From garden to globe Indora students bag international award for herbal wellness project

A student-led project titled “Herbal Green for Sustainable Life and Well-Being” from Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Indora, has earned international acclaim by securing the prestigious Ciena Solutions Challenge Award-2025, presented by the US-based organisation Digital Promise. The project has been awarded $750 in recognition of its innovative approach to sustainable living through the use of medicinal plants.

The initiative, guided by school principal and educator Mohan Sharma, was designed and executed by girl students over a span of eight months. Rooted in the principles of ayurveda, the project emphasised the traditional Indian medicinal system and its relevance in modern life. Students researched the health benefits of various herbs, cultivated a dedicated herbal garden on the school campus, and organised awareness events to educate their peers about natural remedies and holistic well-being.

Principal Mohan Sharma highlighted that the project was not only a learning experience but also a movement to sensitise the younger generation about the value of ayurveda. “Our aim was to inspire students to adopt sustainable practices and incorporate natural healing methods into their lifestyle,” he said.

The award from Digital Promise comes with specific guidelines for using the funds. The $750 grant must support further activities such as expanding herbal plantations, setting up compost bins at homes, conducting awareness campaigns, hosting workshops, consulting with AYUSH experts and even developing a web application focused on medicinal plants.

This achievement marks a proud moment for the school and reinforces the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern educational practices to foster global sustainability.

Himachal Tribune