Mangaluru: 'Prakrithi Sparsh' Vanamahotsava, the project for July was an attempt to bring awareness among students on the importance of planting trees. The project was introduced on July 2 in the special assembly with a thought provoking and informative PPT on 'Plastic a boon or a bane?'

The enthusiastic students of class VIII performed to the theme song 'World Environment Day' on 'Beat plastic pollution'. The daily assembly enriched the students with topics related to the theme.

In connection with this project, classes I to X and Kindergarten section had different activities and competitions. Activities like germination of seeds, sowing the germinated seeds and watching the root and shoot spring up aroused the curiosity of young minds on birth of a sapling. Students participated enthusiastically in colouring and drawing competitions, essay writing, making useful articles out of waste and poster making.

The finale of the weeklong programme was held on July 6 at the Gonzaga Hall. Dinesh Nayak, environmentalist and president of Sasyashyamala, Vittal was the chief guest. Dr Leo D’Souza SJ, director of Biotechnology Department of St Aloysius College and the Principal Grace Noronha were the other dignitaries of the day.

The programme commenced with a prayer service, followed by welcoming the gathering by Ken Julias Pinto of Class X. Significance of the day was highlighted by Joel Abhilash of Class IV. The project report was read out by Ananya Pulikot of Class VIII. The chief guest Dinesh Nayak planted a sapling. Later on the stage was taken over by the young Gonzagaites who presented a cultural programme with mind blowing dance, song and skit on the theme 'Prakrithi Sparsh'. Winners of various competitions were awarded certificates. The chief guest in his thought provoking speech supported by PPT, educated the students on varieties of medicinal plants, endangered species of plants and the need to save and nurture mother earth. Fr Dr Leo D’Souza in his inspiring message expressed his views on Vanamahotsava saying, “Vanamahotsava will find its real significance only when we develop love for trees and make it our everyday festival."

Principal Grace Noronha shared her valuable thoughts with the students and asked them to cultivate the habit of planting medicinal plants at home. Evana Kiran D’Souza of Class VII proposed the vote of thanks. The programme concluded by singing the school anthem. Clive Allen Lobo of Class X and Nicole Ria Saldanha of class IX compered the programme.

The project was successful in emphasizing the importance of Mother Nature and embedded the real sense of social responsibility in the minds of the young Gonzagaites.