Media Release
Mangaluru, Jul 12: Ladyhill School (ICSE), Urwa, Mangaluru, celebrated Vanamahotsava with great enthusiasm and a strong commitment to environmental stewardship on July 9. Organised by the students of grades V B and C, the vibrant celebration highlighted the importance of forest conservation, biodiversity preservation, and ecological balance, inspiring all to work towards a greener and more sustainable future.
The celebration commenced with a prayer, invoking God’s blessings on the gathering and seeking his guidance in caring for mother earth. Graced by the presence of chief guest Dinesh Holla, renowned artist, author, environmentalist, trek organiser and internationally acclaimed kite designer, along with other dignitaries, the programme blossomed with a vibrant welcome dance that celebrated the beauty and harmony of nature. Jessica Jeena Gabriella warmly welcomed the gathering, while principal Sr Therese Teena honoured the chief guest with a green sapling, a meaningful symbol of growth, gratitude, and environmental stewardship.
A poignant highlight of the celebration was the ceremonial tree plantation, symbolising hope and a shared commitment to the environment. As the dignitaries planted saplings alongside eco club students holding saplings, the ceremony conveyed the message that every tree nurtured today helps create a greener tomorrow. The students further reinforced this commitment through the Green Pledge, confidently led by Ayesha Suha, reaffirming their responsibility to protect and preserve nature.
The programme was further enhanced by a melodious song that celebrated the splendour of nature and underscored the importance of afforestation. An enlightening presentation on the significance of Vanamahotsava followed, offering valuable insights into the festival’s role in fostering environmental stewardship and sustaining ecological harmony.
Adding colour, energy, and vibrancy to the celebration, the dance “Nature in Motion” brought alive the grace, rhythm, and splendour of the natural world. The audience was deeply moved by the thought-provoking skit, “The Last Tree’s Message,” which delivered a compelling call to protect forests and reflected on the far-reaching consequences of environmental neglect. The cultural segment culminated with the exuberant dance “Celebrating Nature,” a joyful tribute to the beauty, abundance, and life-sustaining gifts of mother earth, leaving the audience inspired and uplifted.
In his inspiring address, Dinesh Holla underscored the urgent need to conserve forests and safeguard the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats. Highlighting the inseparable bond between humanity and nature, he encouraged students to become champions of environmental stewardship through conscious and responsible actions. Principal Sr Therese Teena echoed these sentiments, reminding students that trees are the lifeline of our planet and urging them to plant, nurture, and protect them with care and commitment.
The formal programme concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks proposed by Arvin Noah Lobo, who expressed sincere appreciation to the chief guest, dignitaries, staff, and students for their valuable contributions to the success of the celebration. Adding to the significance of the occasion, the winners of the drawing, speak and sparkle, and poem recital competitions conducted in June were felicitated by the dignitaries. Their achievements were applauded with certificates and medals, recognising their creativity, confidence, and talent while inspiring their peers to pursue excellence.
The programme was gracefully compered by Pradyumna and Ayesha Tafheem, whose confidence, poise, and engaging presentation ensured its seamless flow. The Vanamahotsava celebration concluded on a note of hope, inspiration, and renewed environmental commitment. Through its vibrant performances, meaningful presentations, and powerful messages, the programme instilled a deeper appreciation for nature and reinforced the collective responsibility of safeguarding the environment, nurturing the vision of a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future.
As a meaningful extension of the Vanamahotsava celebration, the members of the Eco Club distributed seven saplings to Ladyhill Higher Primary School and presented saplings to Ladyhill Convent superior Sr Maria Kripa A C, promoting the message of environmental stewardship and the importance of nurturing a greener future.
Vanamahotsava 2026 concluded with a powerful message of environmental awareness and collective action, encouraging everyone to become thoughtful stewards of nature. The celebration reinforced the importance of living in harmony with the environment and nurturing a sustainable future for generations to come.