YCS YSM India Inspires Students with Nationwide ‘Green Guardian’ Environmental Drive

Kerala, August 27, 2025 – The Young Catholic Students/Young Students Movement (YCS YSM) India, a leading social action movement, has launched its nationwide Green Guardian Campaign during the National Youth Directors’ Meeting in Kerala. The initiative seeks to empower young people to take up active roles as protectors of the environment, aligning with the movement’s theme, “Gen Z for a Self-Sustaining World,” and its core thrusts of healthy living, sustenance, and being a voice for the voiceless.

The campaign was officially inaugurated by Bishop Ignatius Dsouza, Chairman Bishop of the CCBI Youth Commission, along with Bishop Jayarao Polimera, Member Bishop of the CCBI Youth Commission, Fr. Chetan Machado, National Chaplain, Fr. John Barman, Associate Executive Secretary of the CCBI Youth Commission, regional youth directors, and the National Convenor of YCS YSM India, Mr. Anson Nazareth.

The Green Guardian Campaign aims to create tangible environmental impact through practical actions. Its flagship initiative is a nationwide sapling plantation drive, targeting the planting of more than 3,000 saplings by YCS YSM members across India. Each sapling planted symbolises a collective step towards a healthier planet.

Alongside the plantation drive, the campaign will include educational sessions to raise awareness of pressing environmental issues. These will be supported by grassroots-level activities encouraging students to reflect on their personal ecological footprint and adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives.

“The Green Guardian Campaign is more than just planting trees; it is about cultivating a new generation of environmental leaders,” said Ms. Monet Renee, National Secretary of YCS YSM. “Every sapling planted is a breath of fresh air for our planet, and by participating, our members are not only contributing to a greener world but also earning a personalised Green Guardian e-certificate as a token of our gratitude. We are encouraging all our members to become a Green Guardian and plant the future.”

Through this campaign, YCS YSM reinforces its commitment to instilling environmental consciousness among students. By engaging youth in hands-on initiatives, the movement aims to inspire lasting change and nurture a culture of ecological responsibility.

About YCS YSM India

The Young Catholic Students/Young Students Movement (YCS YSM) India is a social action movement dedicated to empowering young people to think critically, act responsibly, and contribute positively to their communities. Through various campaigns and initiatives, the movement enables students to address contemporary challenges and work towards building a more just and sustainable world.

By Anson Nazareth

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