December 19, 2024
Introduction:
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change recently hosted the Eco-Creativity & Innovation Hackathon in New Delhi. This event aligns with the Prime Minister’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle For Environment) Campaign and promotes sustainable living among the youth of India.
Event Overview
The hackathon commenced on June 5, 2024, utilizing the Code Mitra platform, launched by the Pi Jam Foundation in collaboration with Amazon Future Engineer. The Ministry supported the event as part of its Environment Education Programme.
Participation and Engagement
The event attracted a staggering 411,711 participants from across India. Students engaged in various activities, including educational videos and problem-solving puzzles. A total of 190,033 innovative ideas were submitted to tackle local environmental challenges.
Regional Contributions
Participants hailed from 14 states, with Punjab leading in participation. Key districts in Punjab included Sangrur, Patiala, Ludhiana, and Amritsar. Other notable contributors were Andhra Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh.
Awards and Recognition
The top five student ideas received awards, recognising the creativity and effort of participants. Additionally, five teachers and five state-level nodal agencies were acknowledged for their encouragement and support. The award ceremony featured prominent officials, including Ms. Leena Nandan and Shri Tanmay Kumar from the Ministry.
Key Messages from Officials
During the ceremony, the Secretary brought into light that Mission LiFE is a people-driven initiative. She emphasised India’s leadership in promoting environmental awareness. The Special Secretary urged participants to adopt mindful resource usage rather than wasteful habits. He also commended the Department of School Education & Literacy for rebranding Eco-clubs as Mission LiFE Eco-clubs.
The final showcase featured 35 selected projects, showcasing students’ creativity and problem-solving skills. This enthusiastic participation puts stress on the increasing interest in environmental education and technology’s role in encouraging a sustainable future in India.