Media Release

Mangaluru, Sep 18: St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) in a collaborative effort with the Jesuit Higher Education Association of South Asia (JHEASA), South Zone, successfully hosted a three-day workshop titled ‘Caring for Our Common Home’ from September 13 to 15. The workshop, in line with the Jesuit Apostolic Preference of Care for Our Common Home, focused on fostering a deeper connection with nature and promoting sustainable living practices.

The event saw participation from 55 students representing Jesuit institutions across South India, including Loyola College of Social Sciences, Trivandrum; St Joseph's College, Trichy; Arul Anandar College, Madurai; Loyola Degree College, Bangalore; St Joseph's University, Bangalore; Loyola Academy, Telangana; LIBA, Chennai; St Xavier's College, Tamil Nadu; Loyola College, Chennai; St Joseph's College, Hassan; and the host institution, St Aloysius Deemed to be University, Mangaluru.

The workshop was inaugurated on September 13, with Dr Praveen Martis SJ, vice chancellor of St Aloysius Deemed to be University, presiding as the chief guest. The workshop was led by Dr Melwyn D’Cunha SJ, JHEASA South Zone coordinator, alongside Glavin Thomas Rodrigues, the staff coordinator.

In his opening remarks, Dr Praveen Martis, emphasized the urgent need for collective responsibility in addressing environmental challenges and caring for creation.

Over the course of three days, participants engaged in a series of interactive sessions designed to promote environmental stewardship. The first session, led by Glavin Thomas Rodrigues, chief co-ordinator of the centre for environmental concern, highlighted ‘Eco-Friendly Ways of Living’, encouraging students to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives. Following this, Dr Sana Sheikh and Akshita Amin from the department of botany led a session on organic farming, introducing participants to practical farming methods that support sustainability. The day’s sessions concluded with a discussion on waste management and vermicomposting, led by Savia D'Souza from the department of zoology.

A guided campus tour allowed participants to experience the university’s eco-friendly initiatives firsthand. During the workshop, Fr Melwin Joseph Pinto, SJ, rector of St Aloysius Institutions, addressed the gathering at the museum, inspiring participants to embrace the values of sustainability and care for the earth. He highlighted the university's initiatives in promoting eco-friendly practices and sustainable development. The other places included the Chapel, Al-Vana: Sustainable Biodiversity, Al-Kshema Dhama, and the medicinal garden, all of which showcased the university’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable practices. The Al-Vana visit was expertly guided by Arjun Mascarenhas, who provided an in-depth understanding of the institution's biodiversity conservation efforts.

The second day began with an early morning bird-watching and photography session led by Kiran Vati, followed by an excursion to Shobhavana to explore the medicinal garden. Participants also visited the historic Savira Kambada Basadi, a Jain temple known for its intricate architecture and cultural heritage. The day continued with a trip to Soans Farm, where students learned about organic farming and biodiversity conservation, and ended with a visit to Tannirbhavi Beach, where Glavin Thomas Rodrigues led a session on marine biodiversity and discussed the impact of pollution on coastal ecosystems.

On the final day, participants visited the Pilikula zoological and botanical garden, guided by Dr Divya, the veterinary officer, who provided insights into local biodiversity conservation efforts.

The workshop concluded with a closing ceremony and feedback session, during which students shared their experiences and reflected on the skills and knowledge they had gained over the three days.

This hands-on workshop provided a unique opportunity for participants to deepen their connection with nature while learning practical ways to promote environmental sustainability. Aligned with the Jesuit values of care for creation, the workshop equipped students with the tools and inspiration to actively engage in environmental conservation efforts in their communities.