Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, inaugurated a microforest comprising of Fruit Orchard and Pollinator Park developed under Special Campaign 5.0 at PM SHRI Navodaya Vidyalaya, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, on 14th December, 2025.

This initiative has transformed over 3,200 sq. metres of barren land into a vibrant ecological learning space under the aegis of Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE. The event was attended by Shri Rajesh Lakhani, Commissioner, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS); Dr. Amarpreet Duggal, Joint Secretary, DoSEL; Shri Gyanendra Kumar, Joint Commissioner, NVS; Smt. Vandana Tummalapalli, Head of Govt. and Public land acquisition, Say Trees; Ms Moneetha, Knowledge Head, Say Trees; senior officials of the Ministry; students; teachers; and staff members.

  

In his address, Shri Sanjay Kumar emphasised that the true value of education lies in nurturing happy, mentally sound and well-rounded individuals by extending learning beyond textbooks to real-world experiences, as envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He noted that joyful, inclusive and nature-connected learning environments help foster human values, meaningful relationships and independent thinking among students.

Highlighting the vision of NEP 2020 on environmental sensitisation and experiential learning, he added that Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE, now operational in over 9.23 lakh schools, are promoting hands-on learning through activities aligned with the seven themes of Mission LiFE. Urging educators to integrate learning with nature, he emphasised the need to foster environmental consciousness among school students.

 

He further called upon NVS to develop clean, green and well-maintained campuses across the country where Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE can thrive, contributing to student well-being and responsible citizenship.

Shri Rajesh Lakhani, Commissioner, NVS, urged school students to take collective responsibility for caring for trees, highlighting that nurturing fruit-bearing trees on campuses supports sustainable living, healthy habits and ecological balance. He further encouraged them to develop a sense of stewardship towards the newly created green spaces by nurturing and protecting the trees, thereby contributing meaningfully to environmental sustainability and their own holistic development.

As part of Special Campaign 5.0, DoSEL focussed on Swachhata efficiency and environmental stewardship. Over 6.16 lakh swachhata campaigns were conducted across schools and offices. A national webinar on E-waste Awareness and Management held on 9^th October, 2025, followed by an E-waste Collection Drive which saw a participation of more than 1 lakh students, collecting over 4,000 kg of e-waste. Around 100 kg of the collected e-waste was creatively reused to create an awareness-raising mural installed at Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi.

 

The newly launched microforest comprising of Fruit Orchard at NVS Gautam Buddha Nagar includes more than 500 fruit-bearing trees, while the Pollinator Park comprises more than 350 pollinator-friendly plants, offering habitat support for bees, butterflies and other vital species. This initiative will enhance biodiversity and improve the microclimate of the school campus.

Implemented with the support of Say Trees, a non-profit organisation which has planted over five million trees and restored more than 50 lakes across India, the orchard and pollinator park will continue to evolve as an integral part of the school campus, promoting sustained engagement with climate action in alignment with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Department of School Education & Literacy remains committed to advancing environmental awareness, environment friendly behaviour, Swachhata and sustainable practices in schools across the country. This initiative will further be scaled up across other Navodaya Vidyalayas, Kendriya Vidyalayas and schools nationwide, promoting green learning environments across the country.

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AK

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