By Anand Caitanya das
ISKCON’s Govardhan Eco Village (GEV, http://www.ecovillage.org.in) wins Water Digest Water Awards in the “Best Water NGO – Water Education” category. To commemorate World Water Day 2017, Water Digest in association with UNESCO, the Ministry of Water Resources & ASSOCHAM announced 11th Water Digest Water Awards to leading Organisations, Industry members & NGOs on the 22nd March 2017. The ceremony took place in Hotel Jaypee Vasant Continental, Basant Lok, Vasant Vihar in New Delhi
On behalf of Govardhan Eco Village, Vrajendra Nandan Prabhu, ISKCON India Communications Head went to receive the Water Digest Award. The Awards were graced by several prestigious personalities such as Shri Vipul Goel, Cabinet Minister for Ministry of Industries and Commerce, Ministry of Environment & Ministry of Industrial Training, Government of Haryana; Ms. Dana Kursh, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Israel; Mr Mitrasen Bhikajee, Senior Programme Specialist, Natural Sciences, UNESCO; Hon’ble Justice Dr. Mukundakam Sharma, (Former Judge, Supreme Court of India); Mr. D.S. Rawat, Secretary General, ASSOCHAM & Shri. K. B. Biswas, Chairman, Central Ground Water Board
Water Digest Water Awards (WDWA) is India’s premiere & one of the most illustrious platforms to honor and appreciate outstanding and exceptional environmental initiatives and achievements. WDWA were conceived with a vision to awaken the Eco-consciousness in Indian industries and society as a whole. In the past, the award has been conferred upon organizations like ITC Limited, NHPC, Grundfos, Pepsico, Hindustan Unilever, Philips, ITT, Ion Exchange, Pentair, Essar Steel etc. The award is judged by an eminent jury panel with members from IIT, TERI, & UNESCO.
Govardhan Ecovillage is a farm community and retreat centre spread over a scenic landscape of 100 acres at Galtare, Wada situated 110 km North of Mumbai, India. Since its inception in the year 2003, Govardhan Eco Village has made steady progress in Organic farming, Cow protection, Rural Education, Rural development, Alternative energy, Eco friendly constructions and Sustainable living. GEV illustrates ‘Simple Living & High Thinking’ – a principle which is so succinct, yet profound, and formed the basis of life in the bygone age of wisdom.