NGO–School Network Sustainability Meet
2023-10-05 10:00 - 13:00 (Asia/Kolkata) | Haryana
GurgaonFirst convened a network meeting of NGOs working in schools across Gurugram — sharing curriculum models, sustainability programme designs, and funding opportunities. 18 organisations participated.

Initiating the Gurgaon NGO School Network for Positive Change
2025-04-01 10:00 - 13:00 | Haryana
In a pioneering step toward strengthening grassroots education, Gurgaon First initiated the formation of a Network of NGO Schools and Skilling Initiatives in Gurgaon. The initiative aims to bring together over 60 charitable education initiatives in the city — including NGO-run schools, community-based learning centres, and skilling institutes — many operating independently with limited reach and resources. The network’s purpose is to create a collaborative ecosystem enabling: knowledge sharing and best practice exchange, joint teacher training, pooling of volunteers and infrastructure, and intra-school events such as sports meets and cultural programmes. A significant step towards building an inclusive civic ecosystem around education in Gurugram.
Workshop #44 · April 1, 2025 · NGO School Network founding meet

Sustainable Development Training at Shiv Nadar School
2025-08-02 09:00 - 13:00 | Haryana
The first of a series of Sustainable Development Training programmes was conducted successfully on August 2, 2025, bringing together over 60 students and teachers from Shiv Nadar School, Satya School, and Suncity School. Organised by Gurgaon First Foundation in collaboration with M3M Foundation and Shiv Nadar School, the half-day training aimed to foster awareness, capacity, and commitment to sustainability among school-going youth. Sessions covered SDGs, waste management and recycling, water sustainability, clean transport and non-motorised mobility, and renewable energy and solar solutions. Students engaged in interactive activities reinforcing environmental values through hands-on learning.
Training #45 · August 2, 2025 · 60+ students · Shiv Nadar School · With M3M Foundation

Sustainability Training Workshop at CCA School
2025-08-26 09:00 - 11:00 | Haryana
Gurgaon First Foundation organised an interactive sustainability training workshop for over 300 students of Classes VII, VIII, and IX at CCA School, Sector 4, Gurgaon on August 26, 2025. The session was led by sustainability experts Ms Sangeeta Nayyar and Ms Shubhra Puri, who engaged students on waste management, water conservation, sustainable mobility, air quality, and plantation. The two-hour programme was designed to build awareness and encourage young minds to adopt eco-friendly practices in daily life. The workshop concluded with a lively quiz competition, which saw enthusiastic participation and demonstrated strong comprehension of sustainability concepts.
Training #46 · August 26, 2025 · 300 students · CCA School, Sector 4 · Led by Shubhra Puri & Sangeeta Nayyar

Sashakt: POSH Workshop to Strengthen Workplace Safety Awareness
2025-12-17 10:00 - 17:00 | Haryana
Held on December 17, 2025 at SOCH Hall, Rajiv Gandhi Renewable Energy Park, Sector 29, Gurugram. The workshop saw participation from representatives of NGOs, corporates, and women-centric groups, reflecting strong cross-sector commitment to safer workplaces. The session was led by Ms Shubhra Puri, Founder, Gurgaon First, who provided an in-depth overview of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, including: the genesis of the Act, definitions of “workplace,” key provisions, constitution and role of Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) and Local Complaints Committees (LCC), dos and don’ts, and case studies. Certificates of participation were issued to all attendees.
Training #47 · December 17, 2025 · SOCH Hall, Rajiv Gandhi Renewable Energy Park, Sector 29 · Led by Shubhra Puri

POSH Act Awareness & Compliance Workshop — Gurugram
2026-07-08 15:00 - 17:00 | Soch Hall, Rajiv Gandhi Renewable Energy Centre, Behind Roots Cafe, Sectore 29, Gurugram, Haryana, India
A practical workshop on POSH Act 2013 compliance for HR teams, managers, and ICC members in Gurugram’s corporate sector. Topics covered: ICC constitution and quorum, complaint receipt and formal investigation procedures, evidentiary standards, annual reporting obligations, and training requirements. Facilitated by Shubhra Puri Arora, GurgaonFirst.

Sustainability Training Workshop at Summer Fields School
2026-07-16 09:00 - 11:00 | Haryana
Gurgaon First Foundation conducted an interactive sustainability workshop for nearly 200 students of Grades VI, VII and VIII at Summer Fields School, DLF Phase I, Gurugram on July 16, 2026, supported by Nagarro. Held under the theme “Ancient Wisdom and Sustainability,” the session was led by Shubhra Puri, Sangeeta Nayyar, Kakkasha Makrani and Aayush Dasgupta, connecting traditional sustainable practices to today’s challenges such as water conservation, waste management, air pollution and renewable energy, alongside the UN SDGs. Students also learned about emerging careers in sustainability and pledged to stay engaged in environmental action. Ms Poonam Anand, Coordinator and Science Teacher, Summer Fields School, appreciated the initiative for helping students connect classroom learning to real-world challenges.
Training #48 · July 16, 2026 · 200 students · Summer Fields School, DLF Phase I · Led by Shubhra Puri, Sangeeta Nayyar, Kakkasha Makrani & Aayush Dasgupta

