DUBAI // A schoolgirl who has worked tirelessly to educate and promote the importance of environmental sustainability has been given a national award in her native India.
Simran Vedvyas, 16, had been shortlisted in the Best Student in the national category for Paryavaran Mitra Puraskar 2013, and was presented with her award during a glittering ceremony in Ahmedabad last week.
“I was delighted when I was told I had been given the award,” said Simran, who lives in Dubai and attends Universal American School.
“It’s a wonderful feeling but also acknowledgement of the work that we have done.”
Her Green Spaces – New Life campaign, which raises awareness of sustainability at landfills across Dubai, caught the eyes of judges.
“We worked closely with Dubai Municipality and went to a number of landfill sites with pupils to teach them about the importance of sustainability, as well as plant trees,” she said.
“It was really successful and we had about 900 pupils take part last year.
“We will definitely be looking to continue that this year as well.”
She thanked the support given to her by her fellow pupils, schools and government departments in Dubai.
“This award isn’t just for me, it’s for everyone who has been involved with our environmental movement over the years,” she said.
“It takes a willingness from people at many different levels to want to make a difference and fortunately that is what we are seeing in the UAE.
“Although we have a long way to go I feel society is becoming more receptive to the importance of the environment and what needs to be done to protect it.”
This year Simran received the John Muir Youth Environment Conservation Award.
nhanif@thenational.ae
