Mangaluru, June 26, 2025 – As part of its commitment to environmental sustainability and community service, the Swachh Bharat Club of Father Muller College of Nursing (FMCON), in association with the Department of Community Health Nursing and Vana Charitable Trust (R), Mangaluru, carried out a two-day plantation and cleaning drive at Pilikula and Moodushedde, Vamanjoor on May 31 and June 25, 2025.

500 saplings planted in eco-sensitive zones

With nature conservation as the central theme, over 500 plants were planted across both locations. The drive was carried out under the guidance of renowned environmentalist Mr Jeeth Milan Roche and his team. In addition to the plantation, volunteers actively engaged in clean-up activities, aiming to rejuvenate green spaces and improve sanitation in public areas.

On May 31, 50 IV-year BSc Nursing students and 4 faculty members took part in the first leg of the initiative. The second phase, held on June 25, saw the participation of 20 nursing students and 2 faculty members. The FMCON team also donated 100 plants to Vana Charitable Trust to further support its green efforts.

Leadership and planning

The success of this eco-conscious activity was due to the meticulous planning of Ms Priya Pereira, Chairperson of the Swachh Bharat Club at FMCON. Her initiative brought together students, faculty, and environmentalists on a common platform to contribute meaningfully to the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and raise awareness about ecological responsibility.

“Activities like these teach students the importance of giving back—not just through healthcare, but also by nurturing the environment. It was more than a service project; it was a living lesson in sustainability,” said Ms Pereira.

Community partnerships for a cleaner tomorrow

The event underscores the significance of inter-institutional collaboration and active youth involvement in achieving sustainable development goals. The engagement of students with Vana Charitable Trust and local residents served as a catalyst for environmental awareness and civic action in the region.

Mr Jeeth Milan Roche, known for his widespread afforestation efforts in Karnataka, commended FMCON’s dedication and student involvement. He said such collaborative efforts would go a long way in restoring degraded lands, particularly in urban and semi-urban pockets of Mangaluru.