When 24-year-old Mandeep Sangwan moved from Haryana to Delhi for his master’s degree, he was struck by the stark contrast between the greenery of his hometown and the smog-laden, concrete-heavy capital city. As an avid gardener, he couldn’t ignore the plastic waste strewn across the Delhi School of Social Work’s campus. Instead of waiting for change, he decided to be the change. In 2024, he founded Green Dreams, the college’s first-ever eco-club since its inception in 1946.
What started as a simple vision of sustainability and greenery quickly blossomed into a movement, bringing together students with a shared passion for the environment. Green Dreams not only beautified the campus but also cultivated a deeper awareness of ecological responsibility.
Turning Trash into Treasure: The Birth of Vertical Gardens
Mandeep’s love for gardening began in childhood—he recalls sneaking saplings from his neighbor’s yard and nurturing them. His enthusiasm only grew stronger over the years, leading him to complete a course in organic farming from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
So, when he saw plastic bottles littering the campus, a lightbulb moment struck. He recalled a vertical gardening project he had previously worked on using repurposed motor oil cans. This inspired him to repurpose plastic bottles into plant holders, creating the college’s first vertical garden.
With the help of fellow students, Mandeep collected discarded bottles, cleaned them, and used their funnel-shaped tops as plant holders. These were then filled with soil, small saplings were planted, and they were installed on campus walls. The once-wasted plastic now thrived as lush greenery, turning an eyesore into a sight of ecological beauty.
Green Dreams Takes Root
What started with 18 volunteers soon flourished into a dedicated group of 55 students. The initiative gained traction after Green Dreams organized a sustainable Teacher’s Day event, raising Rs 2,000 through eco-friendly games and food stalls. The funds were used to expand their vertical garden project, setting up a second garden near the campus pledge board. Faculty members and students alike admired the creativity and impact of repurposing waste into something both beautiful and sustainable.
“The college had its share of trees, but Green Dreams introduced a fresh perspective on sustainability,” says Prof. Sanjoy Roy, the head of the Department of Social Work. “It wasn’t just about plants—it was about reminding students to take responsibility for their environment.”
Beyond Gardens: Fostering Sustainability and Awareness
While vertical gardening was the initiative’s first milestone, Green Dreams quickly expanded its mission. Hanging baskets of plants were installed on classroom windows, an idea suggested by a volunteer.
The club also recognized the unsung heroes of the campus—the gardeners who had maintained its greenery for 20 years. To honor their contributions, Green Dreams organized an appreciation event for Ramveer, Chander Prakash, and Nandlal Pal, acknowledging their tireless efforts.
Their advocacy for nature extended beyond aesthetics. The club tackled the issue of students damaging the lawn by taking shortcuts across the grass. A collective pledge was made to use paved pathways and respect green spaces. Today, the once-trampled lawn thrives, symbolizing how small, conscious choices can lead to meaningful change.
Educating and Inspiring Future Generations
To deepen environmental awareness, Green Dreams hosted guest speakers, including Dr. Ekta Saroha, an epidemiologist, and Dr. Santhosh G, founder of We Plant. Their sessions educated students about environmental health, social work practices, and the importance of seed banks in preserving biodiversity.
Another unique initiative involved planting a sapling for each company that visited the campus for placements. Each sapling bore the company’s logo, leaving behind a green legacy instead of mere paperwork.
Sustaining the Legacy
With Mandeep and his batchmates set to graduate in May, ensuring the club’s continuity became a priority. He hopes the next generation of students will be as passionate and proactive as his team.
“I want to leave a small fund from our first salaries to encourage future members to continue fundraising and innovating,” says Mandeep. His dream before leaving? Establishing a butterfly garden on campus—an idea that had previously faced challenges but remains a goal worth pursuing.
A Call to Action
Green Dreams stands as proof that small actions can lead to significant transformation. If a group of students can revolutionize their campus, what steps can we take in our own spaces—our schools, workplaces, and homes?
Sustainability isn’t just about planting trees; it’s about cultivating a mindset that values and protects the environment. Green Dreams has sown the seeds of change—will you nurture them in your own community?