Three undergraduate students have been selected for the 2026 Avery Dennison Foundation EnviroChamp Fellowship, a national programme that supports young women working in environmental sustainability. The students — Anuja Krishna, Shivaani Arunprasad and Vanya Hegde — are among 10 fellows chosen from across India through an independent selection process.The fellowship, organised by the Avery Dennison Foundation in partnership with the Institute of International Education (IIE), provides each fellow with a scholarship of USD 1,500, along with mentorship, professional development opportunities and expert-led learning sessions. The cohort includes students from institutions such as IIT Bombay, TERI School of Advanced Studies, Delhi Technological University, IISER Bhopal, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Azim Premji University.
Fellows to work on environmental challenges
The three selected students will undertake projects focused on river pollution, light pollution and climate-resilient agriculture.Anuja Krishna will study pollution in Chennai’s Kosasthalaiyar River by combining water quality analysis, biodiversity assessments and community interviews. Shivaani Arunprasad’s project will address light pollution in Bengaluru through awareness, citizen science and community-based action. Vanya Hegde will examine traditional tuber-based food systems as models for climate-resilient agriculture, with a focus on cultivation practices and women-led knowledge systems.
Programme offers scholarship and mentorship
Each fellow will receive a scholarship of USD 1,500 and participate in a mentorship programme designed to support research and professional development.“The Avery Dennison Foundation EnviroChamp Fellowship is dedicated to empowering and elevating the next generation of women leaders in India as they pursue their studies in environmental sustainability,” said Alicia Procello, President of the Avery Dennison Foundation.Vivek Mansukhani, Head of IIE India, said the programme aims to nurture young changemakers through financial support and mentoring. “By providing comprehensive mentorship, financial backing and professional development, this programme is not just supporting individuals; it is empowering future women leaders to create a real, sustainable impact in their communities and the world at large,” he said.
Research aligned with real-world sustainability issues
Harini Nagendra, Director of the School of Climate Change and Sustainability at Azim Premji University, said the students’ research reflects an emphasis on solving environmental challenges through scientific inquiry.“Anuja’s work on the Kosasthalaiyar, Shivaani’s on light pollution, and Vanya’s on traditional food systems each reflect this shared purpose — based on a strong scientific foundation and focused on solutions for India’s challenges,” Nagendra said.The Avery Dennison Foundation EnviroChamp Fellowship is an initiative of the Avery Dennison Foundation and the Institute of International Education that supports young women pursuing careers in environmental sustainability through scholarships, mentorship and professional development.
