Media Release
Mangaluru, Jul 18: The Centre for Environmental Concern (CEC) of St Aloysius Pre-University College organised an awareness session titled ‘Guardians of the Earth’ for the faculty. The session was led by advocate Suma Nayak, an environmentalist and animal activist.
Addressing the faculty, Adv Nayak described Mother Earth as a shared home for all living species and reminded them that human beings, as the most evolved species, have the responsibility to protect rather than exploit nature.
She highlighted how rapid urbanisation, indiscriminate tree felling, road construction, and human encroachment have led to the destruction of natural habitats, the disappearance of urban wildlife, and ecological imbalance.
Emphasising the pivotal role of teachers, she urged the faculty to lead by example, noting that students learn more from what they observe than from what they are told. Drawing from her firsthand experiences in environmental conservation and animal welfare, she encouraged the faculty to nurture compassion towards animals in children and help them understand that Mother Earth belongs to every living being. She stressed that kindness towards animals and respect for all forms of life are values that should be inculcated in students from a young age.
Referring to the declining rainfall and deteriorating water quality in Mangaluru, advocate Nayak stressed the need to conserve water, prevent its wastage, and protect it as a precious natural resource. She also called upon the faculty to reduce plastic consumption by choosing reusable alternatives and highlighted the importance of practicing the three R’s - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
She further encouraged the faculty to conserve electricity by switching off lights and fans when not in use, reminding them that every element of nature is interconnected and that every individual's contribution is vital in protecting the environment. Concluding her address, she urged the faculty to adopt sustainable practices and fulfill their responsibility to preserve the planet for future generations.