Gautam Buddh Nagar: Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, on Sunday inaugurated a microforest at PM SHRI Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, transforming barren land into a living classroom for environmental learning.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Sanjay Kumar emphasised that the true purpose of education extends beyond academic achievement. He said schools must nurture happy, mentally sound and well-rounded individuals by connecting learning with real-life experiences.
He noted that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 envisions joyful, inclusive and nature-connected learning environments that foster human values, independent thinking and meaningful relationships.
According to him, initiatives like the microforest allow students to observe, engage and learn directly from nature, reinforcing classroom concepts through lived experience.
Mission LiFE and Eco Clubs
Highlighting the role of Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE, Shri Sanjay Kumar said that these clubs are now operational in over 9.23 lakh schools across the country. They promote hands-on environmental learning aligned with the seven themes of Mission LiFE.
He urged educators to integrate nature-based activities into everyday learning, stating that early exposure to environmental responsibility helps build lifelong sustainable habits.
The Secretary also called upon Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti to develop clean, green and well-maintained campuses where Eco Clubs can flourish and contribute to student well-being.
Encouraging Environmental Stewardship
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Rajesh Lakhani, Commissioner, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, encouraged students to take collective responsibility for nurturing trees on campus.
He said fruit-bearing trees promote sustainable living, healthy habits and ecological balance, while also instilling a sense of ownership and stewardship among students.
Students were urged to actively protect and care for the orchard and pollinator park, making them an integral part of their daily school life.
Special Campaign 5.0 and Swachhata Drive
The microforest initiative is part of Special Campaign 5.0, under which the Department of School Education and Literacy focused on Swachhata efficiency and environmental stewardship.
Over 6.16 lakh cleanliness campaigns were conducted across schools and offices nationwide. A national webinar on e-waste awareness held in October 2025 was followed by a large-scale e-waste collection drive.
More than one lakh students participated, collecting over 4,000 kg of e-waste, part of which was creatively reused to create an awareness mural at Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi.
Boost to Biodiversity and Climate Action
The fruit orchard at Navodaya Vidyalaya includes over 500 fruit-bearing trees, while the pollinator park hosts more than 350 pollinator-friendly plants. These provide habitat for bees, butterflies and other vital species.
Implemented with support from Say Trees, which has planted over five million trees across India, the initiative aims to enhance biodiversity and improve the campus microclimate.
The project aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 13 (Climate Action) and is expected to be scaled up across other Navodaya and Kendriya Vidyalayas.