Shayadri College’s ‘Vrikshotsava’ inspires students with tree planting drive at Pilikula

Mangaluru: The spirit of environmental stewardship took root at Pilikula Biological Park, as the NSS Unit and Basic Science Department of Sahyadri College of Engineering and Management (SCEM) hosted the annual ‘Vrikshotsava’ sapling planting programme. The initiative aimed at deepening students’ connection with nature by engaging them directly in afforestation efforts.

A hobby that grows into a movement

Addressing the students, Sri Devadas Hegde, trustee of SCEM and a passionate seed planter, underscored the impact of nurturing nature from the very beginning. “When a student witnesses the growth of a seed into a tree, the experience leaves a lasting bond with nature,” he said. Known for his unique hobby of cultivating saplings in plastic bags during the year for monsoon planting, Devadas Hegde’s contribution has been integral to the college’s green efforts.

His home-grown saplings were once again central to this year’s afforestation drive.

100 fruit saplings planted at Pilikula

The event saw the enthusiastic participation of 85 first-year engineering students, who planted around 100 saplings of fruit-bearing trees such as chiku, jamoon, jackfruit, mango, and almond. The planting site—Pilikula Biological Park in Moodshedde, Mangaluru—is a biodiversity hotspot and educational centre, making it the ideal location for this initiative.

The programme is aligned with the vision of experiential learning and community engagement promoted by Sahyadri College.

Dignitaries join hands with students

The planting drive was graced by:

• Sri Prashanth Pai, Director, Pilikula Biological Park

• Smt. Suchitra N Rao, Zoo In-charge

• Dr Prashanth Rao, Dean – Student Welfare and HoD, Basic Sciences

• Prof. Shivakumar and Prof. Madhu R, Dept. of Basic Sciences

• Smt. Smitha Shenoy, AAO & NSS Officer

• Smt. Rashmitha Nishal, SWO

• Sri Vasanth, Campus Manager

• Sri Nikhil, Assistant SWO

• Sri Naveen Pilar, Art & Culture Coordinator

They collectively encouraged students to foster a lasting commitment to eco-consciousness.

Education beyond classrooms

More than just a planting event, ‘Vrikshotsava’ exemplifies the integration of academic life with environmental action. With nature as the classroom and saplings as the syllabus, such programmes aim to instil a sense of responsibility and curiosity in young minds—turning participants into guardians of the planet.

Pilikula Biological Park, as detailed on Wikipedia, is a model of ecological conservation and learning, further enriching the students’ field experience.