Media Release

Mangaluru, Jul 17: On July 12, the NSS Unit of the B.Com Department at Srinivas University organised an educational visit to the Kanthavara Forest with the objective of promoting environmental awareness and providing students with an opportunity for experiential learning.

The visit aimed to instill a sense of responsibility towards nature and educate students on the importance of forest conservation. One of the key highlights of the visit was a guided walk through the "Broken Forest," led by Jeeth Milan Roche, trustee of Vana Trust.

During the session, students were introduced to the fundamental concepts of forest ecosystems and were encouraged to reflect on pressing questions such as: What is a forest? What is the current state of Indian forests? How many saplings are needed to restore ecological balance? The walk through the damaged and silent forest left a powerful emotional impact, helping students understand the severity of deforestation and the urgent need for conservation.

Additionally, students participated in a hands-on seed ball making activity, where they learned about a sustainable method of reforestation that involves embedding seeds in clay balls to be dispersed in degraded areas. This activity was not only informative but also fostered a sense of active participation in environmental protection. It began as a routine educational trip turned into a transformative experience for the students. It deepened their connection to nature, encouraged critical thinking, and strengthened their commitment to environmental responsibility.

The event was conducted under the guidance of Dr Venkatesh Amin – dean, Institute of Management and Commerce (IMC), Prof Sharmila S Shetty – head of the B Com Department, Prof S Seethalaxmi – NSS coordinator.