A sustainability mela was held in Mumbai, bringing together around 30 schools from across the city to make the climate conversation relatable and rooted in daily life. The event, organized by Project Mumbai, a non-profit organization, aimed to promote citizen-friendly climate action and encourage young people to take the lead in sustainable living. Actor and UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador Dia Mirza, the chief guest, emphasized the importance of children’s role in the climate movement, stating that they are already leading the way with clarity and conviction.
The event featured talks and workshops that highlighted the need for informed action and democratization of climate action. UNICEF India’s Yusuf Kabir stressed the importance of becoming climate conscious rather than climate anxious, while Project Mumbai CEO Shishir Joshi emphasized the need to make the sustainability conversation accessible to all citizens, not just the elite. The NGO’s Zero-Waste Schools initiative was also showcased, which focuses on reducing plastic, wet, and fabric waste on campuses by building recycling habits early in life.
The event included hands-on activities that demonstrated sustainable practices, such as repurposing discarded fabric into jewelry, bags, and wall hangings, and wrapping gifts sustainably using old magazine pages or reused delivery bags. A reflective activity encouraged students to think about Mumbai’s strengths and weaknesses, and what changes they would like to see in the city. The students expressed their love for the city’s architecture, festivals, and sense of unity, but also voiced concerns over mounting garbage and the deteriorating condition of rivers.
The event concluded with the felicitation of several participating schools for their ongoing work and initiatives in sustainability and waste reduction. The sustainability mela aimed to inspire young people to take action and make sustainable choices in their daily lives, and to encourage adults to learn from their commitment to sustainable living. By making the climate conversation relatable and accessible, the event hoped to promote a culture of sustainability and community-driven climate action across Mumbai. Overall, the event was a step towards empowering the next generation to become climate leaders and promoting a more sustainable future for the city.