Colleges and universities have been asked to organise practical environmental activities during BRICS Sustainable Lifestyle Week, running from November 1 to 7. A University Grants Commission letter dated October 30 sets out daily themes under Mission LiFE.
November 3 focuses on water conservation, with suggested activities including repairing leaks, improving rainwater-harvesting structures and discussing water-saving measures in campus gardens. November 4 turns to sustainable food, including millets and traditional diets in canteens, food-waste reduction and composting.
The remaining days cover avoiding single-use plastics, reducing electronic waste and cutting other waste. The circular suggests reusable bags and bottles, collection drives linked to authorised e-waste recyclers, repair awareness and community clean-ups.
Institutions are asked to involve students, teachers and staff, including through green clubs and NSS or NCC networks. They should nominate an officer to record activities on the Meri LiFE portal and submit a short report by November 12. The MY Bharat portal separately confirms the week-long campaign and its seven themes.
Archive illustration: a public water tap in Kolkata, photographed in December 2014. It is not a photograph of the 2026 campaign. Photo: Mike Prince / Water Tap; CC BY 2.0.
