‘Prakrithi Sparsh-‘Vanamahotsava, the July Month Project of St Aloysius Gonzaga School
- “Forests are the world’s air-conditioning system—the lungs of the planet—and we are on the verge of switching it off.” » Prince Charles
Mangaluru: “Prakrithi Sparsh” – Vanamahotsava, the July month’s project was an attempt to bring awareness among students about the importance of planting trees. The project was introduced on 2nd July 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 of “World Environment Day” on Beat the plastic pollution. The daily assembly enriched the students with topics related to the theme.
In connection with this project, Classes I to X and the Kindergarten section had different activities and competitions. Activity like germination of seeds, sowing the germinated seeds and watching the root and shoot coming up aroused the curiosity of young minds about the 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 week-long programme was held on 6th July 2018 in the Gonzaga Hall. Dinesh Nayak, Environmentalist and the President of Sasyashyamala, Vittal was the Chief Guest. Rev. 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 “Prakrithisparsh”.
Winners of various competitions were awarded certificates. The Chief Guest in his thought-provoking speech supported by PPT, educated the students about varieties of medicinal plants, endangered species of plants and the need to save and nurture Mother Earth. Rev. Dr Leo D’Souza in his inspiring message expressed his views on Vanamahotsava saying, “Vanamahotsava will find its real significance only when we develop the love for trees and make it our everyday festival”.
Principal Grace Noronha shared her valuable thoughts with 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 ThanksThe programme was 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 young Gonzagaites.
Report submitted by: Aparna Suresh-Convener
