Media Release

Mangaluru, Jul 2: Members of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) Permannur and SSVP Youth Permannur organised a Vanamahotsava celebration and beach clean-up drive at St Sebastian Church, Permannur, promoting environmental conservation and community participation.

The programme was held in association with the Youth Commission, Commission for Environment, Nadi Samrakshana Okkuta and Catholic Sabha Permannur.

The event began with a formal function, with ICYM president Wilson Tellis welcoming the gathering. Rishal D'Souza compered the programme.

Parish priest Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza inaugurated the event by planting a sapling. Addressing the gathering, he stressed the importance of protecting the environment and caring for newly planted trees.

Referring to changing weather patterns, Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza said every individual should contribute to environmental conservation by planting and nurturing saplings. He also encouraged families with limited space to grow vegetables on terraces or in home gardens.

The programme was attended by Fr Jagadish Pinto, Fr Melvin D'Souza, Sr Juliana Gretta BS, Parish Pastoral Council vice-president Arun D'Souza, secretary Meena Seema D'Souza, convenor of the 21 Commissions Dolphy D'Souza, Youth Commission convenor Deril, Environment Commission convenor Loyd, ICYM animators and parishioners.

SSVP president Lishal Ferrao proposed the vote of thanks.

Following the formal programme, volunteers planted saplings across the church and school campus. They later proceeded to Ullal Beach, where they carried out a clean-up drive aimed at preserving the coastline and creating awareness about marine conservation.