Patiala, August 6
Reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship and experiential learning, Patiala Foundation has formally launched EcoLabs under Project PRITHVI, a pioneering initiative that will establish Live Environmental Laboratories in ten schools across Patiala, selected after scrutiny and analysis of a large cluster of schools which applied to be a part of the program. The programme seeks to transform school campuses into vibrant centres of sustainability where students will learn environmental conservation not merely through textbooks but through practical engagement and daily action.
The initiative has been made possible through the generous support of SFC Environmental Technologies Ltd., whose CSR partnership reflects a shared commitment towards promoting environmental responsibility, sustainable development, and climate resilience among young learners.
The EcoLabs programme has been conceptualised as a comprehensive environmental education model that integrates classroom learning with field-based experiences. Each EcoLab will serve as a living laboratory where students observe, experiment, document, and actively participate in protecting their immediate environment.
The first phase of the project was formally flagged off with Orientation Programmes at Greenwell Public School and Podar International School, Patiala, introducing school leadership, teachers, Eco Club members, and students to the vision and objectives of EcoLabs.
Patiala Foundation expressed its sincere gratitude to Samrez Jahan, Principal, Greenwell Public School and Neena, School Coordinator, for their enthusiastic support and commitment towards making the programme a success. Similar appreciation was extended to Jaspreet Sandhu, Principal, Podar International School, and Jyoti, School Coordinator, for embracing the initiative and motivating students to become active participants in environmental conservation.
The launch of EcoLabs marks the beginning of a long-term initiative to nurture a generation of environmentally conscious and environmentally responsible students. Through the establishment and strengthening of Eco Clubs in participating schools, students will be encouraged to understand environmental challenges, adopt sustainable practices, and emerge as young leaders capable of driving positive change within their schools and communities. Rather than treating environmental education as a standalone subject, EcoLabs seeks to integrate sustainability into students’ everyday lives through experiential learning and active participation.
The EcoLabs programme is structured around six interconnected themes that collectively promote holistic environmental stewardship. Students will engage in activities relating to water conservation, encouraging the judicious use and preservation of water resources; soil health, focusing on the importance of healthy soil and natural ecosystems; dry leaf composting, demonstrating the conversion of organic waste into nutrient-rich compost; Chidiya Ghar (Bird Care), fostering compassion for urban biodiversity by creating safe habitats for birds; biodiversity conservation, enabling students to document, protect, and appreciate local flora and fauna; and Eco Club activities and environmental leadership, empowering young learners to conceptualise and lead sustainability initiatives, awareness campaigns, and community-driven environmental action.
Students, under this pioneering attempt will be encouraged to become environmental ambassadors by undertaking practical activities including composting organic waste, conserving water, creating bird-friendly spaces, documenting biodiversity on their campuses, and leading sustainability campaigns within their schools and communities.
The orientation programmes concluded with the Eco Pledge, through which students collectively reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the environment and adopting sustainable practices in their everyday lives.
While explaining the idea and relevance of the Ecolabs, Ravee Singh Ahluwalia, Founder and CEO of Patiala Foundation, shared that: “Environmental education must move beyond awareness to action. EcoLabs has been designed to create living classrooms where every child learns by doing, observes nature closely, and understands that even the smallest individual action contributes towards protecting our planet. Today’s students are not merely beneficiaries of environmental initiatives—they are the environmental leaders of tomorrow.” He further added: “Project PRITHVI is our commitment to nurturing a generation that respects nature, values biodiversity, and understands the importance of sustainable living. By establishing Live Environmental Laboratories in schools, we hope to create institutions where environmental responsibility becomes a way of life rather than an occasional activity.”
Through Project PRITHVI, Patiala Foundation envisions creating a network of environmentally conscious schools that will serve as models of sustainable campus practices while inspiring neighbouring communities to adopt similar initiatives. The EcoLabs programme is expected to strengthen environmental literacy, promote behavioural change among young citizens, and contribute meaningfully towards India’s climate and sustainability goals.
The Foundation reiterated that the establishment of EcoLabs in ten schools marks only the beginning of a larger movement to create greener educational institutions, empower student-led environmental action, and build resilient communities through education, participation, and collective responsibility.