Media Release
Udupi, Sep 21: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, announced the establishment of Dr TMA Pai Green Campus Excellence Awards to recognise educational institutions and industries that demonstrate exemplary commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, climate action and responsible campus development.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of the seventh edition of the National Conference on Youth in Social Change, organised by the Volunteer Services Organisation (VSO) of MAHE in Manipal on Thursday. VSO is one of the largest university-led student volunteer organisations in India.
Announcing the initiativein his inaugural address, Dr H S Ballal, pro chancellor of MAHE, said, “Today, we are not merely launching an award. We are launching a movement, one that encourages institutions and industries to place sustainability at the heart of progress.”
“At Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), sustainability has evolved from individual initiatives into an institutional culture, reflected in our approach to energy, water, waste, biodiversity, mobility, and community engagement, as it is in our DNA,” he added.
The conference was organised to mark the 91st birthday of Dr Ramdas M Pai, Padma Bhushan Awardee, chancellor, MAHE, and to reaffirm commitment to youth engagement, volunteering and social responsibility. Centred on the theme ‘Skills for Social Change’, the day-long conference convened more than600 students and young minds, along with volunteers, social changemakers, academics, professionals and organisations, to explore the role of practical skills in volunteering, community engagement and the creation of meaningful social impact.
This year’s edition focused on experiential learning, with the message ‘This Year at Youth in Social Change, Learn a Skill for Life’. Participants attended shared morning sessions, followed by hands-on, skill-based training sessions of their choice in the afternoon. The format encouraged young people to move beyond awareness and good intentions by developing practical skills they can apply to real-life and community needs.
Dr Sharath K Rao, vice chancellor, MAHE, said, “Youth are not merely the leaders of tomorrow; they are agents of change today. When their energy and ideas are strengthened with the right skills and opportunities, they can create meaningful impact in society. The National Conference on Youth in Social Change reflects this spirit—moving from awareness to ability, and from ability to action. The participation of nearly 600 young minds is a strong testament to the transformative power of youth.”
Dr Praveen Kumar, convenor and Dr Srinvas Hebbar, co-convenor of VSO spoke on the occasion.
A range of skill-training sessions was delivered by various constituent institutions of MAHE, covering CPR, first aid, culinary arts, self-defence, photography, design thinking, meditation and well-being, and physical activity assessment, among other areas. The initiative highlighted the importance of equipping young people with the skills, confidence and opportunities needed to contribute meaningfully to society.