Mangaluru: The Centre for Environmental Concern (CEC) and Eco Club of St Aloysius Pre-University College organised a special programme to commemorate World Environment Day 2026 under the theme “Let’s Nurture Nature for a Better Future” with the message “Our Earth. Our Responsibility. Our Future.”
The event aimed to reinforce the collective responsibility of protecting the environment and promoting sustainable living practices among students and staff.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Leslie R. D’Souza, setting the tone for a day dedicated to environmental awareness and ecological responsibility.
Principal calls for ecological responsibility
Addressing the gathering, Rev. Fr. Clifford Sequeira SJ, Principal of St Aloysius PU College, emphasised the vital role of young people in safeguarding the environment.
He encouraged students to closely observe plants, animals, and the natural world around them, highlighting the interconnectedness of all living beings within the ecosystem.
Fr. Clifford warned that environmental destruction is reaching alarming levels and called for an urgent ecological conversion in attitudes and lifestyles.
He reminded the students that humanity’s future is inseparable from the future of the Earth and stressed that protecting nature ultimately means protecting human life itself.
Environmental advocate highlights sustainable living
The chief guest of the programme was Mrs. Suma Nayak, Advocate and Trustee of Animal Care Trust, Shaktinagar.
Delivering the keynote address on the theme “Our Earth. Our Responsibility. Our Future,” she spoke about the strong relationship between animal welfare and ecological balance.
Drawing from her experiences, Mrs. Nayak urged students to adopt simple yet meaningful practices such as reducing single-use plastics, conserving water, segregating waste, and showing compassion towards all living beings.
She also highlighted the importance of the three R’s — Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle — as essential principles for sustainable living.
Her address resonated strongly with students and reinforced the significance of individual responsibility in environmental conservation.
Staff honoured for contribution to green initiatives
A special segment of the programme was dedicated to recognising staff members who have played a key role in maintaining the college’s green campus initiatives.
Mr. Jerald D’Souza and Mr. Anil Ivan D’Souza from the maintenance department were felicitated for their dedicated efforts in maintaining the campus greenery and supporting plantation activities.
College authorities appreciated their consistent contribution towards enhancing the ecological environment and natural beauty of the campus.
Sapling plantation and biodiversity activity organised
As a symbolic gesture aligned with the theme of the celebration, dignitaries, faculty members of the CEC and Eco Club, and students participated in a sapling plantation drive within the college garden.
The programme also featured an innovative biodiversity awareness activity.
A large painting depicting Earth’s key ecosystems — sky, land, and water — was displayed, and students joined dignitaries in placing images of birds, aquatic species, and terrestrial animals in their respective habitats.
The interactive activity effectively demonstrated the concept of biodiversity and the interdependence of all forms of life on Earth.
The programme was compered by Ms. Preedal Monteiro, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Ms. Sharli Reem D’Souza, Coordinator of the initiative.
She expressed gratitude to the chief guest, the Principal, the management, faculty, non-teaching staff, and students for their active participation and support.
The World Environment Day celebration concluded with enthusiastic participation from students and staff, successfully promoting environmental awareness, sustainability, and collective responsibility towards building a greener future.
