On the eve of World Environment Day, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma launched ‘Voices of Bharat: Youth for Sustainability’, a nationwide initiative aimed at building the capacity of students in storytelling to act as catalysts and create awareness in masses and inspire environmental and climate action.
Chief Minister Sharma also unveiled the official campaign poster during the event. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sharma emphasised the pivotal role of youth in nation-building and highlighted the need for innovative platforms that tap into their creativity, energy, and commitment to protect the environment.
Led by Sustainability Karma along with supporting partner Lok Samvad Sansthan, a Jaipur-based well-known NGO, the initiative seeks to mobilise students across India’s colleges and universities to join the initiative.
The initiative aligns with India’s broader environmental and climate commitments, including Mission LiFE, the Panchamrit targets, Net Zero goals, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Rajiv Tikoo, Consulting Editor of Sustainability Karma, underlined the initiative’s objective to build the capacity of young people as storytellers who can influence attitudes, spark dialogue, and catalyse action at the grassroots level.
Kalyan Singh Kothari, Secretary of Lok Samvad Sansthan, reiterated the aim to sensitise and empower millions of youth to become informed and responsible contributors to sustainable development.
By raising climate consciousness among millions, the initiative aims to trigger widespread behavioural change. As individuals adopt sustainable lifestyles, this ripple effect will enhance ecosystem health, boost public well-being, and support policy evolution. The initiative aspires to fuel a nationwide movement to secure a sustainable future for generations to come.
The initiative is guided by an eminent board of educators like Prof Sudhi Rajeev, VC, Haridev Joshi University of Journalism and Mass Communication; Prof Dev Swaroop, VC, Vishvakarma Skills University; Prof (Dr) Kandarpa Das, VC, Girijananda Chowdhury University, Guwahati; Prof K G Suresh, Director, India Habitat Centre and Former VC, Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University & Former DG, IIMC; Prof Subhash Dhuliya, Former VC, Uttarakhand Open University; Prof. Bijaylaxmi Nanda, Principal, Miranda House, University of Delhi; Prof. Sanjeev Bhanawat, Professor and Head of Journalism, University of Rajasthan.
Expressing strong support for the initiative, Prof Sudhi Rajeev affirmed the potential of youth to become catalysts for transformative change. Professor Dev Swaroop noted the initiative would guide India’s environmental discourse in a new and impactful direction.
The initiative will shortly open registration for students to join the initiative. Naina Gautam, Editor-Host of Sustainability Karma, said that this initiative is set to shape the next generation of storytellers in sustainability. Puneet Kothari, Director of Lok Samvad Sansthan, added that this grassroots initiative, born in Rajasthan, is set to spark a national movement.
The initiative is supported by The Nature Conservancy, which offers scientific and technical support and consultancy services in conservation, and UFlex, India’s largest multinational flexible packaging and solutions company, which is working developing sustainable packaging solutions.
