The BURD program will have a significant and far-reaching impact on students, educators, and communities alike. It will empower students by developing leadership skills and instilling a strong sense of civic and environmental responsibility, transforming them into informed and proactive contributors to energy sustainability.

The program will generate widespread awareness of energy conservation at the grassroots level, leading to notable behavioural shifts in energy usage both at home and in schools. Families will adopt energy-efficient habits inspired by students’ involvement, and schools will become active hubs for spreading energy awareness throughout their communities.

BURD program will enrich the educational experience by bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical application, enabling students to engage directly with real-world challenges and sustainable solutions.

Our approach is built on the principle of ‘Learn, Lead, and Live’. By combining educational workshops with hands-on, high-impact community activities, we ensure the message resonates deeply and inspires action.

Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL)

Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) was incorporated as a Government of Gujarat company. GUVNL is engaged in the bulk purchase and sale of electricity, as well as the supervision, coordination, and facilitation of the activities of its six subsidiary companies.

GSECL is engaged in the business of electricity generation, while GETCO handles electricity transmission. Meanwhile, UGVCL, DGVCL, MGVCL, and PGVCL handle electricity distribution in the northern, southern, central, and western areas of Gujarat, respectively.

Beyond just supplying power, GUVNL acts as the state’s chief coordinator for energy conservation, working to stop energy wastage, reduce pollution, and promote smart electricity habits. To achieve this, the company actively upgrades old power lines to prevent electricity loss, replaces old farming pumps with energy-efficient models, and installs eco-friendly LED lighting in rural areas and government buildings. Additionally, GUVNL drives the state’s green transition by managing the SURYA Gujarat rooftop solar scheme and setting up large-scale battery storage facilities to save clean energy for peak hours.

GUVNL coordinates the operations of its subsidiaries to optimize economic and financial performance while ensuring the efficient use of available resources. Through its involvement in BURD, GUVNL supports initiatives that cultivate energy-conscious citizens and foster long-term sustainability.

The BURD project is designed to bring about a deep, long-term transformation, positioning it as a model for youth engagement in sustainability.

Introduction

The Bal Urja Rakshak Dal (BURD): The Young Energy Guards is a transformative three-year flagship initiative dedicated to fostering a culture of energy conservation and climate responsibility among Gujarat’s youth. This ambitious program is a collaboration between the Gujarat Council on Science & Technology (GUJCOST) and the Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL).

Launched with the official signing of an MoU on April 22, 2025, the primary objective of BURD is to empower 5 Lakhs upper primary school students (from Standards VI to VIII) to become proactive agents of change within their communities. These students, designated as Bal Urja Rakshaks, are set to play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable practices across the state.

The BURD program is structured for a three-phase implementation across 33 districts of Gujarat over three years, covering 11 districts annually. The program is effectively rolled out through GUJCOST’s extensive network of Community Science Centers (CSCs).

In the inaugural financial year, 2025-26, the program was implemented in the first 11 districts: Ahmedabad, Anand, Arvalli, Banaskantha, Bharuch, Bhavnagar, Chhota Udaipur, Gandhinagar, Junagadh, Kheda, and Morbi.

Aligned with GUJCOST’s STEM education mission, the initiative encourages students to adopt simple, yet impactful energy-saving habits such as switching off unused appliances—and to engage in practical, hands-on activities. To ensure a robust start, an orientation program for the coordinators of the first 11 districts was successfully held on 10th July 2025 at Ahmedabad Science City.

Program Implementation

The primary objective of the program is to transform school children into proactive ambassadors of energy efficiency, inspiring them to become agents of positive change within their schools, homes, and communities. The program utilizes a participatory and action-based approach to energy and environmental education, fostering long-term societal transformation.

Orientation Training for Nodal Coordinators

To ensure a standardized and effective rollout of the program, a comprehensive, day-long orientation training was conducted for the nodal coordinators of the first 11 districts: Ahmedabad, Anand, Arvalli, Banaskantha, Bharuch, Bhavnagar, Chhota-Udaipur, Gandhinagar, Junagadh, Kheda, and Morbi. Held on 10th July 2025, at the Ahmedabad Science City, the event was designed to provide coordinators with the necessary knowledge and tools for program delivery.

Key aspects of the training:

• An inaugural session with key addresses from dignitaries.
• A core training module led by Ms. Daksha Vaja on the basics of energy and climate change, and the coordinators’ role.
• Interactive sessions, including an Energy Quiz and Pictionary Game.
• A unifying pledge and an enriching visit to Science City galleries.

School-Level Activities

Leadership beyond Limits

In Ahmedabad District, the BURD program has specially engaged the students from The School for the Deaf Mutes and The Adult School for the Blind. The initiative and students’ participation were a profound lesson in powerful leadership. These Young Energy Guards demonstrated that the message of sustainability needs no verbal translation to be effective, and that vision is not limited by sight. Their engagement stands as a shining example to all districts, reminding us that passion is the most powerful tool for change.

The success of the BURD program has prepared us for the next phase of Mission E3 (Energy-Environment-Earth). The students are no longer just learners; they are proven change agents, equipped with the tools and mindset to drive an energy-conscious Gujarat.

Social Media Highlights

Newspaper clippings: Photos (refer to attached image/PDF files)

Launch of BURD Phase II

Tentative Timeline

“Bal Urja Rakshak Dal (BURD): The Young Energy Guards”
Phase-II program across the State of Gujarat

Proposed Districts in Phase-II: Amreli, Botad, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Gir Somnath, Jamnagar, Kutch, Mehsana, Porbandar, Rajkot, Surendranagar, Valsad.

Duration of Project: 1 Year (Phase II)

Phase-II Monthly Planner:

Timeline for the execution of the BURD Phase-II program in the Financial Year (2026-27):