Mangaluru: St Aloysius College (Autonomous), Mangaluru, held a week long programme ‘Seva Sapthah’ to celebrate the 450th birth anniversary of its patron, St Aloysius Gonzaga in the college. This programme is to commemorate the life and selfless service of St Aloysius Gonzaga.

The theme of the first day of this programme was Eco conservation – Save Air, Water and Soil. To convey this message to the students the college organized a workshop on ‘Poetry, Creative writing and Collage‘. The inauguration of this event was held on August 20, at Fr Robert Sequeira Auditorium. Dinesh Holla, an environmentalist and founder member of Sahyadri Sanchaya, Mangaluru was the chief guest. Dr Vasanth Kumar Perla, assistant station director and head of programme at All India Radio, Mangaluru, Artha Perla, a Bharathanatyam dancer and Doordarshan artiste and Tharanath Kairangal, art teacher, government high school Manchi were the guests of honour. Fr Dr Praveen Martis presided over the programme. Dr Alwyn D’Sa, director, administrative block and workshop co-ordinator Dr Jyothi Miranda, associate professor, department of Botany were present.

Chief guest Dinesh Holla in his address said that the initiative taken by the college towards environmental protection should continue forever and students should make an attempt to change the society as well. He explained how students can convey the message of environmental conservation through poetry, creative writing and collage. He urged the students to develop reading and writing habits.

Addressing the students, Dr Alwyn D’Sa said that this land does not belong to us but we belong to the land. Hence, we should not use it as we need, instead we should protect it and make it a pleasant place to live. He quoted how the man-made changes lead to the recent natural calamities which destroyed Kerala and Kodagu.

Fr Dr Praveen Martis, principal, urged and encouraged the students to involve in eco-conservation activities in and around the college, in his presidential address. Megha and team conducted the prayer. Workshop coordinator Dr Jyothi Miranda, associate professor, department of Botany welcomed and introduced the guests. Priya compered the programme. Vineeth Kumar, assistant professor, department of Zoology rendered the vote of thanks.