Entire India is talking about the alarming levels of air pollution in Delhi. Conversations are filled with concern, blame, frustration, and fear. But there is an important truth we must acknowledge: we cannot raise a hue and cry once the damage is done and then point fingers at others while overlooking our own contributions. Environmental responsibility isn’t seasonal, reactionary, or convenient — it must be a way of life, nurtured from childhood.
In fact, it begins with the simplest habits.
I was reminded of this recently when my five-year-old grandson watched me pick up a plastic water bottle. With genuine concern, he exclaimed, “Aaji, don’t use that! It will add to the plastic waste on Earth.” His innocence carried a profound message. If a child can understand the impact of one plastic bottle, surely adults — armed with knowledge, resources, and influence — can do far more.
At Symbiosis, I see these values coming alive in many meaningful ways. Our students enthusiastically participate in tree-plantation drives, understanding that the saplings they plant today will become the lungs of tomorrow’s cities. They are not just planting trees — they are planting hope, shade, and clean air for generations yet to come.
Another impactful initiative is the practice of weighing leftover food in the students’ dining hall at the end of each day. When students see the kilos of food wasted — food that was grown using precious water, energy, and human effort — it becomes an eye-opening lesson. It reminds them that every grain saved is a step toward sustainability. This simple exercise has dramatically reduced wastage, simply because awareness brought responsibility. The waste is also converted to bio-gas which is then used for fuel to cook the food. The students observe these efforts and I am sure that it creates an impact on their minds.
These may seem like small actions. A reusable bottle. A planted tree. A plate finished mindfully. Yet, these actions ripple outward, influencing behaviour, inspiring others, and cultivating a culture of care.
In educational institutions, this commitment becomes even more visible. Students at Symbiosis demonstrate genuine ownership of green initiatives—whether it is participating in tree plantations, monitoring food wastage, conducting awareness campaigns, or promoting the use of eco-friendly materials. These actions are not done for photographs or certificates. They stem from a deep desire to protect the environment they will inherit. In fact, it was very heartening to see our student Shivam, start a company – Explore It, that apart from its usual work also takes care of E-waste thus contributing to sustainability and environment conservation.
By nurturing this consciousness from a young age and supporting platforms that allow students to lead, we are shaping responsible citizens who will safeguard our planet. The seeds of sustainability we sow today—through awareness, education, and habit-building—will blossom into a cleaner, greener future.
The role of youth in environmental conservation is not just important; it is indispensable. Their actions today will determine the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the Earth we pass on to future generations. And with the examples we see around us, we can be certain that the future is not only in capable hands—it is in caring ones.