The Green Pencil Foundation successfully organized another impactful session of its flagship initiative, Campus Climate Vartaleap, at Government Senior Secondary School (GSSS), Popran, District Karnal, Haryana, on 14th October 2025. The event aimed to empower young students to understand the urgency of climate change and take concrete steps toward a greener, cleaner, and sustainable future.
The session was led by Mr. Sandy Khanda, Founder and Director of the Green Pencil Foundation, along with facilitators Aakash Mahato, Neha, and Divyansh Gandhi. The school faculty and students participated enthusiastically, engaging in open discussions on environmental challenges faced by their community — from stubble burning and plastic waste to groundwater depletion and rising temperatures.
In his keynote address, Mr. Khanda emphasized the theme of “Moving from Intention to Action”, encouraging students to not just learn about climate change but also act as climate champions within their schools, homes, and villages. He highlighted how small yet consistent actions — such as waste segregation, tree plantation, and water conservation — can collectively bring a major shift in society’s environmental behavior.
Karnal, known as one of Haryana’s key agricultural districts, faces multiple environmental challenges. According to the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), the region’s air quality deteriorates significantly during the winter season due to crop residue burning, contributing to rising particulate matter levels (PM2.5 often exceeding 250 µg/m³). Moreover, groundwater extraction rates remain among the highest in the state, putting stress on the local ecosystem.
Addressing these concerns, the Green Pencil Foundation team discussed sustainable farming practices, the benefits of organic manure, and alternatives to crop residue burning. Students also learned about the importance of tree plantation and biodiversity protection, especially along rural landscapes that connect to the Aravalli–Shivalik corridor.
The event aligns with India’s commitment to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070, as announced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, and contributes directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 13 – Climate Action, SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 15 – Life on Land).
Encouraged by the students’ response, Mr. Khanda shared that Green Pencil Foundation plans to extend its Campus Climate Vartaleap sessions to every district of Haryana in the coming year, creating a youth-driven movement for environmental sustainability.
The school principal expressed gratitude to the Foundation, acknowledging that such initiatives not only educate but also inspire students to become the torchbearers of change for a sustainable tomorrow.
