Mangaluru: Mount Carmel Central School celebrated the World Environment Day on Saturday, June 10 in the presence of mayor Kavitha Sanil.

The programme started invoking God’s blessings followed by a few cultural events on nature. Mayor Kavitha Sanil, the chief guest on the occasion was felicitated by the school management for her elated position as mayor. The mayor is also the parent of Prisha, a student of Class III.

In the year 2016, the school had undertaken a mega project on neem and as part of it, around 514 neem saplings were distributed during last year’s Vanamahotsava celebrations. Prizes were announced for those students who nurture the neem saplings in a best and healthy way. A team comprising Krishnappa, the environmentalist, school staff and parent representatives visited the shortlisted contestant's houses and had evaluated the same in March 2016. Accordingly, on this day, the best and healthy neem tree contestants who won the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place at the entire school level were awarded prizes by the mayor. Joint secretary Sr Maria Jyothi honoured the students who successfully nurtured the neem saplings. Krishnappa, who was with the school throughout the year in the Green Movement, gave away the consolation prizes.

At the end, principal Sr Melissa congratulated the efforts of the members of Young Global Citizen’s Club for hosting a very meaningful programme on the occasion and thanked everyone for their cooperation in making the school’s mega Neem Tree project – 2016, a grand success. The students throughout the programme were made aware of the need to take care of the environment and the environment in return would take care of all.

The programme was compered by Shaima Zubaida of Class X and Prithika of Class IX. Carol D’Souza of Class VIII welcomed the gathering and Larrel Coutinho of Class IX proposed the vote of thanks.