TERI Celebrates 26 Years of GREEN Olympiad, Honours Young Environmental Champions
New Delhi, April 22, 2025: Marking a powerful confluence of purpose and occasion, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) celebrated GREEN Olympiad Felicitation Ceremony on the occasion of Earth Day today. The event honoured outstanding young minds from across India and beyond who demonstrated exemplary knowledge and awareness on issues of environment and sustainable development.
Launched in 1999, the GREEN Olympiad has evolved into TERI’s flagship education initiative, reaching over 2200 schools annually and engaging students of Standards 4 to 12. Focused on enhancing environmental literacy and building green skills, the Olympiad adopts an interdisciplinary approach covering science, technology, policy, economics, and social dimensions of sustainability to encourage youth to become informed and responsible citizens. It aligns with key national priorities such as Mission LiFE and the National Education Policy (NEP), while also contributing to SDG 4.7, which aims to equip learners with the knowledge and skills to promote sustainable development, global citizenship, and cultural diversity. The 2024 edition saw participation from around 120,000 students, with 32,000 receiving merit and distinction certificates. All participants were recognized for their involvement and commitment.
Delivering the welcome address, Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI, said, “There could not have been a more meaningful day than Earth Day to recognize the passion and promise of our young participants. We believe that the learnings adopted in the formative years of life will decide how you will look at the world, TERI envisioned GREEN Olympiad with an aim to sensitize schools and colleges about climate change.” She further added, “Today’s sacrifice will make the world a better place tomorrow. Let us work towards a planet which is more liveable.”
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Yashveer Bhatnagar, Country Representative, IUCN, emphasized the importance of connecting with nature and encouraged participants to spend time exploring the natural world to contribute meaningfully to a healthier environment. Sharing his rich experience on the various facets of nature, Dr Bhatnagar said, “Nature is therapeutic, it is something that will invigorate you. Do not miss the experience of nature, for it can teach a lot.”
The felicitation of winners was led by Dr Livleen K Kahlon, Associate Director, Environment Education & Awareness (EEA), TERI, who acknowledged the critical role youth play in shaping a sustainable future. The contribution and support extended by Mr Mahendra Singhi, and Mrs Chandra Singhi Partners, Mahendra Singhi LLP towards supporting the GREEN Olympiad initiative was deeply appreciated.
The prizes for GO4Youth were presented by Mr Uday Shankar Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Vishwa Yuvak Kendra; Dr Yashveer Bhatnagar, Country Representative, IUCN; Dr Anil Kumar Sharma, REO, Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan Schools and Dr Dipankar Saharia, Senior Director, TERI. The young environmental leaders from Schools were honoured by Dr Dhawan, Mr and Mrs Singhi.
Following were the categories of awards presented as part of GREEN Olympiad: Top Scorers at International and National level, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, Best Performing School at State Level, and Best School for maximum participation.
As TERI marks 26 years of the GREEN Olympiad on Earth Day, the initiative continues to serve as a beacon of environmental education, inspiring students to become active contributors to a more sustainable future.
The detailed list of winners available here: https://teriin.org/olympiad/assets/pdf/Final_GO_Winners_2024.pdf
To watch proceedings: https://youtu.be/czhAA8kQ448