The “Guardians of the Green” conference, held on the 22nd of September at the prestigious Shangri La, lived up to its reputation as “a conference with a conscience.” The conference brought together thought leaders, innovators, and experts to explore sustainable solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing our world today. Among the highlights of the event was the first panel discussion, titled “Empowering Through Education: Nurturing Sustainable Minds for Tomorrow’s World.”

The panel was a testament to the transformative power of education in fostering sustainable thinking and practices. It featured a distinguished lineup of experts who have dedicated their careers to promoting sustainability through education. Each panelist brought a unique perspective and wealth of experience to the discussion.

Ms. Bhavya Arora

Ms. Bhavya Arora, the Founder and CEO of New Thought Therapist, was the first panelist to share her insights. Bhavya is not just a psychotherapist but also a TEDx speaker and a global competence and intercultural learning trainer. Her mission is to expand access to quality mental health support and psychoeducation. Bhavya’s commitment to nurturing sustainable minds was evident as she discussed the importance of mental well-being in the context of sustainability. She emphasized how a healthy mind is essential for making sustainable choices and driving positive change.

Dr. Narottam Puri

Dr. Narottam Puri, the Principal Advisor at the Quality Council of India, brought a wealth of expertise in quality assurance and education to the panel. His career has been dedicated to fostering excellence across various sectors. Dr. Puri’s discussion revolved around the role of quality education in shaping sustainable minds. He stressed the need for education systems to instill values of sustainability and environmental consciousness in students from an early age.

Mr. Darpan Katyal

Mr. Darpan Katyal, the Chairman of IVS School of Design, shared his experiences in the field of design education. With a rich background in design and education, Mr. Katyal has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of design education in India. His insights shed light on how design thinking and creativity can be harnessed to drive sustainability. He emphasized the importance of nurturing young designers who are not only creative but also conscious of their environmental impact.

Mr. Sasi Menon

Mr. Sasi Menon, the Head of School at Vedatya’s Design School, discussed his passion for education and design. Under his guidance, Vedatya’s Design School has become a hub of creativity and excellence, nurturing the talents of young designers and visionaries. Mr. Menon’s insights highlighted how design education can empower students to create sustainable solutions and innovative designs that benefit society and the environment.

Ms. Diya Badgel

Ms. Diya Badgel, the National Director of AFS (formerly American Field Service), brought her extensive experience in education and holistic student development to the panel. She discussed her mission to equip youth with 21st-century skills, nurturing lifelong learners who become changemakers and active global citizens. Diya’s emphasis on holistic education and character development resonated with the audience as she highlighted the importance of values and mindfulness in nurturing sustainable minds.

Prof. Prateek Sharma

Prof. Prateek Sharma, the Vice Chancellor of TERI School of Advanced Studies, shared his extensive experience in environmental engineering and research. His scholarly contributions and dedication to environmental systems modeling and risk assessment have earned him recognition as a Fellow of the Wessex Institute of Great Britain. Prof. Sharma discussed the critical role of academia in driving sustainability through research and education.

The first panel of the Guardians of the Green conference was a compelling exploration of how education can empower individuals to become guardians of the environment. The panelists emphasized that nurturing sustainable minds is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about instilling values, fostering creativity, and promoting holistic well-being. The insights shared during this panel laid a strong foundation for the rest of the conference, inspiring attendees to take action and become advocates for a more sustainable and conscious world.