Siliguri, 2 June 2026: Anand Kumar, a postgraduate student of Psychology at Salesian College (Autonomous), Siliguri, has been awarded the prestigious Certificate of Distinction in the GREEN Olympiad for Youth (GO4Youth) 2026, one of India's leading environmental education initiatives organized by TERI in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.
TERI stands for The Energy and Resources Institute, a leading Indian research organization based in New Delhi that focuses on energy, environment, climate change, and sustainable development. It was originally founded in 1974 as the Tata Energy Research Institute and renamed in 2003 to reflect its broader scope.
The distinction recognizes outstanding performance in environmental literacy, sustainability, climate action, and ecological responsibility, placing Anand among the high-achieving participants at the national level.
In a significant milestone for the institution's sustainability movement, Anand also became the first student to receive the Green Campus Volunteer Badge, presented by Dr. Prajwal Chhetri, who leads the Green Campus Initiative at Salesian College. The recognition celebrates his active contribution toward fostering environmental awareness and sustainable practices within the campus community.
Anand is the Founder of the Radio Club and Founder of the Green Club at Salesian College, where he has led a range of student-driven initiatives at the intersection of sustainability, technology, media, psychology, and social innovation. His work reflects a commitment to empowering young people to become active participants in creating positive environmental and social change.
Among his notable contributions is EcologyFirst.org, a youth-focused environmental initiative that recently received recognition from the Don Bosco Green Alliance for its efforts to promote ecological consciousness and meaningful climate action.
Having completed his postgraduate programme and currently awaiting final results, Anand represents a growing generation of young leaders who are combining academic excellence with community impact. His journey demonstrates how student leadership, innovation, and environmental responsibility can work together to build a more sustainable future.
This recognition not only celebrates an individual achievement but also highlights the increasing role of youth-led initiatives in advancing environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
“The future of sustainability will not be built by institutions alone, but by young people willing to lead change where they stand,” Anand says. END