NEW DELHI – 17 July, 2025 – In a vibrant celebration of the World Environment Day Campaign, MILESTONE Organisation, in collaboration with Vishwa Yuvak Kendra and United Nations Environmental programme (UNEP), successfully organised a World Environmental Awareness Workshop at Atal Adarsh Vidyalaya, Havlock Square, New Delhi. The workshop brought together over 180 students and teachers, aiming to foster environmental consciousness and empower the younger generation to champion conservation efforts.
The event was graced by the distinguished presence of Shri. O.P. Pandey, SDM (Chanakyapuri, New Delhi), as Chief Guest, and Mr. Rajesh Kumar Narain, LDM (Canara Bank, New Delhi District).
Other notable dignitaries included Dr. Ashish Khandelwal (Country Representative, YPARD India & Scientist, ICAR-IARI), Dr. Richa Chowdhary & Dr. Sukriti Chowdhary (Dr. B.R. Ambedkar College, Delhi University), Dr. Karan Sachdeva (Lady Irwin College, Delhi University), Ms. Poonam Bisht (Principal, Atal Adarsh Vidyalaya), Ms. Vaishali (Senior Nursing Officer and Adolescent Counsellor, Kalawati Saran Children’s Hospital), Ms. Rama Sharma (Former Vice Principal, NDMC), and Ms. Leena Rani (Social Worker, DCPU Office).
The workshop commenced with a painting competition, showcasing young students’ artistic interpretations of environmental conservation. This was followed by a ceremonial lamp lighting and a soulful Saraswati Vandana performed by the school students, setting an auspicious tone for the day.
A highlight of the program was a fancy dress and speech competition on “Beat Plastic Pollution,” where over ten students creatively conveyed powerful environmental messages through thematic costumes and passionate speeches.
Chief Guest Shri. O.P. Pandey delivered an inspiring address, emphasising the critical need for environmental conservation and the pivotal role of youth in driving positive change. He personally engaged with students, fostering meaningful discussions on environmental issues and exploring practical, community-based solutions, which greatly motivated the participants.
A significant panel discussion on “Beat Plastic Pollution” was expertly moderated by Dr. Richa Chowdhary (Dr. B.R. Ambedkar College, University of Delhi), with insightful contributions from other dignitaries including Ms. Poonam Bisht (Principal, Atal Adarsh Vidyalaya, Havlock Square), Dr. Sukriti Chowdhary (Dr. B.R. Ambedkar College, Delhi University), Dr. Karan Sachdeva (Lady Irwin College, Delhi University), and Dr. Ashish Khandelwal (Country Representative, YPARD India & Scientist, ICAR-IARI).
The Chief Guest, Shri. O.P. Pandey, SDM (Chanakyapuri, New Delhi), was felicitated with a memento, mug, and seeds packet by Mr. Manish Sharma, Founder & President of MILESTONE Organisation. Mr. Sharma and Shri. O.P. Pandey then jointly felicitated Mr. Rajesh Kumar Narain, LDM (Canara Bank, New Delhi District) with a memento, mug, and seeds packet. Esteemed dignitaries and panellists also received mementoes and mugs from the Chief Guest and Mr. Manish Sharma.
Following the facilitation ceremony, a Plantation drive was held in the school premises, where Shri O.P. Pandey sir, Mr. Manish Sharma sir, and other guests planted saplings, reinforcing the message of green responsibility. Simultaneously, an engaging Quiz competition was conducted, testing students’ knowledge on environmental facts and sustainability.
Additional insightful sessions were delivered by Ms. Vaishali (Senior Nursing Officer and Adolescent Counsellor, Kalawati Saran Children’s Hospital), who spoke on the connection between health and environmental well-being, and Ms. Leena Rani (Social Worker, DCPU Office), who shared valuable thoughts with the students. Their presence and contributions added depth and diversity to the workshop, making it a truly enriching experience for all attendees.
The event concluded with a motivational speech by Mr. Manish Sharma, Founder & President of MILESTONE Organisation, who expressed gratitude to the guests, school authorities, and organising team, and inspired students to become active leaders in environmental change.
The winners of the Painting and Speech competitions were awarded by Shri O.P. Pandey, Mr. Manish Sharma and other guests, acknowledging their creativity and commitment to environmental themes.
To end the day on a cheerful note, all participating students were served refreshments and gifted a special eco-friendly pencil embedded with seeds at the back, symbolising the message of growing change through small actions.
The Environment Day Workshop stood out for its creativity, youth engagement, and strong collaborative spirit — a testimony to MILESTONE and Vishwa Yuvak Kendra’s ongoing efforts to build a more sustainable future.