Prof. Archibald Furtado
It was a well thought programme by the NJC – OSA to spread awareness to the students to understand the importance of neat and clean Environment vis a vis the in separable role of plants and trees around us, for a healthy living.
At 10.00 am a formal programme was held in the NJC Auditorium. The president of the NJC – OSA Mr S Karunakar Shetty, who presided over the stage event, extended a warm welcome to all the guests , the resource persons and students and called them to make the best use of this opportunity to listen and practice what experienced forest Officers going to share.
Mr Subramanya Acharya, Udupi Divisional Forest Officer explained in length the need of plants and trees to provide habitat not only for humans but also for all living beings on this planet earth. It is our responsibility as well as duty to conserve nature; especially the students, cultivate the habit of to plant at least one tree every year and look after it.’ Vanamahotsava should not become a routine one day affair and forget, it must be round the year mission by watering and protecting what is sown’, he told. He also outlined the Govt initiatives and encouragement in this mission and expressed his satisfaction to see the National High School and PU College Campus full of greenery, flower garden, plants and trees.
Rtn. PHF A Ratnakar Shetty a retired DCF - Govt executive, narrated his all India experience as well as abroad. ‘I have visited many countries, but no place is like India he told – the diversity, variety and responsibility of people towards nature in our place is truly amazing’. He reminded the beginning of the Vanamahotsava in 1947 in Chandighad and how then Prime Minister Pundit Nehru and Home Minister Sardar Patel made it a national programme to conserve nature since 1950. He gave real examples of imbalance due deforestation - like soil erosion, scanty rain water, elimination of various breeds of both flora and fauna and species of animals from the planet earth.
Head Teacher Mrs Jyothy Shetty beautifully compeered the stage programmes and to conclude, proposed vote of thanks to all who participated.
The President and Members of Barkur Educational Society, (BES), & Platinum Jubilee Celebrations the Students, Principal & Teachers, old students - enthusiastically joined the organisers to plant saplings around the Campus and Playground to demonstrate and convey the message irrespective of age; all have the responsibility to grow trees for the benefit of present and future generations.