Media Release

Mangaluru, July 16: The July month’s project, “Prakruthi – Care for Our Common Home” culminated in a vibrant celebration at St Aloysius Gonzaga School, Mangaluru, on July 16.

M Dinesh Nayak of Sasyashamala was the chief guest for the programme of Classes VI to XII. He serves as an advisor for dissertation work of M Pharm students at Srinivas College of Pharmacy, Mangaluru, and is also associated with environmental management at JBF Petrochemical Ltd., MSEZ.

A passionate nature photographer, Nayak has conducted over 1300 workshops and seminars and has received prestigious recognitions, including the Poonnakumbha Award from FRLHT, Bengaluru (1995), for his efforts in environmental awareness and conservation of medicinal plants. Drawing from his vast experience, he delivered an engaging presentation on rare and endangered plant species of the Western Ghats and encouraged students to plant at least one sapling at home.

For classes I to V, the chief guest was Ashwini Bhat, treasurer of Aranya Parisara Mattu Havamaana Badalavane Sangha, who emphasised the importance of preserving nature as a legacy for future generations.

The school principal, Fr Rohan D Almeida SJ, lauded the students and staff for their enthusiastic participation and urged everyone to adopt eco-conscious choices in daily life.

Winners of various Science Week competitions were awarded eco-friendly jute bags, sponsored by School Book Company, Mangaluru.

The project featured a range of impactful activities including street plays performed on campus and at the KSRTC Bus Stand, Bejai, a plantation drive, a workshop on creating useful items from recycled materials, and the making of rough books from old notebooks. These initiatives helped deepen students’ understanding of sustainability and their responsibility to care for Prakruthi. The project was efficiently coordinated by Deepa Karkada, Shilpa Ballal, and the science department.