Puttur: To promote environmental conservation, St Philomena College, Puttur, organized a one-day special plantation drive titled “EkPed MaaKe Naam” (Plant for Mother). This initiative was part of a broader campaign inspired by World Environment Day celebrations, observed on June 5, 2024. The plantation drive aligned with the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF & CC) mission to enhance green cover and raise environmental awareness across the nation.
The event was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Rev. Dr Antony Prakash Monteiro, Principal of the College, who emphasized the importance of trees in combating climate change and improving environmental sustainability. He passionately encouraged students and faculty to adopt an active role in preserving nature, underlining that these efforts represent both personal and collective responsibilities for future generations.
Department of Botany and Eco-Club, with over 50 students, faculty, and staff members joined hands to plant 30 saplings across the campus. The saplings included a variety of ecologically significant species such as Syzy giumcumini (Jamun), Garcinia indica (Kokum), Artocarpushirsutus (Wild Jack), Magnolia champaca (Champak), Phyllanthusemblica (Indian Gooseberry), and Mangiferaindica (Mango). These species were chosen for their compatibility with the local environment and their contribution to ecological balance. Throughout the drive, participants adhered to proper planting guidelines to ensure the healthy growth of the saplings, with special attention given to spacing and aftercare.
Rev. Dr. Monteiro, in his address, highlighted the significance of linking environmental initiatives with community and familial values, encouraging participants to take ownership of their efforts by pledging to care for the saplings in the years to come. The drive, which fostered a strong sense of collective responsibility, was not only an ecological contribution but also a meaningful act of reverence for motherhood.
Participants reflected on their role in the broader environmental movement. The “EkPed MaaKe Naam” initiative left a lasting impact, instilling in the community a deeper commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability. Shashiprabha,HoD Botany , Smitha Vivek Alva,Asst Professor , Department of Botany,Shreeraksha, HoD Zoology,Shivani , Assistant professor Deparment of Zoology and Anil Lasrado,lab Assistant took active role in conducting this meaningful programme.