Two students from Uttar Pradesh and one from Delhi have won the QS I-GAUGE PACT-Star Awards 2025 for their innovative sustainability initiatives. Each winner will receive ₹50,000 from QS I-GAUGE to support the successful implementation of their projects. The QS I-GAUGE PACT-Star Awards, a nationwide SDG-focused contest open to students from grades 8 to 12, aims to inspire young minds to take meaningful action toward sustainability.
The virtual grand finale of the QS I-GAUGE PACT-Star Awards 2025 recognized outstanding student-led sustainability projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Out of 140 submissions from 20 schools, the following students were recognised for their standout projects:
- Abhishek Singh (Grade 9, Sunbeam School, Varuna, Uttar Pradesh): SDG Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
Project: Manzil – The Medically Advanced Electric Wheelchair - Aarna Bajpai (Grade 10, City Montessori School, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh): SDG – Goal 13: Climate Action
Project: Rainwater Harvesting at Public Places - Jasreen Bindra (Grade 11, Ryan International School, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi): SDG Goal 2: Zero Hunger
Project: SACHA SAUDA – Feeding the Poor is the Most Profitable Deal
The jury comprised distinguished leaders from academia, including, Dr Vidya Yeravdekar, Pro Chancellor, Symbiosis International University, Dr Madhu Chitkara, Pro Chancellor, Chitkara University, Dr Geetika Madan Patel, Vice President, Parul University, Vadodara, and Dr Ram Sharma, PhD, Vice Chancellor, UPES.
PACT2030 (Pledge, Act, Change & Transform), an initiative by QS I-GAUGE, is dedicated to fostering sustainability in Indian educational institutions. Launched in March 2022 with the signing of the “Goa Declaration” by 20 leading universities and institutions, PACT2030 commits to driving impactful action on SDGs. PACT-Star, a key program under this initiative, empowers students to contribute to a more sustainable future.
Dr. Rajendra Singh, known as the ‘Water Man of India,’ delivered a powerful keynote speech, praising the initiative for connecting students with sustainability practices. He urged students to focus on rejuvenation rather than destruction in the name of development and lauded QS I-GAUGE for its vision of student-driven sustainable change.
Dr Ashwin Fernandes, Executive Director (AMESA), QS Quacquarelli Symonds, and President & Founder, PACT Foundation, Goa, shared insights on the success of the inaugural edition of PACT-Star and the continuing impact of its winners. Educational institutions have a critical role in helping society achieve the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Through leadership, research, teaching, and campus operations, institutions empower the next generation to advance SDGs and build a resilient and equitable future.
