Kathmandu, July 11 – Demonstrating a strong commitment to youth-led environmental activism, Vajra Eco Club of Vajra Academy has been awarded the prestigious 'Environmental Conservation Award' from Australia. The club, run by students of Nepal’s first green school, Vajra Academy, received the award along with a cash prize of Rs. 10,000 (Ten Thousand Rupees) during a special felicitation ceremony held in Kathmandu on Friday.

The award was formally presented to Bhupendra Bikram Thapa, Executive Director of Vajra Academy, by prominent writer and journalist Saroj Ojha and journalist Sukrit Nepal, who also chaired the award selection committee. The prize fund was made possible through the philanthropic efforts of Shiva Neupane, a Melbourne-based writer and environmental activist, who raised the amount by collecting and selling recyclable materials in Australia. His initiative aims to encourage sustainable practices globally and support grassroots-level environmental initiatives in Nepal.

Vajra Eco Club was chosen for its consistent, impactful, and innovative contributions to environmental preservation and awareness. The club has led numerous eco-friendly initiatives including waste segregation drives, plantation programs, school-wide recycling campaigns, and awareness-building through arts and culture. Its creative integration of environment and education has set a notable example for other schools across the country.

One of the club’s recent achievements includes a remarkable performance of a Ramayana-themed environmental drama during the inaugural 'Sagarmatha Sambad', a high-level dialogue on climate change and sustainability organized by the Government of Nepal. The performance received wide acclaim for blending mythology with a powerful message on ecological responsibility.

According to the award committee, the recognition aims to highlight the potential of student-led action in addressing pressing global challenges like climate change, pollution, and ecological degradation. Vajra Academy, being the first green-certified school in Nepal, continues to inspire other educational institutions to embed sustainability into their teaching, culture, and community engagement.

After receiving Prize Executive Director of Vajra Academy, Bhupendra Bikram Thapa said "This Prize not only acknowledges the dedication of Vajra Eco Club members but also emphasizes the importance of empowering young minds to become responsible stewards of the environment in both local and global contexts".