded significantly through collaborations with Wipro’s education partners, including CEE, CPREEC, Wild Eclogues, IIT Madras, IIM Bangalore, state governments, and educators in the field of sustainability education.