In alignment with India’s global leadership in sustainability and environmental stewardship, the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, has called upon all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the country to document and share their flagship initiatives that align with the seven core themes of Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment).
Launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on 20th October 2022, Mission LiFE is an India-led global movement that promotes sustainable lifestyles by encouraging individuals and institutions to adopt “mindful and deliberate utilization instead of mindless and destructive consumption.” The initiative seeks to inspire collective action to protect and preserve the environment while ensuring long-term sustainable development.
As part of this national endeavor, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has initiated the documentation of flagship schemes, programmes, and initiatives across various ministries that align with the seven Mission LiFE themes:
- Save Energy
- Save Water
- Say No to Single Use Plastic
- Reduce Waste
- Reduce E-Waste
- Adopt Sustainable Food Systems
- Adopt Healthy Lifestyles
Responding to this effort, Prof. Manish R. Joshi, Secretary, UGC, has issued a circular to Vice Chancellors, Directors, and Principals of all universities and colleges, requesting them to share details of their sustainability-related actions and projects. These may include awareness drives, research initiatives, community outreach programs, campus greening efforts, and other innovations aligned with Mission LiFE’s goals.
Institutions are encouraged to provide details such as:
- Objectives and key activities of their initiatives
- Outcomes and measurable impact (e.g., energy saved, waste reduced, or water conserved)
- Innovations and best practices adopted
- Supporting media such as photographs, videos, or success stories (write-up not exceeding two pages)
The compiled information will contribute to India’s national documentation on Mission LiFE, highlighting how educational institutions are driving behavioral change and sustainable practices. The submissions must be sent in the prescribed format (Annexure-2) to cbc-section@ugc.gov.in by 31st October 2025, for onward transmission to MoEFCC.
Promoting Sustainability through Higher Education
The higher education sector plays a pivotal role in shaping environmentally conscious citizens. UGC’s communication emphasizes integrating sustainability into the campus ecosystem and curriculum through key initiatives like:
- Campus Environment Clubs, which promote activities such as energy and water conservation, waste segregation, and eco-friendly habits.
- AICTE Green Campus Initiative, encouraging institutions to adopt renewable energy, reduce plastic use, and manage waste effectively.
- UJALA for Higher Education Institutions, promoting energy-efficient lighting systems to reduce carbon footprints.
These initiatives embody the spirit of Mission LiFE by embedding sustainability into academic culture and community engagement.
A Global Call from India
India’s leadership in promoting sustainable lifestyles has gained global recognition, particularly after the Sixth United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) adopted India’s resolution on Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles. Further, India’s proposal on Sustainable Lifestyles for the Wise Use of Wetlands was endorsed at the 15th Ramsar Conference of Parties in Zimbabwe, reinforcing India’s commitment to planetary health.
By documenting and showcasing these efforts, UGC and MoEFCC aim to present a comprehensive picture of India’s progress in mainstreaming sustainable living across sectors, particularly education. The exercise underscores how small, mindful actions — when institutionalized — can generate lasting environmental impact.
Through Mission LiFE, India continues to lead by example, transforming sustainability from a policy objective into a way of life — one campus, one classroom, and one citizen at a time.