Manipal, 30 May 2025: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bengaluru Campus, an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, celebrated World Environment Day 2025 on the 30^th of May 2025 with a day-long event focused on sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Organised in collaboration with the Indian Economic Trade Organisation (IETO) and the Manipal Centre for DWEEPA (Design with Environment through Education, Planning & Advocacy -DWEEPA), the event was held under the United Nation’s global theme “Beat Plastic Pollution.” It brought together international dignitaries, environmental experts, students, and faculty members to highlight the importance of reducing plastic use and promoting eco-friendly practices.

Setting the tone for the day, the event opened with “Green Beginnings,” a ceremonial shrub planting by dignitaries to reflect the university’s dedication to restoring and preserving the environment. This initiative aligns with MAHE’s broader ecological mission, including ongoing efforts to rejuvenate the surrounding lake and enrich campus biodiversity by planting indigenous trees and shrub species.   MAHE has been ranked No.1 in the Platinum+ band of the Sustainable Institutions of India by the Green Rankings -SII, reaffirming its leadership in environmental stewardship and sustainable campus practices.

The formal inauguration followed, with opening remarks by Prof. (Dr.) Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice-Chancellor, MAHE Bengaluru, and Prof. (Dr.) Deepta Sateesh from the Manipal Centre for DWEEPA.

The Chief Guest His Excellency Fernando Bucheli, Ambassador of Ecuador to India, delivered the keynote address. Distinguished speakers included Prof. M. V. Rajeev Gowda, an environmental advocate, and former Professor of Economics and Social Sciences and the chairperson of the Centre for Public Policy at the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, and Dr. Asif Iqbal, President of IETO, who supports sustainability and resilience through building local and global partnerships.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. (Dr.) Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice-Chancellor, MAHE Bengaluru, said, “With 400 million tons of plastic produced globally each year, the environmental crisis demands immediate action. As a university, we are absolutely committed to sustainability through our zero-waste mission. We have eliminated plastic bottles from our campus entirely, establishing our own bottle plants to provide sustainable alternatives. Our comprehensive waste management system includes strategic partnerships with Vedanta and color-coded bins for proper waste segregation. While crores are typically spent on purchasing lakhs of litters of water, we've invested in sustainable infrastructure instead. Throughout our campus, clear signage guides students toward environmentally responsible choices. This isn't just policy—it's our promise to future generations. Every small step we take today creates the foundation for a sustainable tomorrow, proving that educational institutions can be catalysts for environmental change.”

Delivering the keynote address H.E. Fernando Bucheli, Ambassador of Ecuador, shared Ecuador’s leadership in environmental diplomacy, “It’s a great honour to be welcomed to Manipal University. The outstanding facilities at MAHE are impressive, but it’s the dedication of the professors and students to environmental responsibility that truly stands out. Ecuador has led global efforts against plastic pollution—first proposing a global response in 2019 at the Basel Convention and now presiding over the UN’s Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee. We continue working with nations like Germany, Guinea, and Vietnam toward a legally binding global agreement. Every Ecuadorian household is part of this shared commitment.”

A thought-provoking panel discussion on Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship followed the inaugural session. T. Paul Koshy, Co-founder of Unified Intelligence Pvt. Ltd., presented innovations using non-recyclable plastic waste to build affordable homes, addressing both employment and landfill concerns. Dawood Sait, a marine food industry expert, highlighted the impact of plastic waste in oceans and its harmful impact on marine biodiversity. Dr. Meera Baindur, a respected academic and environmental philosopher, underscored the role of transdisciplinary research and education in inspiring responsible, sustainable lifestyles.

A key part of the event was the “Manifesto Signing Ceremony”, where all attendees pledged to reduce plastic use in their day-to-day lives. This collective action was formalised through the signing of a General MoU, demonstrating MAHE’s ongoing commitment to environmental accountability.

The participants then took part in a Campus Sustainability Tour, which showcased several of MAHE BLRU’s green initiatives. These included the installation of semi-automatic water bottling plants, the distribution of 3,200 reusable glass water bottles, a complete ban on 200ml and 500ml plastic bottles, and the implementation of waste segregation systems across the campus. The university also shared its upcoming plans for the construction of on-site composting units to improve recycling and waste disposal.