Mangaluru: The St. Aloysius ITI celebrated World Environment Day on June 6. Deputy Range Forest Officer Venkatesh was the chief guest of the programme.
Gyaral Milton Lobo, a student of MMV trade extended a cordial welcome to everyone on behalf of the institution.
The chief guest inaugurated the event by planting a sapling. In his address, Venkatesh said, “We are experiencing the changing pattern in climate. Climatic changes such as untimely rainfall, very hot weather and polluted air are the result of deforestation. The theme of this year’s environment day celebration ‘beat plastic pollution’ is apt. Plastic is necessary but we need to limit its use.”
Rev. Fr. Ravi Santhosh Kamath SJ was felicitated on the occasion of the completion of his 60 years in the Jesuit order. Addressing the gathering he said, “I am not a professional environmentalist but I protect nature. I love nature. I was born in a place where the surrounding was a dense forest. Early morning I get up and bow to the trees. We should consider forests as temples. It is a grace of God to us.” During his speech, he showed a glimpse of his multilingual ability and left the audience spellbound.
Renowned environmentalist Krishnappa was also felicitated during the programme.
Saplings were distributed to the dignitaries by Romius D’Souza, convener of the programme. The chief guest, in turn, distributed the saplings to the Student Council members.
All students under the leadership of Student Council President Thilak took a pledge to nurture and preserve nature. Slogans in support of nature echoed in the auditorium.
In his presidential address, Rev. Fr. Eric Mathias SJ- Director of the institution said, “Today we felicitated two nature lovers who worship nature. Nothing can change if the slogans remain just words. We need to turn them into actions. Due to the initiative of Salumarada Thimmakka, today people in some parts of Bangalore are enjoying cleaner air. Plants and trees never live for themselves. They give us clean air, fruits, shade, etc. We should learn from these trees to lead a selfless life and serve others.”
Principal Vincent Mendonsa and Vice Principal Roshan D’Souza were also present during the celebration. Students presented a cultural programme.
