Over 1,20,000 people were inspired to adopt LiFE, Lifestyle for Environment, at Ayodhya

An awareness-building programme on the concepts of LiFE at Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh was organised by Sulabh-IIHH, an Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme centre under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). The programme was held from 16 November to 19 December. Over 1,20,000 students, residents and visitors at Ayodhya took part in the programme, and have resolved to adopt and promote the message of LiFE, of conserving water and energy, reducing waste and single-use plastics, and adopting sustainable food systems and healthy lifestyles.

The LiFE mission, introduced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at COP26, is an innovative way to address climate change while ensuring sustainable development.

As part of the awareness building programme, a painting and craft-making competition on the concepts of LiFE was organised in various schools and institutions in Ayodhya. Community awareness programmes on LiFE were held at the Saryu Ghat, temples, and markets to connect extensively with residents and visitors at Ayodhya. A tree plantation was also conducted at different schools and places to encourage people to nurture trees that support all living beings.

The awareness-building programme culminated with a mega event on 19 December, at which an exhibition of crafts made by students on the theme ‘waste to wealth’ was held. The student teams who made the best crafts were felicitated and given cash prizes by Dr Unmana Sarangi, Joint Director, Environmental Information Awareness Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme, EIACP, MoEF&CC. The team receiving the first got Rs 30,000, the second prize was Rs 25,000, the third prize was Rs 20,000, the fourth prize was Rs 15,000 and the fifth prize was Rs 10,000.

At the event, various EIACP centres also exhibited products made by the Green Skill Development Programme participants.

LiFE is a key initiative for environment-friendly behaviour, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving health and well-being at the same time. India is taking examples from its rich culture and from modern scientific solutions to strengthen collective awareness and action towards environmentally friendly behaviour and choices.

Our everyday choices, from the food we eat to the water and energy we consume, and the things we buy can help protect and nurture the environment. LiFE actions are easy to practice by individuals and promote economic activity in the foreseeable future.

The LiFE movement will lead to the promotion of climate-resilient local foods and grains, climate-sensitive agricultural practices, forestry products, green energy, public transportation and rejuvenation of local biodiversity, among many environmentally friendly actions. The LiFE movement is envisaged as an opportunity to turn the climate-change crisis into an opportunity to foster development that nurtures the environment.

Mission LiFE aims to build a mass movement of people to adopt sustainable lifestyles based on mindful utilization, minimizing waste and making green choices, for themselves, their families and their communities. It can unite the people of the Earth as pro-planet people.

Disclaimer: This is an official press release by Pib.