Two schools from Goa were national winners under the Wipro Earthian program 2024-25 for their contributions to sustainability education
RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT KURIOCITY
Harmal Panchakroshi Higher Secondary School, Pernem, and Government High School Navelim, Sanquelim, were among the national winners for their sustainability initiatives as part of the Wipro Earthian program 2024-25.
Launched in 2011, the program implemented in Goa by Arannya Environment Research Organisation (AERO) in partnership with the Wipro Foundation, encourages students to explore biodiversity, waste, and water management through project-based learning.
Over the past three years, it has engaged over 550 students and 118 teachers from 60 schools in North Goa. This year, 57 schools from North Goa participated, with two emerging as national winners.
The winning team from Harmal Panchakroshi Higher Secondary School, Pernem (biodiversity category) included Rical Budke, Gangaram Thakur, Vedika Toraskar, Trisha Thakur, and Dhanashri Pednekar, mentored by Gaurav Naik. Government High School, Navelim, Sanquelim (water category), was represented by Anushka Kumari, Samruddhi Gauns, Rishva Navelkar, Aditya Gawas, and Saish Gawas, guided by Sejal Hinde.
The awards were presented on February 22 at Azim Premji University, Bengaluru, by CEO of Azim Premji Foundation, Anurag Behar, and global head of Sustainability and ESG, Wipro Limited Narayan P.S. Each winning school received Rs. 50,000 and a memento.
Sustainability educators Harshada Gauns and Jalmesh Karapurkar from AERO played a key role in engaging students and local communities. Head of AERO, Gauns, says that the program provides students and teachers with comprehensive training on environmental themes such as water conservation, biodiversity, and waste management. “It equips participants with the knowledge and skills to drive change, encouraging a deeper understanding of sustainability and encouraging practical action,” she says.
A Grade 1 Biology teacher at Harmal Panchakroshi Higher Secondary School, Gaurav S. Naik, credits principal Shambhavi Parsekar for encouraging participation.
His team undertook several initiatives, including setting up an insect garden and birdbath (under the Water for the Wild initiative), conducting biodiversity surveys, and studying groundwater depletion and its effects on the local ecosystem. They also painted a mural using natural colours from soil and dung, organised a biodiversity-themed treasure hunt, and interviewed community members reliant on natural resources.
Balancing these projects with academic commitments was challenging, but careful planning helped.
Reflecting on the experience, he described sustainability as “caring for future generations”. Looking ahead, the school plans to expand its Water for the Wild initiative, increase green spaces, and strengthen waste and water conservation efforts. He encourages other schools to prioritise sustainability, adding, “If one student becomes aware, an entire family changes. These activities should be seen as a form of ‘seva’ (selfless service).”
For Sejal Shrikrishna Hinde of Government High School, Navelim, participation in the Wipro Earthian program began after a training session where she was inspired by Gauns and Karapurkar.
Her team focused on water conservation, mapping the school’s water usage, fixing leaks, and promoting rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation. They also explored the Baras festival in Navelim, a traditional agricultural event that highlights the importance of local water sources.
While student availability due to board exams and the digital submission process posed minor challenges, the project strengthened her understanding of sustainability. “Climate change has intensified water scarcity, making conservation more critical than ever. A water-wise approach is essential for a resilient future,” she says.
The school now plans to develop a rainwater harvesting unit and enhance its kitchen garden using sustainable irrigation and organic manure. Hinde advises other schools to take part in such initiatives, stating, “Students thrive in hands-on learning, and these programs help them appreciate the delicate balance of our ecosystem while promoting environmental responsibility.”
