First held in 1974 by the UN to raise awareness on environmental issues, World Environment Day — celebrated on 5th June every year — aims to inspire action to protect the environment. Today, it is the largest global platform for environmental outreach, engaging major corporations, NGOs, communities, governments, and public figures from 143 countries. This year’s theme was “Celebrating Biodiversity”, highlighting the need to save resources and reconnect with nature.
SEDI Bhatapara: Creativity at Home
During India’s lockdown, Ambuja Foundation’s SEDI team in Bhatapara, Chhattisgarh organized online activities. Trainees from Beautician, Retail Management, Assistant Electrician, and Hotel Management trades created chart-paper models and slogans using materials available at home. The theme was pure air and the value of trees, and trainees and teachers presented remarkable designs emphasizing the importance of biodiversity.
A few charts & models prepared by SEDI Bhatapara trainees & staff
Activities in Darlaghat, Nalagarh & Chandrapur
SEDI Chandrapur in Maharashtra hosted an online awareness session about environmental protection. In Himachal Pradesh, trainees from Darlaghat and Nalagarh participated in online poster and poem competitions, and planted saplings in their backyards. Children from 35 schools in Darlaghat also joined a painting competition. 135 students from 20 villages participated in plantation drives, while 60 Swachhata Doots (Health Ambassadors) led sanitation drives, collecting plastic waste and promoting cleanliness, reaching 600 people across 80 villages.
World Environment Day activities in Nalagarh & Darlaghat
Swacchhata Doots with their charts
Webinars & Community Awareness
In Haridwar and Roorkee (Uttarakhand), Ambuja Foundation hosted a webinar with farmers led by the environment division of Ambuja Cements Limited.
World Environment Day webinar with farmers in Roorkee
In Nalagarh, over 1,770 community members received WhatsApp messages about biodiversity. A Google Meet was organized involving the Ambuja environment department, SHGs, farmers, Panchayati Raj representatives, and Eshakti animators. Participants discussed the theme's significance, took part in a quiz, and shared photos of dedicated “Green Corners” in their homes, reminding everyone to maintain social distancing.
Green Corner Highlights
Green Corner photographs from the community in Nalagarh
