Overview

On September 18, 2026, in Bengaluru, India, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) issued a press release announcing the creation of the Dr TMA Pai Green Campus Excellence Awards. The awards aim to recognise educational institutions and industries that demonstrate exemplary commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, climate action, and responsible campus development.

Announcement Context

The awards were launched during the inauguration of the seventh edition of the National Conference on Youth in Social Change, organised by MAHE’s Volunteer Services Organisation (VSO) in Manipal on Thursday. The conference marked the 91st birthday of Dr Ramdas M. Pai, Padma Bhushan awardee and Chancellor of MAHE, and was themed “Skills for Social Change.” Over 600 young participants – including students, volunteers, social changemakers, academics, professionals and organisations – attended the day‑long event.

Conference Format and Activities

The conference began with shared morning sessions followed by an afternoon of hands‑on, skill‑based training sessions chosen by participants. Skill‑training modules delivered by various MAHE constituent institutions covered CPR, First Aid, Culinary Arts, Self‑Defence, Photography, Design Thinking, meditation and well‑being, and physical activity assessment, among other areas. The organisers emphasized moving beyond awareness to practical ability, encapsulated in the message “This Year at Youth in Social Change, Learn a Skill for Life."

Key Statements

  • Dr H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor of MAHE, stated in his inaugural address that the award is “not merely launching an award” but “launching a movement, one that encourages institutions and industries to place sustainability at the heart of progress.”
  • Dr Sharath K Rao, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, highlighted that “Youth are not merely the leaders of tomorrow; they are agents of change today,” and praised the participation of nearly 600 young minds as evidence of youth’s transformative power.
  • Dr Praveen Kumar, Convenor of VSO, and Dr Srinvas Hebbar, Co‑Convenor of VSO, also addressed the gathering, underscoring the importance of equipping young people with skills, confidence and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to society.

About MAHE

Manipal Academy of Higher Education is an Institution of Eminence Deemed‑to‑be University. It offers over 400 specialisations across Health Sciences, Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Technology & Science through constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. In 2020, the Ministry of Education awarded MAHE the Institution of Eminence status. MAHE is currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025, and is positioned as a preferred choice for students seeking transformative learning and for national and multinational corporations seeking top talent.

Contact and Distribution

The release was distributed by PRNewswire on behalf of MAHE. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire. PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.)