‘Vrikshotsava’ Sapling Planting Drive by Sahyadri NSS Students at Pilikula

Mangaluru, Jan 19: In a heartening celebration of environmental consciousness, the NSS Unit of Sahyadri College of Engineering & Management, in association with the Department of Basic Sciences, organized a sapling plantation program titled ‘Vrikshotsava’ at the Pilikula Biological Park, Moodshedde, Mangaluru.

Speaking on the occasion, Sri Devadas Hegde, Trustee of Sahyadri College, emphasized the importance of involving students in nature-related activities from a young age. “When students witness the journey of a seed turning into a tree, it creates a lasting connection with nature and fosters a sense of responsibility to protect it,” he remarked. Sri Hegde, who personally nurtures saplings every monsoon as a hobby, has been a key contributor to the college’s afforestation efforts.

As part of the event, nearly 100 fruit saplings, including varieties such as Chiku, Jamoon, Jackfruit, Mango, and Almond, were planted by around 85 enthusiastic first-year engineering students. The saplings were grown in the Sahyadri campus nursery and transported to Pilikula for plantation.

The event saw the presence of several dignitaries including Sri Prashanth Pai, Director of Pilikula Biological Park, Smt. Suchitra N. Rao, Zoo In-charge, Dr. Prashanth Rao, Dean – Student Welfare & HoD of Basic Sciences, Prof. Shivakumar, Prof. Madhu R, Smt. Smitha Shenoy, NSS Officer & AAO, Smt. Rashmitha Nishal, SWO, Sri Vasanth, Campus Manager, Sri Nikhil, Assistant SWO, and Sri Naveen Pilar, Art & Culture Coordinator.

The event not only highlighted the college’s commitment to environmental sustainability but also served as a platform to instill ecological values among students through active participation and hands-on experience.