Media Release
Mangaluru, Jun 16: In an era when environmental challenges call for urgent collective action, St Aloysius Pre-University College, Mangaluru, celebrated Eco Week 2026 under the inspiring theme ‘Our Earth, Our Future, Our Responsibility’ and the motto ‘Hope for a Greener Tomorrow'. Jointly organized by the Eco Club and the Centre for Environmental Concern (CEC), the week-long programme aimed to foster environmental awareness, promote sustainable lifestyles, and inspire students to become responsible custodians of nature. Through a series of hands-on workshops, expert talks, creative upcycling activities, and biodiversity-focused programmes, Eco Week transformed ecological values into meaningful action, reinforcing the belief that the future of our planet depends on the choices we make today.
Eco Week was formally inaugurated at Alangana with the message ‘Choose green, live healthy!’ The inauguration was graced by the presence of principal Fr Clifford Sequeira, SJ, campus minister Fr Anthony Derrick, SJ, vice principal, Muralikrish G M and deans Kiran Shetty and Inas Dais. The programme commenced with the sowing of different varieties of seeds by staff and students, symbolizing growth, sustainability, and environmental responsibility.
Pramila Patrao, head of the department of biology, led the inaugural session and conducted a detailed demonstration on microgreen propagation. She explained the nutritional benefits, cultivation methods, and significance of microgreens in promoting healthy and sustainable living, encouraging students to embrace environmentally conscious practices.
A thought-provoking session on ‘Green Choices for a Healthy Life’ was held under the theme gratitude for life and wellness. The resource person, Dr Manjunath Kamath, MD, DGO, DNB, MRCOG, highlighted the close relationship between environmental well-being and personal health. He emphasized sustainable lifestyle choices, mindful consumption, and the importance of maintaining a clean environment for holistic wellness.
Creativity and sustainability converged in the programme 'Art Beyond Waste: Coconut Shell Innovations' under the theme Living Sustainably Every Day. Srividya B, assistant professor in the department of commerce at Besant Evening College, demonstrated how discarded coconut shells can be transformed into attractive decorative and utility products. Through the messages 'Transforming Waste, Creating Wonder, Inspiring Change' and 'Small Shells, Big Impact', she encouraged students to adopt waste-to-wealth practices and discover value in materials often considered waste.
Participants learned techniques such as marking designs on coconut shells, cutting and drilling using specialized tools, shaping shells into bowls and other utility items, and applying finishing touches through buffing and polishing methods. The session also emphasized safety measures while handling equipment and showcased how creativity can contribute meaningfully to environmental sustainability.
Eco Week further highlighted biodiversity through a demonstration on orchid cultivation under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal theme 'Life on Land'. Guided by Lilly Pinto, the session focused on practical methods of orchid cultivation and care while emphasizing their ecological significance. The programme promoted the message 'Nurturing Nature, Enriching Life' and reinforced environmental values such as planting trees, conserving water, reducing waste, saving energy, and fostering a deeper appreciation for nature.
Wildlife conservation formed the focus of another significant session titled 'Snakes, Humans and Environment' under the theme 'Voices for the Voiceless Creatures'. Renowned wildlife rescuer Xavier Kiran Pinto, popularly known as Snake Kiran, addressed common misconceptions surrounding snakes and emphasized their vital role in maintaining ecological balance. He educated students on snakebite first aid, the importance of coexistence, and the need to conserve these often misunderstood creatures. The session created awareness about snake conservation and inspired students to respect and protect all forms of life.
The concluding programme centred on Bird Watching under the theme care for creation. Organized in collaboration with the Fur and Feather Association, the session was led by Kiran Vati K, assistant professor in the department of zoology at St Aloysius (Deemed to be University). He guided students in identifying local bird species and understanding their ecological significance, fostering greater appreciation for avian diversity and the natural world. The beautifully crafted bird feeders displayed during the programme highlighted simple yet meaningful ways of creating bird-friendly spaces and supporting local birdlife.
As part of the celebrations, certificates were awarded to the winners of various competitions conducted during Eco Week, including poster making on the theme 'Say No to Plastic', pot painting on 'Pots of Peace and Planet', collage making on the benefits of microgreens, and the bird feeder competition. The winners were felicitated by the vice principal, Muralikrishna G M, in recognition of their creativity, enthusiasm, and commitment to environmental awareness.
Eco Week 2026 was guided and coordinated by the faculty members of the Eco Club and the Centre for Environmental Concern (CEC). The Eco Club was represented by Pramila Patrao and Navyashree, while the CEC team comprised Sharli Reema D'Souza, Mary Priscilla, Leslie D'Souza, Janet Pinto, Indushree R, and Namisha Rao. Through their guidance and mentorship, students actively participated in the various activities and initiatives conducted throughout the week.
Eco Week 2026 successfully engaged the college community through a wide range of programmes that blended awareness with action. Each activity reinforced the central message: 'Our Earth, Our Future, Our Responsibility'. The week inspired students to cultivate sustainable habits, deepen their respect for nature, and work collectively towards building a greener and more sustainable tomorrow.