Mangaluru: Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) celebrated World Environment Day 2026 at its Employees Recreation Centre under the global theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”
The programme highlighted environmental conservation, sustainable development, climate action, and responsible resource management, reaffirming MRPL’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.
Padma Shri awardee Shyam Sundar Paliwal attends as chief guest
Padma Shri awardee Shri Shyam Sundar Paliwal, renowned environmentalist and social reformer from Piplantri, Rajasthan, attended the event as the chief guest. Dr. Manju R., Environmental Officer of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), Mangaluru, was the special invitee.
The programme commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp and watering of a plant in the presence of senior MRPL officials, including Shri Nandakumar Velayudhan Pillai, Director (Refinery); Shri Devendra Kumar, Director (Finance) and Chief Financial Officer; Shri N. Anandha Kumar, Executive Director (Refinery); Shri Deepak Prabhakar P., Executive Director (Marketing and Business Development); and Shri P. Sujith, Executive Director (Projects).
Speakers stress environmental responsibility
Addressing the gathering, Shri Shyam Sundar Paliwal emphasised the importance of tree plantation and the protection of natural resources. He encouraged participants to adopt eco-friendly habits and sustainable practices in their daily lives to ensure a healthier environment for future generations.
Shri Nandakumar Velayudhan Pillai highlighted MRPL’s various sustainability initiatives, including the company’s pilot PET bottle recycling plant. He also stressed the importance of climate action and the ongoing transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy practices.
Shri Devendra Kumar urged employees and stakeholders to embrace environmentally responsible behaviours such as reducing plastic consumption, conserving natural resources, and practising proper waste segregation.
Dr. Manju R. appreciated MRPL’s environmental initiatives and emphasised the important role that young people can play in driving positive environmental action and awareness.
Environment pledge administered
During the programme, MRPL presented its environmental performance highlights and showcased several initiatives undertaken to promote sustainability and ecological conservation.
An Environment Pledge was administered in Kannada, Hindi, and English, encouraging participants to commit themselves to environmentally responsible actions.
The Managing Director’s message was also read out during the event. In his message, he urged every member of the MRPL family to become a brand ambassador for sustainability and actively contribute towards protecting the environment.
Skit and competitions add engagement
A special skit on the adverse effects of excessive mobile phone usage among youth was presented by the theatre group led by Dinesh Attavar from Mangaluru.
The performance was well received by the audience and highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between technology and social well-being.
The event also featured the distribution of prizes to winners of various competitions conducted as part of MRPL’s month-long Environment Drive.
To further promote environmental awareness, saplings and jute bags were distributed to participants, encouraging sustainable lifestyle choices and greener living practices.
The celebration concluded with a renewed commitment from employees and stakeholders to support environmental conservation, climate action, and sustainable development initiatives.
