Solan, August 14
The LR Group of Institutes and LLR Educational Trust organised a state-level Environment Conclave and Himachal Climate Action Awards 2026 at the institute in Solan under the LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative.
The event brought together students, educators, environmental experts, entrepreneurs and community organisations to promote environmental conservation, climate action, sustainable development, green innovation and public participation.
Dr Hariminder Singh Bawa, Vice-Chancellor of Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, was the chief guest, while Yogesh Aindle, board member of the School of Inspired Leadership, attended as the guest of honour.
Addressing students, Dr Bawa said climate change and environmental degradation were among the major challenges facing society and stressed the need for greater engagement with young people on these issues. He also encouraged students to stay away from drugs, maintain a positive outlook and work with focus and determination towards their goals. He invited students to visit the Nauni university campus.
Aindle urged students to develop leadership skills, embrace new ideas and work on innovative solutions. He described young people not merely as the future of the country but as important “change-makers” in the present, calling upon them to take the lead on environmental and social issues.
Students showcase climate solutions
Students from schools and colleges across Himachal Pradesh participated in the conclave and presented their ideas, research and innovations related to climate change, environmental conservation and sustainable development.
The expert jury comprised Dr Prem Lal Gautam, agricultural scientist and Padma Shri awardee; Dr Ritesh Arya, noted hydrogeologist and founder of the Tethys Fossil Museum; and Rumit Walia, Manager—Youth Affairs, Earth Day Network.
Shruti Raghuvanshi, Samriddhi, Harsimran Kaur and Aradhana Sandhu of Alpine Public School secured the first position. Shodashi Sharma of Doon Valley Public School, Nalagarh, and Arshia of DAV Solan jointly secured the second position, while Pridhi Thakur of DAV Solan stood third.
Cash prizes were awarded to the top performers, while participating students received certificates of appreciation.
The conclave also featured research paper presentations, oral presentations and e-posters. An oral presentation panel was chaired by Dr TD Verma, retired professor, Forestry Department, while Dr Amit Sharma and Dr Surbhi Sharma of Motherhood University, Roorkee, served as chairperson and co-chairperson respectively for the e-poster presentations.
Green innovations take centre stage
An exhibition showcasing environmental and sustainable development initiatives was also organised. Start-ups, local entrepreneurs, women’s self-help groups, natural farming organisations and makers of eco-friendly products displayed their work and innovations.
Local products, handmade goods, natural products and environmentally friendly innovations were among the exhibits. Participants and exhibitors were presented certificates of appreciation.
The Himachal Climate Action Awards 2026 were a key highlight of the event, recognising notable efforts in environmental conservation and climate action.
LR Group of Institutes Managing Director Shachi Singh said environmental protection could not be limited to a single day or event. She said the institution aimed to make young people not just aware of environmental challenges but active participants in finding solutions.
“Environmental responsibility is not only the government’s responsibility; it is the responsibility of every individual,” she said, emphasising the importance of reducing unnecessary plastic use, protecting water sources, preventing water wastage and maintaining cleanliness.
She said small, consistent actions could collectively lay the foundation for significant environmental change and added that the LR Group of Institutes would continue engaging students and young people in environmental initiatives.
Faculty members and staff, including Dr PP Sharma, Dr Suresh Chauhan, Dr Kanchan Bala Jaswal, Dr Avneet Gupta, Dr Shweta Sandhu, Surat Singh, Dr Sunil Deshta and Hussain Zaidi, were also present.
The event concluded with the message: “Innovate for the Environment. Inspire Sustainable Change.”
