New Delhi: Raghav Mimani, third year BE chemical engineering student of Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS) was awarded "Green Globe Foundation Award for 2010" under the category, 'Youth Unite for Voluntary Action' (YUVA).

According to a press release, the awards have been instituted as a salutation to the efforts of organizations and individuals fighting climate change through their work in environment preservation and regeneration.

The award was presented at hotel Taj Palace, Delhi by Prime Minister of Bhutan, Mr. Jigmi Yoser Thinley on February 5, 2010, on the occasion of 'Delhi Sustainable Development Summit' (February 5-7) organized by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).

A large number of world dignitaries including, first African woman and environmentalist to win the Nobel Peace Prize, Ms. Wangrai Muta Maathai, Jigme Yoser Thinley, the Prime Minister of Bhutan and first female Prime Minister of Norway, Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, among others, attended the event.

Eleven Prime Ministers of different countries participated and spoke on the occasion. A major highlight of the night was, the live conferencing with California State Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, who addressed the audience and spoke of his green message and the changes he would like to see towards energy development and sustainability.

Selection process for the award consisted of initial short listing of 200 people from across the country in the form of regional meets (called CSDS), and out of these 200, eight were selected as finalists. A rigorous interview was conducted for these eight people and Raghav was chosen for the final award.

"It was indeed a very nice feeling to receive the award in the presence of such eminent personalities. Getting recognition at such as high level inspires me to work harder towards sustainable development of planet. I interacted with environmentalist Wangari Muta Maathai, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize," said Raghav Mimani.

Raghav also had participated in the 'World Youth Meeting for Sustainable Future' held at Bari, Italy on January 19-21, 2010. He was one among the 469 people from 120 countries chosen based on their projects and resume.