The awards were part of the 10th Annual NYC Green School Conference, bringing together global education leaders, policymakers and climate advocates to advance climate-smart, future-ready learning.
Eight Amrita Vidyalayam, a school system founded by Amma, have been named among the top 30 schools in the Global Green School Ranking. The honours were announced at the 10th Annual NYC Green School Conference in New York City.
Amrita Vidyalayam, Punmol, Thalassery, Kannur Dt ranked 1st in the Global Green School Ranking and also received the Global Excellence Award in Green Governance. The seven other Amrita Vidyalayam in the rankings included: Kodungallur, Thrissur Dt – 13th; Ottapalam, Palakkad Dt – 17th; Tanur, Malappuram Dt – 18th; Kaimanom, Thiruvananthapuram – 19th; Kakkad, Kannur Dt – 21st; Ayyanthol, Thrissur Dt – 23rd; and Kallarakkadavu, Pathanamthitta Dt – 27th.
The ranking was developed by Green Mentors, an India-based sustainability organisation that also organises the annual NYC Green School Conference. Schools are evaluated across four core sustainability pillars: School Governance, Teaching & Learning, Facilities & Operations, and Community Engagement.
“Guided by Amma’s vision, we remain committed to nurturing compassionate young minds who will lead the way in protecting our planet for future generations,” said Swami Dayamritananda Puri, Executive Director of Mata Amritanandamayi Centers, North America. He accepted the awards on behalf of Amma.
“Receiving these Global Green Awards for Amrita Vidyalayam is a profound honour. This recognition at the 10th NYC Green School Conference is a testament to our students’ and teachers’ sincere dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable education.”
In 1987, Amma founded Amrita Vidyalayam, Kodungallur, as the Mata Amritanandamayi Math’s (MAM) first school. Today there is a network of 86 Amrita Vidyalayam across India. Teachers and families work together to develop each child’s creativity, intelligence and character.
The schools teach environmental responsibility through daily practice. Waste is segregated at source, rainwater is harvested on campus and reused for gardening, and environmental themes run through the curriculum. Awareness programmes reach both children and parents, and students plant trees at school, at home and in their neighbourhoods.
The 2026 conference, held at the SUNY Global Center during Climate Week NYC, carried the theme “Regenerating Futures: AI, Greening Education for a Thriving Planet.” It brought together global education leaders, policymakers and climate advocates to mark a decade of advancing climate-smart, future-ready learning.
