New Delhi, September 10, 2023
The Green Pencil Foundation, a prominent non-profit organization dedicated to environmental conservation and education, made waves as it recently played host to the Youth 20 Meeting. This virtual gathering, convened under the auspices of G20 India, carried the theme “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” Distinguished delegates from across India united to deliberate pressing global issues and the joint remedies that can make a difference for individuals and communities alike.
The Youth 20 Meeting began with a stirring address by Sandy Khanda, Founder and CEO of the Green Pencil Foundation, who set the stage for an intellectually charged discourse on critical global challenges and their potential resolutions.
The meeting’s extensive agenda spanned a spectrum of topics, including climate change, food security, sustainable mobility, and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Among the notable speakers, Akash Mahato, the State Head of Jharkhand, passionately articulated the need for higher education and advocated for free education. He underscored that education transcends employment, emphasizing the integration of machine learning and AI tools in educational and research institutions.
Priyanshi, the National Operation Head, illuminated the essence of Green Pencil, where “Green” symbolizes the environment and “Pencil” signifies education. She emphasized the moral responsibility inherent in genuine education and championed the universal application of the principle “My Waste is My Responsibility.” Priyanshi stressed the irreplaceability of Earth and urged everyone to contribute to its cleanliness and safety. She reiterated the importance of empowering India through quality education and a sense of solidarity to achieve set goals.
Rakshita Manglani, the City Head of Mumbai, representing Maharashtra State addressed the crucial issue of clean air, advocating for tangible actions over empty rhetoric. She promoted renewable energy, plant care, vehicle maintenance, and responsible waste disposal as key elements in reducing air pollution. Rakshita concluded with a resounding message: “Our planet, our responsibility.”
Ms. Kalpana, the State Head of Himachal Pradesh, centered her discourse on education, emphasizing the need to provide the right education for all, aligning with the National Education Policy 2020. She highlighted the necessity of equipping individuals with education and healthcare while addressing sensitive subjects like menstrual health and climate change from a gender-neutral perspective. Ms. Kalpana called for the inclusion of chapters on mental health, climate change, and menstrual health in school curricula, asserting that “Education is the third eye of a human being.” She also underscored the importance of addressing grassroots challenges to ensure a sustainable future.
Mayank, the Subhead of Delhi, stressed the paramount importance of clean air and sustainable mobility. He outlined how access to clean air can mitigate diseases like asthma, heart disease, and lung cancer while addressing the societal and environmental impacts of sustainable transportation to reduce pollutant emissions.
Ms. Ayesha, the State Head of Karnataka, directed attention to mental health, advocating for the 8+8+8 Rule – 8 hours of sleep, 8 hours of work, and 8 hours of leisure. She introduced the concept of self-love and emphasized its role in perceiving the world positively. Ayesha called for thoughtful reactions and personal responsibility in actions and commitments.
Khusboo Singla, Foundation’s City Head from Mansa, Punjab, representing Punjab, highlighted a solutions-oriented approach to combat carbon footprints and air pollution through EV infrastructure transformation and sustainable mobility. She stressed the need to make public transport more people-friendly.
Aakash Mahto, who represented Jharkhand as the State Head of Green Pencil Foundation, reiterated the importance of providing education accessibility to all, especially those in poverty. He advocated for educational reforms and free education as catalysts for societal transformation on a global scale.
The Green Pencil Foundation’s Youth 20 Meeting served as a platform for diverse perspectives on global challenges, reinforcing the critical roles of education, environmental stewardship, and mental well-being in shaping a sustainable future for all.
