- OPPO India and Silver Oak University, Ahmedabad join hands for E-Waste Awareness Campaign to promote sustainability
- The university will engage 200+ schools to teach responsible e-waste disposal
- The Generation Green campaign has achieved over 4,00,000 pledges for a sustainable lifestyle through responsible e-waste management
NE ENVIRONMENT BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, OCT 4
Silver Oak University has on Friday received the title of ‘Eco-Conscious Champion Institute’ as part of OPPO India’s ‘Generation Green’ campaign. In partnership with the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), the university will join a nationwide awareness drive focused on electronic waste (e-waste).
During the first phase, OPPO India and AICTE, managed by 1M1B promoted sustainable practices among youth by offering green internships to students across India. Over 9,000 students from over 1,400 institutions applied, and 5,000 were selected.
The second phase focuses on raising awareness among youth about the growing challenge of managing electronic waste, including discarded electronic items like mobile phones, chargers, batteries, and wires, to ensure a sustainable future.
Dr MN Patel, Former Vice-Chancellor, Gujarat University and Advisor, Silver Oak University said, “Partnering with OPPO India on this e-waste awareness drive marks a key step in our mission to foster a culture of sustainability at Silver Oak University. Being recognized as an eco-conscious champion reinforces our commitment to addressing the urgent environmental challenges we face today. By engaging over 200 schools, we are instilling essential knowledge on responsible e-waste disposal. These students will lead the charge for a cleaner, sustainable future.”
Rakesh Bhardwaj, Head of Public Affairs, OPPO India, said, “At OPPO India, we believe that the future of sustainability rests in the hands of today’s students. By collaborating with universities and engaging passionate young minds, this campaign has reached hundreds of thousands of students across the country. We are proud to have achieved over 4,00,000 pledges for a sustainable lifestyle through responsible e-waste management. Together, we are building a generation that will not only understand the importance of sustainability but will also be the driving force behind its continued growth and success. India stands third globally in e-waste generation but only 20 percent of it is being recycled. We have to increase it to 80 percent soon.”
Answering a query on whether the interns will get employment opportunity with his firm, Bhardwaj said, “The institutes will give credit to the ‘Generation Green Champs’. This will give an edge to them over others in getting jobs in firms adopting SDGs.”
Kusum Kaul Vyas, Chairperson, Indo American Chamber of Commerce graced the ceremony as the Chief Guest. Vyas advocated uniform e-waste policy in the country. We have to cultivate the good habit of 3Rs –Reduce, Reuse and Recyle-among the youth.”
Dr Gaurang Ban, Advisor, Gujarat Pollution Control Board, said, “We have succeeded in biomedical waste disposal by granting licenses with stringent norms. Similarly we have to deal with e-waste management.”
Students from Silver Oak University and neighbouring schools are participating in various creative activities—including Stage play, poetry recitals, and poster-making competitions—to raise awareness about the importance of responsible e-waste management.
The campaign aims to reach 10 lakh youth by the end of 2024, promoting green skills through activity-based awareness sessions, Green Pledges, and e-surveys.
According to the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report, India experienced the highest global growth in electronic waste generation—163 percent—between 2010 and 2022, primarily from screens, computers, and small IT and telecommunication equipment (SCSIT). This presents both a major challenge and an opportunity for effective e-waste management.
Silver Oak University has adopted a village under the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan to collaborate with rural communities on sustainable development. As part of this initiative, the university will engage the village and surrounding areas in the Generation Green campaign, raising awareness about e-waste and the importance of responsible disposal.
The event was part of OPPO India’s ‘Generation Green’ campaign in collaboration with AICTE, managed by 1M1B. It was launched on July 8th, 2024, by AICTE Chairman Prof. T.G. Sitharam, with the presence of Dr. Buddha Chandrasekhar, CCO, AICTE.
In the first phase, OPPO India onboarded sustainability champions from over 20 states and 3 Union Territories, who are now inspiring others to act for a cleaner, sustainable future. To join the movement for a sustainable future, visit iamgenerationgreen.in and take the pledge.
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 is expected to introduce a new Sustainability Rankings category that will assess institutions on environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and green campus initiatives. The Generation Green campaign aids institutions in enhancing their sustainability efforts.
