Pics: Justin D'Silva

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Jun 5: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) celebrated World Environment Day in collaboration with Karnataka State Pollution Control Board.

MAHE celebrated the World Environment Day with the theme of Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience and the hashtag of event, 'We are Generation Restoration'. 

The rally from MAHE Edu Building, spreading awareness about the environment was started by flag off the chief guest of the ceremony Dr HS Ballal, Pro chancellor MAHE. The rally was spearheaded by the band group of TMA Pai School. The rally started off from MAHE Edu building passing through tiger circle, taking way from Manipal Post office till Venugopal temple, Manipal. A formal event was held near Venugopal temple.

The formal event was inaugurated by HS Ballal by planting the sapling for social causes. The event was graced by the rendering of the prayer by the students of Mukunda Kripa School.

Dr Giridar P Kini, registrar said on the occasion, “In 1972 fist environment day celebrated with the theme was ‘one earth’ and today we are celebrating 52 and world environment day with the theme of ‘Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience’. MAHE has taken many measures to protect the environment and made huge contributions to the environment will show our contribution towards the environment.”

Dr Raviraj NS, COO operation designates, stated, “The land on which the MAHE campus is situated, was once a barren land, which was not suitable for any type of cultivation, so DR TMA Pai thought of using this land for academics to utilize the land for good. Every year the world produces 350 million plastic wastes. To stop this, we must make daily changes in our life by reducing use of plastics such as plastic pens by reusing it with changing refills, single use plastic bags. If we continue to use them it may lead to micro pollution of air leading to disease. Students are gathered to this event because they will learn lessons and bring changes in future. Let us protect the environment and grow the environment.”

Shanthala Pai, office of international and collaborations MAHE mastered the ceremony. Commander Dr Anil Rana, director MIT, welcomed the gathering. Shivani and Tanvi, students, shared their thoughts on the event's theme, environment protection and responsibilities. Students, principals, and teachers of various schools of Manipal general education participated in the rally. Balakrishna estate officer MAHE proposed the vote of thanks.

Dr NN Sharma, pro vice chancellor, Muthana COO operations, Dr Bhavya Raj NS COO operations designate, B P Mahindra, environmental officer, Karnataka state pollution control board Udupi, Dr Amrutha, deputy environmental officer and others were present on the occasion.