Rons Bantwal

Mumbai, Sep 20: More than 1,000 students from the Ryan Group and St Xavier’s Group of Schools, Mumbai, joined hands with volunteers at Versova Beach to mark International Coastal Cleanup Day – Mumbai on September 20. Guided by the vision of Dr A F Pinto, chairman of the Ryan Group, this impactful initiative reflected a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Organized by the Afroz Shah Foundation, the cleanup drive took place from bringing together a wide network of organizations and volunteers in a united stand against plastic pollution. During the one-hour cleanup, students played a vital role in removing 16,000 kgs of marine debris, contributing to a collective total of 40,000 kgs cleared from the beach.

The students’ active participation showcased their teamwork, leadership, and sense of environmental responsibility, proving that ‘small hands and big hearts’ can drive meaningful change for our oceans and planet.

This event was part of a global movement that mobilizes millions of volunteers worldwide to clean beaches, waterways, and coastal areas. It received support from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UN Environment Programme, and The Young Leaders Plastic Challenge (Plastic Tide Turners). The event reinforced the powerful message ‘Let’s Join Hands Together to Protect Mother Nature by Doing Ground Action’.

Beyond restoring the coastal ecosystem, the initiative served as an inspiration for young environmental champions. It reinforced Ryan International School’s unwavering dedication to sustainability, civic responsibility, and the power of collective action in safeguarding our planet for future generations.