Mangaluru: Mangalore University has launched a new outreach initiative titled ‘Our Walk Towards Mangalore University’ aimed at familiarising students from affiliated and other colleges with the university’s academic, research, and environmental infrastructure. The initiative was announced by Vice-Chancellor Prof PL Dharma during a student interaction programme and newsletter release event held at his residence.
The programme was introduced during the release of the Swastik National Business School newsletter, followed by an interaction session with students and faculty members. The initiative seeks to encourage structured campus visits so that students can directly experience the university’s facilities, departments, laboratories, and green spaces.
Campus as a space of learning and reverence
Vice-Chancellor Prof PL Dharma said that just as devotees are drawn to temples, mosques, and churches, a university too should be regarded as a place of knowledge, discipline, and reverence. He said educational institutions must be experienced firsthand for students to fully appreciate the ecosystem of higher learning and research.
He explained that the idea for the new initiative emerged after observing the outcomes of a recent NSS camp conducted by Swastik National Business School on the university campus. During the camp, students participated in planned academic and environmental activities and toured various facilities.
According to the vice-chancellor, students were able to closely observe multiple academic departments, advanced laboratories, research centres, the central library, and the botanical garden. Their positive feedback and curiosity about the campus environment inspired the university to formalise such visits through a structured programme.
Exposure to research and academic infrastructure
Mangaluru University officials said the initiative will allow visiting students to gain exposure to facilities that are typically seen only by enrolled university scholars and researchers. These include specialised laboratories, interdisciplinary research centres, and knowledge resources available in the university library system.
Prof Dharma noted that the campus houses several international-standard laboratories and advanced research units that can motivate undergraduate and postgraduate students to pursue higher studies and research careers. Allowing students to see these facilities firsthand can help them better understand academic pathways and opportunities available after graduation.
He added that such exposure visits will also help bridge the gap between affiliated colleges and the main university campus by building stronger academic engagement.
Focus on green campus and sustainability
Mangaluru University’s environmental initiatives were also highlighted during the event. Prof Dharma said the university has been consistently working towards maintaining a green and sustainable campus through collective efforts involving staff and students.
One of the ongoing practices includes planting saplings to mark students’ birthdays — an initiative designed to build personal responsibility towards nature while increasing green cover on campus.
Due to sustained environmental measures, the university has achieved significant recognition in national sustainability assessments. Prof Dharma stated that Mangalore University secured 3rd place in India in the Green Metrics ranking, reflecting its performance in sustainability, greenery, and eco-friendly campus management.
Officials said visiting students under the new walk initiative will also be introduced to these sustainability practices to encourage replication in their own institutions.
Botanical garden conservation project planned
During the programme, Dr Raghavendra Holla, chairman and president of Swastik National Business School, announced a separate but related environmental project concerning the university’s botanical garden.
He said a plan has been formulated to conserve and further develop the botanical garden located on the university campus, which spans around three acres. The garden is known to house rare plant species, trees, and medicinal herbs.
The proposed conservation and development work will be undertaken with the cooperation of the Rotary Club and will be carried out under the guidance of the vice-chancellor. The project aims to strengthen the garden’s role as a learning and research resource while preserving biodiversity.
Faculty and guests present
Several academic and administrative officials were present at the event marking the launch of the initiative. Among them were Prof Ganesh Sanjeev, Registrar (Evaluation); Prof Devendrappa, Finance Officer; Panchalinga Swamy, retired professor; Dr Shaani; and other faculty members and guests.
University authorities said more details about scheduling and participation guidelines for ‘Our Walk Towards Mangalore University’ will be shared with colleges in the coming weeks. The programme is expected to be conducted in batches so that students can meaningfully interact with departments and facilities.
Officials believe the initiative will strengthen academic orientation, inspire research interest, and deepen students’ connection with the university system.