LiFE Initiative: Paving Path for Climate-Resilient Local Foods, Sustainable Agriculture, Green Energy, and Biodiversity Rejuvenation

In a bid to foster environmental consciousness and sustainable living, Sulabh-IIHH, an Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building, and Livelihood Programme center under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), organized an extensive awareness-building program on the concepts of LiFE. The program, held from November 16 to December 19, witnessed the active participation of over 1,20,000 students, residents, and visitors from Ayodhya.

LiFE, introduced by Prime Narendra Modi at COP26, stands for Living in Harmony with the Environment. It is a pioneering initiative aimed at addressing climate change while ensuring sustainable development. The participants in Ayodhya's awareness program committed to adopting and promoting LiFE's core principles, including conserving water and energy, reducing waste and single-use plastics, and embracing sustainable food systems and healthy lifestyles.

As an integral part of the awareness initiative, schools and institutions across Ayodhya hosted painting and craft-making competitions centered around LiFE concepts. Community awareness programs were strategically conducted at key locations such as Saryu Ghat, temples, and markets to connect extensively with the local population. A tree plantation drive was also organized in schools and public spaces, encouraging people to actively contribute to nurturing trees, essential for the well-being of all living beings.

The pinnacle of the awareness-building program took place on December 19 with a grand event featuring an exhibition showcasing crafts created by students under the theme 'waste to wealth.' Dr Unmana Sarangi, Joint Director of Environmental Information Awareness Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme, MoEF&CC, felicitated the winning student teams with cash prizes. The first prize amounted to Rs 30,000, followed by Rs 25,000 for the second prize, Rs 20,000 for the third, Rs 15,000 for the fourth, and Rs 10,000 for the fifth.

During the event, various Environmental Information Awareness Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme (EIACP) centers exhibited products crafted by participants in the Green Skill Development Programme. LiFE's significance lies in promoting environmentally friendly behaviors, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing overall health and well-being. By drawing inspiration from both traditional Indian values and modern scientific solutions, India aims to cultivate collective awareness and action toward eco-friendly choices.

LiFE is not just a movement; it's a call for a mass movement. It encourages people to adopt sustainable lifestyles that involve mindful resource utilization, waste minimization, and green choices. The initiative, set to lead the way for climate-resilient local foods, climate-sensitive agriculture, green energy, public transportation, and the rejuvenation of local biodiversity, presents an opportunity to turn the climate-change crisis into a catalyst for nurturing the environment.