Phase 3 of OTBL CSR prog focuses on adopting energy-efficient choices among school kids
New Delhi: The ongoing phase of ONGC TERI Biotech Limited (OTBL)’s corporate social initiative – Protectors of the Environment – aims to foster sensitivity, appreciation and a sense of duty towards the preservation and efficient use of energy among students of classes VI to IX, and adults, for environment conservation. The unique CSR campaign started in 2017 and has so far employed tools such as visual instruction, hands-on application, and learning, which are designed to inspire children to translate ‘thought’ into ‘action’ for adopting energy-efficient choices for sustainability.
The third phase concentrates on developing skill sets to measure the level of environmental issues and implement corresponding solutions to mitigate damages. Both rural and urban populations are informed, trained, and encouraged to undertake roles and responsibilities in their social surroundings.
“Without continuous hands-on experience, it is impossible for children to acquire a deep intuitive understanding of the environmental issues that are the foundation of sustainable development. A critical aspect of our CSR initiative is to engage and train children, so that they can see the link between how the choice of renewable energy today will shape greener and sustainable future,” said Rajesh Kumar Srivastava, Director (Exploration), ONGC Limited, and Chairman of OTBL.
“We simply must balance our demand for energy with our rapidly shrinking resources. By acting now, we can control our future instead of letting the future control us. The “Protectors of Environment” campaign aims to incorporate ecological perspective into existing classroom activities and units. Through this we are trying to empower today’s youth by giving them, the right opportunity, knowledge and resources to think how they can lead their communities toward sustainable transformation,” said Dr Banwari Lal, director and CEO OTBL.
Till now, the programme has covered government and private schools in Ahmedabad, Ankleshwar, and Bharuch in Gujarat. Designed in three phases over a period of one year each, the major activities carried earlier included an introductory session for students, who then went on to take on the role of ‘environment protectors’ in the first phase, and interactive activities, performing arts, and project-based learning with students where environment experts addressed their issues and concerns in the second phase. Participants were examined on their sensitivity towards their environment, awareness of the impact of their actions, and measures adopted towards creating a sustainable environment.