On February 23, 2026, the Department of Environmental Science and Amity Innovation Incubator (AII) AUMP, in collaboration with the Dilbir Foundation, hosted the "Young Climate Champions Session" at Amity University Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior. This exclusive awareness and orientation program organized under the prestigious Earth Care Awards (JSW–The Times of India), powered by EARTHDAY.ORG to inspire India's youth to develop innovative solutions against climate change, with selected projects eligible for cash prizes, mentorship, and start-up support.
The event started with a vibrant welcome to the 'Young Climate Champions Session' on February 23, 2026. As the chief guest arrived, the anchor extended a warm invitation to the Hon'ble Pro Chancellor, Lt. Gen. V. K. Sharma, AVSM (Retd.), and the Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) R. S. Tomar, to welcome Er. Rumit Walia—Creative Environmentalist, Peacebuilder, Young Diplomat, and TEDx speaker—by presenting him a sapling symbolizing growth and sustainability this was followed by the felicitation of the Pro Chancellor, Lt. Gen. V. K. Sharma by Prof. Dr. Kuldip Dwivedi, while Dr. Swapnil Rai felicitated the Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) R. S. Tomar and Dr Abhishek Bhardwaj felicitated Pro Vice Chancellor (R) Prof. (Dr) M P Kaushik.
Inaugural Addresses
Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. R S Tomar, an award-winning academician with the Excellency Award from the Media Federation of India, delivered the opening remarks, launching the session and emphasizing academic excellence, research, innovation, environmental sustainability, and holistic student development.
Hon’ble Pro Chancellor Lt. Gen. V. K. Sharma, with his 40-year military career and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), followed with words of wisdom, blessing the young climate champions and guiding their path forward.
Orientation Session
The main speaker Er. Rumit Walia who has moderated global dialogues with figures like the Prime Minister of India, the President of Russia, and officials from Bhutan, Mongolia, Bolivia, and Venezuela. He has been the youngest U.S. State Department IVLP participant (2024) on Environmental Engagement and Economy, he manages Youth Affairs for Earth Day Asia, mentors for the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (Ministry of Youth Affairs), and co-founded Virah Band to blend music with environmental action. He also promotes Northeast India coffee via eco-friendly cafés.
Er. Walia then led the core orientation on the Earth Care Awards. His session electrified the audience, centring on the theme of transforming little ideas into big dreams. He shared stories of youth-driven programs where small concepts—like community clean-ups or upcycled art—scaled into global initiatives through persistence, collaboration, and bold vision. Drawing from his TEDx experience and IVLP insights, he urged students: "Every sapling starts small; nurture your climate ideas and watch them grow into forests of change." The interactive Q&A segment saw students firing questions on innovation, with Walia encouraging practical steps like prototyping sustainable startups.
Closing and Call to Action
The event wrapped with vote of thanks by Prof. (Dr) Kuldip Dwivedi Head EVS thanking Er. Walia for his unforgettable orientation, the Hon'ble leadership of AUMP for their inspiration, faculty, students, and organizers.
Participants were reminded to apply via the Earth Care Awards website for certificates, cash prizes, mentorship, and startup handholding. The session proved a resounding success, fostering a greener tomorrow through youth innovation.