Mangaluru: St Aloysius Pre-University College, Mangaluru, celebrated Eco Week 2026 under the theme “Our Earth, Our Future, Our Responsibility” and the motto “Hope for a Greener Tomorrow,” promoting environmental awareness, sustainable living, and ecological responsibility among students.
Organised jointly by the Eco Club and the Centre for Environmental Concern (CEC), the week-long programme featured expert talks, workshops, biodiversity awareness sessions, and creative sustainability initiatives aimed at inspiring students to become responsible custodians of nature.
The celebrations were inaugurated at Alangana with the message “Choose Green, Live Healthy!” in the presence of Principal Rev. Fr. Clifford Sequeira SJ, Campus Minister Rev. Fr. Anthony Derrick SJ, Vice Principal Muralikrishna G.M., and Deans Kiran Shetty and Inas Dais.
The programme commenced with the sowing of different varieties of seeds by staff and students, symbolising growth, sustainability, and environmental responsibility.
Head of the Department of Biology, Pramila Patrao, conducted the inaugural session and demonstrated microgreen propagation. She explained the nutritional benefits, cultivation techniques, and significance of microgreens in promoting healthy and sustainable lifestyles.
Focus on green living and sustainability
A session on “Green Choices for a Healthy Life” was conducted under the theme Gratitude for Life and Wellness. Resource person Dr. Manjunath Kamath highlighted the close relationship between environmental well-being and personal health.
He emphasised sustainable lifestyle choices, mindful consumption, and the importance of maintaining a clean environment for holistic wellness.
The programme “Art Beyond Waste: Coconut Shell Innovations” encouraged students to embrace waste-to-wealth practices. Ms. Srividya B., Assistant Professor in the Department of Commerce at Besant Evening College, demonstrated how discarded coconut shells can be transformed into decorative and utility products.
Students learned various techniques including design marking, cutting, drilling, shaping, buffing, and polishing while understanding the importance of creative recycling and sustainable resource utilisation.
Biodiversity and wildlife conservation awareness
Eco Week also featured a demonstration on orchid cultivation under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal theme “Life on Land.”
Led by Lilly Pinto, the session focused on orchid cultivation methods, ecological significance, and environmental conservation practices such as tree planting, water conservation, waste reduction, and energy saving.
Another major highlight was the session titled “Snakes, Humans and Environment” under the theme Voices for the Voiceless Creatures.
Renowned wildlife rescuer Xavier Kiran Pinto, popularly known as Snake Kiran, addressed misconceptions about snakes and highlighted their crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. He educated students on snakebite first aid, conservation, and the importance of peaceful coexistence with wildlife.
Bird watching session concludes Eco Week
The concluding programme focused on bird watching under the theme Care for Creation.
Organised in collaboration with the Fur and Feather Association, the session was led by Kiran Vati K., Assistant Professor in the Department of Zoology at St Aloysius (Deemed to be University).
Students were introduced to local bird species and their ecological significance, helping them develop a deeper appreciation for avian biodiversity and nature conservation.
The bird feeders displayed during the programme demonstrated simple yet effective ways of creating bird-friendly spaces and supporting local bird populations.
Competitions and awards
As part of Eco Week celebrations, certificates were distributed to winners of various competitions, including poster making on “Say No to Plastic,” pot painting on “Pots of Peace and Planet,” collage making on the benefits of microgreens, and bird feeder creation.
Vice Principal Muralikrishna G.M. felicitated the winners in recognition of their creativity, enthusiasm, and commitment to environmental awareness.
Eco Week 2026 was coordinated by faculty members of the Eco Club and Centre for Environmental Concern. The Eco Club team included Pramila Patrao and Navyashree, while the CEC team comprised Sharli Reema D’Souza, Mary Priscilla, Leslie D’Souza, Janet Pinto, Indushree R., and Namisha Rao.
The week-long celebration successfully combined awareness with action, encouraging students to adopt sustainable habits, deepen their respect for nature, and contribute towards building a greener and more sustainable future.
