As the world woke up to World Environment Day with renewed commitment to sustainability, the lush green land of Jharkhand added a proud chapter to its environmental legacy. Dr. Ranjit Kumar Singh, the Principal of Model College, Rajmahal and a passionate environmentalist, has been honored with the “Environment Champion Award 2025” by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun. The award was conferred for his exemplary contribution to environmental protection under the WII-NMCG Project.
The event gained further prestige with the presence of India’s top environmental experts and social activists. It began with a welcome address and introduction to the award’s purpose by Dr. Sangeeta Angom, Scientist and Training Coordinator for the WII-NMCG Project. This was followed by an inspiring speech by Hemlata Khanduri, Eco-Development Officer under the same project.
One of the most emotional moments of the ceremony came when Sudesha Devi, widely regarded as the last living link to the legendary Chipko Movement, honoured Dr. Singh. The chief guest, Mr. Anurup Nautiyal, founder of the SDC Foundation, delivered a powerful address that infused the event with social consciousness.
Dr. Singh: A Guardian of Nature
Dr. Ranjit Kumar Singh is not just an academician, but a true green warrior who has extended environmental education beyond classrooms into everyday lifestyle practices. Under his leadership, Model College, Rajmahal has transformed into a recognized green campus.
Key initiatives led by Dr. Singh include:
- Tree plantation drives and eco-poetry gatherings
- Cleanliness campaigns and anti-plastic awareness programs
- Student essay contests, science competitions, and ecology workshops
His guiding philosophy is: “Think Green, Act Green” – Think sustainably, act sustainably.
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“An Honor, but Also a Responsibility”
“This award is not just an honor, but a responsibility,” Dr. Singh said while accepting the recognition. “We must return every gift of nature—clean air, pure water, greenery—back to the Earth. This is not just a government’s duty, but a collective responsibility. Let’s start by planting a tree and saying NO to plastic.”
His message is not a mere slogan, but a heartfelt call to every citizen to join the green revolution.
He added, “Every person can become an environmental warrior.
The achievement was widely lauded by dignitaries, including Prof. (Dr.) Kunul Kandir, Vice-Chancellor, DC Hemant Sati, DFO Prabal Garg, IAS Officer Ramnivas Yadav, DFO Manish Tiwari, among others. They hailed it as a significant achievement not only for Sahibganj district and Jharkhand, but also for the entire Sido Kanhu Murmu University.
