Over 500 students from 40-plus schools across nine districts showcase innovative ideas on energy conservation, waste management and sustainability; participation of children from special schools underscores inclusive spirit.

 

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BURLA, NOVEMBER 2, 2026

Emphasising that the future of a sustainable society depends not merely on the energy generated but also on the awareness and responsibility with which it is consumed, TPWODL CEO Parveen Verma on Saturday called for nurturing environmentally conscious young citizens who can drive positive change through responsible energy use, innovation and sustainable living.

Addressing Paschim Odisha Urja Utsav 2026, organised by TP Western Odisha Distribution Limited (TPWODL) at Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT), Burla, Verma said initiatives such as the company's Club Enerji programme were aimed at instilling awareness about energy conservation, electrical safety and environmental responsibility among children while providing them with opportunities to translate their ideas into meaningful action.

The festival brought together more than 500 students from over 40 schools across nine districts of Western Odisha, teachers and over 200 volunteers, creating a vibrant platform for young participants to explore innovative solutions to challenges relating to energy conservation, waste management and sustainable development.

The event was inaugurated by Verma along with VSSUT Vice-Chancellor Dr. Dipak Kumar Sahu. It was also attended by State Pollution Control Board Regional Director Satyanarayan Nanda, representatives of the District Skill Development Department, DCPO, Sambalpur, and the police department, besides professors, principals, teachers, parents and senior officials and employees of TPWODL.

The festival featured a range of competitions, including a science exhibition, Best Out of Waste, poster-making, essay writing and quizzes, encouraging students to transform their understanding of environmental challenges into creative ideas and practical solutions.

The science exhibition and ‘Best Out of Waste’ categories featured 25 projects each, reflecting the imagination, curiosity and problem-solving abilities of the young participants. The exhibits provided insights into how innovative thinking and simple interventions could contribute to environmental protection and the sustainable use of resources.

Among the notable entries in the science exhibition were projects based on themes such as Sustainable Cities and Renewable Energy and Rainwater Harvesting: Water Conservation and Sustainable Management. These initiatives highlighted the importance of renewable energy, judicious use of natural resources and sustainable practices in addressing emerging environmental concerns.

The ‘Best Out of Waste’ category, meanwhile, showcased creative concepts such as ‘Turning Household Waste into Worth and Creative Reuse’ and ‘Recycling of Waste Materials’. The projects demonstrated how discarded household materials could be put to productive use through innovative ideas, reinforcing the importance of waste reduction, recycling and responsible resource utilisation.

Speaking on the occasion, Verma, CEO, TPWODL, said, "The future of a sustainable society depends not only on the energy we generate, but also on the awareness and responsibility with which we use it. Through Club Enerji, we aim to nurture a generation of environmentally conscious citizens who understand the importance of energy conservation, electrical safety and responsible living. Paschim Odisha Urja Utsav provides a platform for young minds to showcase their creativity, innovation and commitment towards a greener future. We believe that by empowering them with the right awareness and opportunities, we are investing in a more sustainable and prosperous Western Odisha."

Interactive games based on the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) added an engaging learning dimension to the festival, familiarising students with important themes such as responsible consumption, climate action and conservation of natural resources. Through these activities, participants were encouraged to understand how small but conscious everyday actions could contribute to addressing larger environmental challenges.

The festival also reflected a strong commitment to inclusivity, with children from special schools actively participating in the celebrations and showcasing their talents through vibrant cultural performances. Their enthusiastic involvement highlighted the importance of ensuring equal opportunities for every child to learn, participate, express themselves and shine, irrespective of their individual circumstances.

Organised under Tata Power's flagship corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, Club Enerji, Paschim Odisha Urja Utsav reflects the programme's continued commitment to nurturing environmentally conscious young citizens through experiential learning, creativity and active participation.

Through such initiatives, TPWODL seeks to strengthen environmental awareness among children, encourage responsible energy-use habits and inspire the younger generation to become active contributors to sustainable development. By connecting classroom learning with practical experiences and creative expression, the initiative aims to foster a culture of conservation, innovation and environmental responsibility across Western Odisha.