In a remarkable display of environmental consciousness, Goa's educational landscape witnessed an unprecedented event on September 9, 2023. The inaugural edition of Green Horizons, an interschool environment festival, unfolded at the Don Bosco Oratory in Panjim, Goa, leaving an indelible mark on the path to sustainability.

Organized by the collective efforts of the management, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), dedicated staff, and enthusiastic students of Don Bosco High School, Panjim, Green Horizons came to life in association with Bank of Baroda. The festival welcomed ten prestigious schools from across Goa, each ready to champion the cause of environmental awareness and sustainable living.

Participating Schools:
1. Dr. K. B. Hegdewar High School, Cujira
2. Fatima Convent High School, Margao
3. Loyola High School, Margao
4. Mushtifund High School, Cujira
5. Our Lady of the Rosary High School, Donapaula
6. People’s High School, Mala
7. Sharada Mandir School, Miramar
8. St. Britto High School, Mapusa
9. St. Mary’s High School, Mapusa
10. The Rosary High School, Cujira

Competitions That Lit the Eco-Fire:
Green Horizons featured a gamut of eight competitive events, each designed to ignite environmental awareness and innovation: MADAD challenged students to create eco-friendly advertisements advocating responsible consumerism, while GREENSCREENZ harnessed the power of storytelling in a gripping video-making competition focused on environmental sustainability. QUIZARD tested participants' environmental knowledge and wits, WORDSMITH provided a platform for budding writers to express their ideas on sustainability and CLICK-IT celebrated our planet's beauty through a photography competition. In TURNCOAT, a unique one-person debate, students deliberated various environmental issues, showcasing critical thinking. FLAMEZERO promoted sustainable culinary practices, and SHARKTANK saw young innovators pitch eco-conscious business ideas to industry experts, embodying Green Horizons' commitment to a greener, more sustainable world.

Chief Guest:
The event welcomed Ms. Tallulah D'Silva, an award-winning architect with over 25 years of experience in sustainable design and construction, as the esteemed Chief Guest. Her presence added gravitas to the occasion and inspired young minds to embark on the path of sustainable architecture and urbanism.

A Resounding Success:
Green Horizons witnessed the enthusiastic participation of over 150 students from the ten participating schools, all of whom displayed exceptional talent, dedication, and a commitment to environmental stewardship. The event's success lies in the collective efforts of students, teachers, and organizers who made it a celebration of sustainability and eco-consciousness.

This ground-breaking initiative was brought to life by a dedicated team led by Headmaster Father Avin Carvalho, event convenor, Asher Fernandes, and event co-convenor, Cherlyn Fernandes, in collaboration with the management, staff, and students of Don Bosco High School, Panjim. The overall runners-up title was claimed by Sharada Mandir School, Miramar, while the coveted overall championship was secured by Our Lady of the Rosary High School, Donapaula. All schools showcased exceptional dedication and innovation in their pursuit of environmental sustainability. Green Horizons, in its first edition, set the stage for an annual tradition dedicated to nurturing sustainable futures, championing environmental causes, and fostering a sense of responsibility towards our planet.