Green Pencil Foundation, in collaboration with Green Brigade, College of Vocational Studies (CVS), University of Delhi, organised a Soil Art Workshop on 16 September 2026 at the College of Vocational Studies, New Delhi. The workshop brought together students to explore creativity, biodiversity and sustainability through one of nature’s most fundamental resources soil.
The workshop was facilitated by Mr. Sandy Khanda, Founder of Green Pencil Foundation, who introduced students to the importance of reconnecting with soil and the natural environment through experiential learning and creative expression.
From Natural Soil to Creative Clay
The workshop began with students learning how natural soil can be transformed into workable clay through a simple, hands-on process. Instead of treating soil merely as a material beneath our feet, students were encouraged to understand its ecological and cultural significance.
Following the preparation of the clay, the students were divided into two groups, with each group receiving a different creative theme.
The first group created soil artworks inspired by biodiversity, drawing inspiration from plants, animals, birds, insects and other forms of life found in nature.
The second group created artworks inspired by nature, allowing students to interpret their observations, experiences and relationship with the natural world through soil.
The activity provided students with an opportunity to move beyond conventional classroom learning and engage directly with a natural material while exploring their own creativity.
Rediscovering Our Connection with Soil
Speaking about the workshop, Prachi Jayara, President of Green Brigade, CVS, highlighted the importance of rebuilding the relationship between young people and the natural environment.
«“As humans are losing their connection with soil and nature, it is important to rediscover these connections through activities like soil art and sustainability.”»
Her message reflected the central idea behind the workshop that sustainability is not only about learning environmental concepts but also about developing a personal connection with nature.
Creativity as a Tool for Sustainability Education
The Soil Art Workshop demonstrated how environmental education can be made more engaging through art, creativity and hands-on experiences. Working with soil enabled students to interact with a natural resource while thinking about biodiversity, ecosystems and their relationship with the environment.
For Green Pencil Foundation, such experiential programmes are part of its broader effort to promote environmental awareness, sustainability and nature-based learning among young people.
The workshop also created a space where students could collaborate, experiment and express their understanding of nature without the limitations of conventional academic formats.
A Celebration of Student Creativity
At the conclusion of the workshop, a vote of thanks was presented by a representative of the College of Vocational Studies to Mr. Sandy Khanda and Green Pencil Foundation for facilitating the programme and creating an opportunity for students to engage with sustainability through art.
The soil artworks created by the students reflected different interpretations of biodiversity and nature, demonstrating how a simple natural material can become a medium for storytelling, creativity and environmental expression.
Through initiatives such as the Soil Art Workshop, Green Pencil Foundation and Green Brigade continue to encourage young people to look at sustainability not merely as a concept, but as a lived experience one that begins with reconnecting with the soil, nature and the world around us.
