India’s commitment to climate-conscious development has taken a significant step forward with the University Grants Commission (UGC) issuing a fresh advisory to all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). As part of ongoing national efforts under Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), HEIs have been urged to enhance visibility of the initiative on their campuses and to ensure wide dissemination of newly shared e-learning content.
This update follows the recent deliberations between the Department of Higher Education (DHE) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). The goal is clear: integrate sustainable behaviour deeply into institutional culture and empower students, faculty, and staff to become Pro-Planet People (P3).
Why Mission LiFE Matters
Mission LiFE, introduced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister at COP26 in Glasgow, positions individuals—not just governments and industries—as key drivers of climate action. Rather than focusing solely on policies or technology, the initiative encourages behavioural transformation rooted in simple, everyday choices. The shift is from mindless and destructive consumption to mindful and deliberate utilisation of resources.
Since its global launch at Kevadia in 2022, Mission LiFE has become a central pillar of India’s climate response, aligned with national goals such as the Panchamrit commitments, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With India already achieving 50% of its installed energy capacity from non-fossil fuel sources—five years ahead of schedule—the nation continues to model decisive climate leadership.
New Instructions for HEIs
1. Display the Mission LiFE Logo
UGC has requested all colleges and universities to prominently display the Mission LiFE logo across:
- Educational materials
- Awareness campaigns
- Student activities
- Digital communications
- Campus events
This co-branding exercise is meant to build widespread recognition, embedding sustainability as a visible and integral part of campus life.
2. Disseminate Mission LiFE Course Content
The MoEFCC has released a structured e-learning module currently hosted on the Karmayogi (iGOT) platform. The module includes:
- A 22-minute course
- Nine focused video segments
- A final assessment
- An introduction to Mission LiFE’s vision, mission, and behavioural approach
HEIs have been directed to circulate this module widely among students, faculty, and administrative personnel. Institutions are encouraged to integrate the resource into:
- Capacity-building programs
- Faculty development initiatives
- Student induction sessions
- Sustainability-linked curriculum activities
The Vision: Viksit Bharat@2047
Mission LiFE promotes the philosophy of “One Earth, One Family, One Future” and aims to make sustainable living a mass movement by 2047. Its seven key themes—saving energy, saving water, saying no to single-use plastic, adopting sustainable food systems, reducing waste, reducing e-waste, and adopting healthy lifestyles—serve as practical entry points for environmental stewardship.
By mobilizing citizens, enabling green markets, and encouraging supportive policies, Mission LiFE seeks to create a self-reinforcing ecosystem where sustainable choices become effortless, aspirational, and culturally embedded.
Higher education institutions now have a vital role in this national mission. By championing Mission LiFE on their campuses, they help shape a generation that is not only environmentally aware but also ready to lead India toward a resilient, sustainable, and climate-smart future.