Media Release

Mangaluru, Jul 8: In every walk of nature one receives more than he seeks – John Mir

A week-long Vanamahotsava celebration was held with immense zeal and enthusiasm amongst the Lourdites of Lourdes Central School (LCS) from May 28 to June 3.

On the first day, the students were introduced to the Vanamahotsav theme 'A Tree of life'. The teachers gave a brief description of the usefulness of plants and trees. A video was shown wherein, Amber Furtdao of class 9B spoke on the importance of trees. The video then showed the greenery around the school, the beautiful flowery plants, herbal trees and other exotic Bonsai plants.

On the second day, a beautiful video on nature was shown to the students, 'A prayer for the Earth'. Students of the senior grade presented a PPT on 'Trees are the roots of our existence' where each presentation, was an eye-opener for the viewers, which was highly educative and informative.

On the third day, a video on 'Save tree save nature' was truly mesmerizing as all the students of different grades right from Class IV to XII could be seen presenting their gardens at home, describing the ways they take part in nurturing their garden at home. Salumaradu Timmakka was highlighted and her good works on tree plantation were exhibited.

The fourth day was unique as all the Lourdites came up to plant saplings in their own homes and the activity was truly encouraging and a learning experience for all the Lourdites. The highlight was a video that showed the Lourdites of class IX and X singing a song on the environment with great happiness and joy. The singers brought awareness to all aspects of the environment.

On the fifth day, students took part in various in-house competitions connected to the environment. The competitions were as follows:

Speech on various topics: ‘Save Trees’, Origami competition, wall hanging, slogan writing, poster making etc. All the activities and competitions were based on nature and the conservation of trees and plants.

The valedictory programme of LCS Vanamahotsav week was held in the school lobby on July 2. The programme began by invoking the Almighty’s blessings through a prayer song. Lisa Peres welcomed the gathering. Sangeetha Salins enlightened the importance of the day. A sapling was planted by the manager, Fr Dr J B Saldanha along with the principal, Fr Robert D’Souza, the vice-principal Belita Mascarenhas and members of the staff to mark the occasion.

Fr Dr J B Saldanha in his address stated that Bejai is known as the Manhattan of Mangaluru but sadly, the greenery is sacrificed to make way for buildings. He highlighted that we do not need acres of land to plant a sapling but can do so in our apartments and kitchens too. He also encouraged all the students to plant at least one sapling to increase the greenery and the level of oxygen in the environment.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Anitha Pinto. The entire programme was compered by Lisa Peres.

The committee members of the programme, Harshitha Shetty, Flavia Reena D'Cunha and Mary D’Souza accomplished remarkable work to instil a love for the environment amongst all the Lourdites.