In a landmark step toward preparing India’s youth for the future of sustainability and technology, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the country’s first Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Lab in Mumbai. The lab, which will serve as a knowledge hub for emerging trends in climate technology, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing, was unveiled at the Pul Deshpande Academy in Prabhadevi.

Preparing the Next Generation for Disruptive Change

Speaking at the inauguration, Fadnavis emphasized the urgency for students to adapt to a fast-changing world shaped by technological advancements. He highlighted how artificial intelligence is influencing every aspect of life and reiterated that early exposure to scientific tools and ESG principles will give students a competitive edge. He described the lab as a critical step in fostering innovation, building scientific temper, and ensuring that Maharashtra’s youth are equipped to lead in the domains of science, sustainability, and ethical governance.

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Celebrating Young Innovators at National Robotics Championship

The event also served as a platform to recognize young talent through the national robotics and model-making competitions, co-hosted by STEM Learning and Brilio. Students from across India participated in these contests, showcasing their creativity and problem-solving abilities through hands-on engineering models and robotics innovations.

Among the winners, the team from S. D. Ganage School in Pune emerged victorious, earning a prize of Rs 1 lakh for their outstanding innovation in tinkering. Jadavpur University was awarded second place, while Bengaluru’s Rani Saraladevi High School secured third. Both runners-up received prize money of Rs 50,000 each. The prizes were personally awarded by the Chief Minister, adding prestige to the young achievers’ efforts.

Empowering Science and Sustainability Education at Scale

STEM Learning, the organization behind the ESG lab initiative, has played a vital role in expanding science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education in government and government-aided schools across India. CEO Ashutosh Pandit addressed the gathering, stating that the launch of this ESG lab reflects their long-standing commitment to nurturing scientific curiosity among students. He noted that STEM Learning has been acknowledged by UNESCO for its contribution to quality education and the promotion of environmental and sustainability literacy.

Pandit explained that the ESG lab is a natural extension of the organization’s mission to build a scientifically aware and environmentally conscious generation. He credited the collaboration between private sector innovation and public education support as essential to making such large-scale initiatives possible.

Bridging the Urban-Rural Science Divide

Abhishek Ranjan, Senior Director at Brilio, spoke about the company’s ongoing efforts to bring advanced scientific infrastructure to underserved regions of India. He shared that Brilio’s STEM programs have already reached students in over 20 states through the deployment of mobile science centers, astronomy labs, and remote-access learning tools.

Ranjan underscored the importance of ensuring that children in remote and rural schools have the same opportunities to engage with cutting-edge technology as those in metropolitan areas. With a vision to reach one million students by 2030, he said the collaboration with STEM Learning is a pivotal step in scaling up the impact of science education across India.

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A New Chapter in India’s Sustainability Education Landscape

The inauguration of the ESG Lab in Mumbai marks more than just a symbolic milestone. It signals the beginning of a focused push to integrate sustainability principles with hands-on scientific education. As India ramps up its efforts to meet its climate goals and digital aspirations, initiatives like this lab will serve as foundational tools for creating informed, future-ready citizens.

For the students who gathered at the event, many of whom traveled from different corners of the country, the day offered more than just recognition. It offered inspiration. The messages from Fadnavis, STEM Learning, and Brilio served as a powerful call to action, urging the next generation to embrace science not just as a subject, but as a pathway to shaping a more sustainable and equitable world.

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