When children become greenfluencers…

Bangalore: Can children become catalysts for environmental change? VIBGYOR High, a renowned school in Marathahalli believes they can. With the conviction that children can positively influence not only their parents but also the wider community, the school has launched the Greenfluencer Academy, a unique initiative to encourage environmentally conscious student leaders. “Our belief is simple – when children combine creativity with environmental awareness, they can influence civil society and achieve remarkable things,” said Ms Santoshi, Principal of VIBGYOR High, while inaugurating the programme on 18 July 2026. The inaugural session featured distinguished environmentalist Dr. V. Selvarajan, Founder of Green Circle, who has devoted more than three decades to environmental conservation and education. Addressing the gathering on Climate Action Initiatives, he highlighted some of today’s most pressing environmental challenges, with special emphasis on scientific waste management. He explained that the most effective way to tackle waste is to reduce it at the source and encouraged children to become ambassadors of responsible consumption and disposal. One of the highlights of the interactive session was his demonstration of the four-colour waste bin system launched by the Government of India recently, enabling students to understand how simple daily habits can make a significant difference to the environment. He also cautioned students about the growing threat of single-use plastics and encouraged them to adopt sustainable alternatives in their everyday lives. “Every small action contributes to a much larger positive change,” The speaker reminded the young audience, inspiring them to become true Greenfluencers—children who lead by example and motivate others to embrace sustainable living. The occasion also saw the launch of Nature Nest, a companion initiative designed to nurture curiosity and a love of nature among younger children. The programme, coordinated by Padhma, drew an enthusiastic response, with nearly 60 students, 50 parents, and several teachers participating. Expressing his appreciation, Harpreet Singh, a parent, described the initiative as “a unique effort to involve parents alongside children in environmental education” and assured the school of continued support for similar programmes. By empowering children to become environmental ambassadors, VIBGYOR High has demonstrated that meaningful climate action begins not only in government policies or institutions, but also in classrooms and homes—one child at a time

Dr Selvarajan’s book release

Book Title: ‘Our Environment, Our Concern’

In 2021, Robin Sharma, the Editor of Dwarka Express, Delhi called me (Dr V Selvarajan) and expressed his anguish about my relocating to Bangalore from Dwarka. However, he continued to interact with him to save the twenty Nilgai, which had been dislocated due to the destruction of the 200-acre natural forest in Bharat Vandana Park in the heart of Dwarka. In the last 3 years, the place has been under the artificial construction of an amusement park. While both lamented that they could not save Bharat Vandana, at least they were taking steps to relocate the Nilgai. As the discussion continued, Robin Sharma requested that I write to Dwarka Express regularly. I suggested an exclusive page called South Express which will carry articles and news items from South India. Once decided, there was no looking back. This page was added as the ninth page of Dwarka Express. While Robin Sharma was happy to spread out to South India, I treated this as an opportunity to write about the environment. Slowly, many authors started contributing useful articles on nature and the environment. When 100 editorials were over, I contemplated a book named OUR ENVIRONMENT, OUR CONCERN. Coincidentally, the title was the mantra of the Dwarka NGO called Green Circle, founded by me. Dwarka Express, in which South Express is a page dedicated to South India released the Book on 7.12.2024 in a glittering function at CCRT Auditorium Sector 7, Dwarka, New Delhi. About 200 Dwarkites attended the function. The function was organized by Green Circle Dwarka Chapter in association with Dwarka Express and Centre for Cultural Resources and Training, Min of Culture, Govt of India. I owe this opportunity to Robin Sharma as South Express has crossed its 118th week. South Express will achieve many more laurels in the years to come. The book published by Alize Publishing is priced at Rs 299 and I will contribute all Royalties earned for the cause of Green Circle, founded by me in 2001. I sincerely remain grateful to all my readers, well-wishers, and friends of nature for their relentless support. This book will be available on the Amazon website from 7.12.24. Again, my sincere thanks to Robin Sharma for this honorary assignment.