In the middle of Delhi’s fast-paced life—where traffic roars, skyscrapers rise, and the air hums with constant movement—there is a small patch of green fighting to survive. Amid concrete buildings and dusty roads, a unique initiative called “The Green Army” is quietly sowing seeds of change.
It isn’t an army in the traditional sense. There are no uniforms or battles. Instead, it’s a movement with a simple but powerful goal: teaching children about sustainability, organic farming, and the importance of connecting with nature.
Table of Contents
A Seed of an Idea
Ajay, the founder of The Green Army, always believed the solution to many of India’s environmental problems lies in reconnecting with nature. For years, he watched children growing up detached from the land—eating food from packets, playing on concrete playgrounds, and never knowing where their fruits or vegetables came from.
“I thought, what if we teach children to grow their own food?” Ajay says. “What if we help them see the value in nature, understand where their food comes from, and learn small actions that can make a difference?”
That simple question became a mission.
The Green Army in Action
The Green Army doesn’t preach. It builds gardens.
Partnering with private and government schools across Delhi, The Green Army helps set up small organic gardens within school premises and nearby communities. These aren’t fancy setups—they’re modest plots of land with rows of green vegetables, compost bins, and rainwater harvesting systems.
Children don’t just sit in classrooms and memorize facts about sustainability. They get their hands dirty.
Arjun, a 10-year-old student from a government school in East Delhi, smiles as he carefully waters a row of spinach plants. “I didn’t know plants needed so much care,” he says. “I thought we just put seeds in the soil and they grow by themselves. Now I know it takes work and patience.”
The Green Army’s approach goes beyond growing vegetables. Children learn composting by using leftover vegetable peels to make organic fertilizer. They study water conservation techniques, like using drip irrigation or collecting rainwater. They even learn to recycle—turning discarded plastic bottles into plant holders and making art from waste materials.
“It’s amazing to see kids create beautiful things from trash,” Ajay shares. “It teaches them that waste isn’t useless—it’s a resource if we know how to use it.”
Education That Grows
The Green Army has designed its own curriculum that schools can integrate into regular class schedules. It’s not just about farming—it’s about making sustainability part of daily life.
During science lessons, students study how ecosystems work. In art class, they make posters using recycled materials. Even math is connected, with projects calculating how much compost is needed for a certain patch of soil, or how much water is saved using specific techniques.
The idea is simple: every small action matters.
“When children learn by doing, they understand better,” explains Ajay. “It’s no longer just about reading from a book. It’s about feeling the soil, seeing a plant grow, realizing that their effort leads to something real.”
Growing Responsibility
Over time, the initiative has helped many children develop a deeper sense of responsibility—not just for their gardens, but for the environment.
Meera, a student from a private school in South Delhi, explains, “Before, I used to throw food away without thinking. Now, I know every vegetable comes from effort. I try not to waste food anymore.”
Teachers report that students who participate in The Green Army program are more mindful about their environment at home too. Many now separate waste for recycling or remind their parents about saving water.
Ajay hopes these small changes will add up to something bigger.
“The goal is not to create farmers,” he says. “It’s to create citizens who care about the earth.”
Why Visit This Part of Delhi?
Delhi isn’t just about historical monuments or bustling markets. It’s also a place where small green pockets are reshaping the city’s future.
Visiting schools that participate in The Green Army offers a chance to see how urban sustainability is taking root. It’s a quiet, hands-on way to witness how education can lead to meaningful change.
Travel Tips for Visiting Green Spaces in Delhi
- Best Time to Visit: October to March, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant.
- What to Pack: Comfortable walking shoes, a hat or cap for sun protection, a reusable water bottle, and a notebook if you’d like to learn hands-on from the programs.
- Local Etiquette: If visiting school gardens or community programs, ask permission in advance. Respect school rules and avoid taking photos of students without consent.
- Getting Around: Delhi has good public transport. Metro stations are nearby most areas, and auto-rickshaws or taxis can take you to schools or community centers.
- Stay Options: Delhi has many guesthouses and budget hotels. Areas like Connaught Place or Paharganj offer easy access to both cultural landmarks and green initiatives.
Top Nearby Places to Explore
Akshardham Temple – A marvel of architecture and peace, Akshardham stands as a modern spiritual landmark. With its pink sandstone structure, intricate carvings, and peaceful gardens, it offers visitors a glimpse into India’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Don’t miss the evening light and sound show.
- Visit Time: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
- Entry Cost: Free (paid entry for exhibitions and boat ride)
- Travel Mode: Metro (Akshardham Metro Station, Blue Line), taxi, or auto-rickshaw
- Highlights: Pink sandstone architecture, intricate carvings, landscaped gardens, evening light and sound show.
Lotus Temple – Known for its unique lotus-shaped design, the Lotus Temple is a place of quiet meditation open to people of all faiths. The calm atmosphere, combined with reflective pools and well-kept gardens, makes it a serene place to unwind after exploring the fort.
- Visit Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (open every day)
- Entry Cost: Free
- Travel Mode: Metro (Kalkaji Mandir Station, Violet Line), taxi, or auto-rickshaw
- Highlights: Lotus-shaped architecture, reflective pools, serene gardens, meditation hall open to all faiths.
Aravalli Biodiversity Park – Near Gurgaon, this park is a haven of native trees, small wildlife, and walking trails. It shows how degraded land can be brought back to life, offering a simple yet beautiful example of conservation.
- Visit Time: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Entry Cost: Free
- Travel Mode: Taxi or private car recommended (located near Gurgaon)
- Highlights: Walking and cycling trails, native trees and grasslands, small wildlife sightings, educational conservation opportunities.
India Gate and Rajpath – A broad boulevard lined with trees and lawns, India Gate is where history meets daily life. In the evenings, families gather here for picnics, kite flying, or a leisurely walk. It’s a good spot to experience local culture while reflecting on India’s history.
- Visit Time: Open 24 hours (best evenings)
- Entry Cost: Free
- Travel Mode: Metro (Central Secretariat Station), taxi, or auto-rickshaw
- Highlights: Broad lawns for picnics, kite flying, tree-lined Rajpath, historical monuments, and vibrant local life.
Watch Tribe stories
- WIND festival of TUTSA Tribe | Tutnu Village | Pongtu Festival
- Are you WORTHY to wear this HELMET?? | Nyishi Tibe | Arunachal Pradesh |
Also Read About Other Tribe Stories
- Whispers in the Patkai Hills: The Story of the Wancho Tribe in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Hidden Karen Tribe in Andamans : Culture, Bamboo Crafts, Archery and Folk Songs