UGC Directs Higher Education Institutions to Observe BRICS Sustainable Lifestyle Week 2026

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has requested colleges and universities across India to participate in the upcoming BRICS Sustainable Lifestyle Week (BSLW) 2026, scheduled from November 1 to November 7. According to the reported communication, the initiative operates under Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) as part of India's BRICS Chairship in 2026.

Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) have been asked to encourage students, faculty members, and staff to adopt environmentally responsible habits through targeted campus activities and community programs.

Seven Core Themes and Planned Activities

Reports indicate that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has provided a structured day-wise activity schedule for participating institutions:

• November 1 (Healthy Lifestyles): Yoga sessions, walkathons, tree plantation drives, and taking the LiFE pledge.
• November 2 (Energy Conservation): Turning off non-essential electrical appliances for an hour alongside awareness sessions.
• November 3 (Water Management): Focusing on rainwater harvesting, repairing leaks, and community campaigns.
• November 4 (Sustainable Food Systems): Promoting millets, traditional diets, and the reduction of food waste.
• November 5 (Single-Use Plastics): Organizing plogging drives and encouraging reusable bags and bottles.
• November 6-7 (Waste Reduction): Conducting e-waste collection, recycling workshops, community clean-ups, and waste-to-art installations.

Implementation and Reporting Requirements

Institutions are advised to engage departments, constituent units, and field centres through networks such as the National Service Scheme (NSS), National Cadet Corps (NCC), and campus green clubs.

• Nodal Officers: Each participating institution is required to nominate a nodal officer.
• Portal Uploads: Activities must be registered and uploaded on the MoEFCC's Meri LiFE portal.
• Reporting Deadline: A brief report detailing activities and best practices must be submitted on the portal by November 12, 2026.
• Orientation Sessions: The ministry has arranged daily online Webex orientation sessions from October 27 to November 7, 2026.

How to Verify

Stakeholders and institutional administrators can verify official announcements, guidelines, and reporting portals directly through the University Grants Commission (ugc.gov.in) or the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.