Sustainability Training Workshop at DPS International School
2026-07-23 09:00 - 11:00 | Haryana
Gurgaon First Foundation conducted an interactive sustainability workshop for nearly 300 students of Grades VI, VII, VIII, IX and XII at DPS International School, Sector 50, Gurugram on July 23, 2026, supported by Nagarro. The session was led by Shubhra Puri and Sangeeta Nayyar, along with Aayush Dasgupta, intern at Gurgaon First, and covered pressing sustainability challenges including water conservation, waste management, climate change, air pollution, renewable energy and sustainable mobility through multimedia presentations, videos and quizzes. The workshop concluded with a music video celebrating the Aravalli hills, and students pledged to remain engaged in sustainability initiatives. Seema Kaushal, Principal of the secondary school, reiterated the school’s commitment to sustainability causes through practical projects.
Training #49 · July 23, 2026 · 300 students · DPS International School, Sector 50 · Led by Shubhra Puri & Sangeeta Nayyar

Launch of the Aravalli song in Knowledge Habitat - May 21 , 2026
2026-07-28 08:00 - 17:00 | Haryana
Gurgaon First, in collaboration with the Aravalli Bachao Citizen Movement (ABCM), launched the “Aravalli” anthem at The Knowledge Habitat School auditorium, marking a significant step in engaging young citizens in the movement to protect the Aravalli ecosystem.
Created for the Aravalli Bachao Citizen Movement, the anthem aims to inspire greater awareness and collective action for the conservation of the Aravallis—one of North India’s most critical ecological landscapes. The lyrics and composition have been written by Shubhra Puri, Founder, Gurgaon First.
The anthem was brought to life through the voices of young students, reflecting the belief that the next generation has a vital role to play in safeguarding the region’s natural heritage. The song seeks to encourage students, families and citizens to become active participants in protecting the Aravallis from degradation and unchecked urbanisation.
The programme commenced with welcome remarks by Ms Sangeeta Nayyar, Trustee, Aravalli Bachao Citizen Movement, who highlighted the importance of citizen participation in conserving the Aravalli ecosystem. Ms Monica Sagar, Director, The Knowledge Habitat School, spoke about the role of educational institutions in nurturing environmental responsibility among young people. Trustees and volunteers of the Aravalli Bachao Citizen Movement also addressed the gathering and reaffirmed their commitment to the campaign.
A highlight of the event was the moving performance of the newly launched anthem by The Knowledge Habitat School Choir, whose rendition received an enthusiastic response from the audience. The performance underscored the power of music as a medium to inspire environmental consciousness and collective action.
Speaking on the occasion, Shubhra Puri said, “The Aravallis are not just a mountain range; they are the ecological lifeline of Gurugram and the National Capital Region. Through this anthem, we hope to connect people emotionally with the Aravallis and inspire them to become champions for their protection.”
The launch forms part of the ongoing efforts by the Aravalli Bachao Citizen Movement and Gurgaon First to build public awareness, strengthen citizen engagement and encourage long-term conservation of the Aravalli landscape through education, advocacy and community participation.

Gurugram Sustainability Handbook 2026 Launch
2026-08-14 11:00 - 13:00 | SOIL Institute of Management, Plot No, 76, Bhagwan Mahaveer Marg, Sector 44, Gurugram, Haryana, 122003, India
Around 150 people attended the launch of the Gurugram Sustainability Handbook 2026, the fifth publication in the series by Gurgaon First, with Hon’ble Shri Rao Inderjit Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation and Ministry of Planning, and Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and Member of Parliament from Gurugram as the Chief Guest. The event was held at the SOIL Institute of Management and brought together representatives from civil society, sustainability experts, students, educators and other stakeholders of Gurugram. The programme included a lamp lighting and welcome song by Knowledge Habitat School, welcome remarks by SOIL Institute of Management, an address by Gurgaon First Founder & Director Shubhra Puri, and a presentation of the key findings by researcher Aayush Dasgupta, followed by an overview by sector experts Chetan Aggarwal, Rahul Khera, Sarika Panda Bhatt and Sangeeta Nayyar.

The Gurugram Sustainability Handbook 2026 is a comprehensive compendium and assessment of the city’s key sustainability sectors. It provides an overview of water, waste, energy and mobility, examines the challenges facing the city, highlights emerging solutions and good practices, and outlines a way forward. The publication also looks at the wider ecosystem of sustainability, including governance and citizen action. Speaking at the launch, Shubhra Puri said that Gurgaon First strongly believes that good-quality, credible information is the foundation of active citizenship. She expressed the hope that the Handbook would help identify areas where Gurugram can do better, encourage informed conversations among stakeholders and spark ideas, collaboration and, most importantly, action.

Launching the Handbook, Rao Inderjit Singh shared his special remarks on the occasion. The Minister has been associated with Gurgaon First’s book launches and, according to Puri, his continued presence has been a source of encouragement and reflects his enduring commitment to Gurugram and sustainable development. The event also highlighted Gurgaon First’s expanding work in the city, including its sustainability education programme in schools, its knowledge platform on Gurugram, the Gurgaon Quarterly Newsletter and podcasts on urban issues and sustainability. The organisation’s newest initiative, Music for a Cause, was also highlighted.

The launch concluded with “An Ode to the Aravallis”. Emphasising the importance of young people in shaping the city’s future, Puri said that as Gurgaon First completes fourteen years, one lesson has become increasingly clear: youth must be active stakeholders in bringing positive change by seeing sustainability to be seen not as an sacrifice, but as an aspiration and a smart, responsible choice. The Handbook is intended as a resource for policymakers, businesses, researchers, civil society organisations and citizens, and as a platform to encourage greater dialogue and action for a more sustainable and resilient Gurugram.
