Manipal, June 5, 2026: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence and Deemed to be University, celebrated World Environment Day 2026 on Friday, June 5, with a series of campus-wide activities centred around sustainability, community participation, and environmental responsibility. Organised under this year’s UN theme, ‘A Global Call for Climate Action,’ the initiative brought together university leadership, students, school children from the region, and representatives from environmental authorities in a collective reaffirmation of MAHE’s long-standing commitment to sustainable action.

The highlight of the morning was the green procession of over a kilometre that commenced from the MAHE administrative building and passed through the MCOPS campus before concluding at the End Point Entrance Gate. The procession was flagged off by the chief guest, Mr Lakshmikanth H M, from the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, along with Dr H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE. The main event was ‘Vanamahotsava’, the ceremonial plantation of saplings across the campus, symbolising the university’s continued focus on long-term environmental stewardship and greener campus practices.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, said, “Universities today carry a responsibility that goes far beyond classrooms and curriculum. Climate change is no longer a distant conversation; it is a lived reality that demands awareness, accountability, and sustained action from institutions and individuals alike. At MAHE, we believe environmental responsibility must become part of everyday thinking and practice. The participation of students, faculty, young school children, and members of the larger community today reflects a shared commitment towards building a more conscious and sustainable future”.

Mr Lakshmikanth H M, SEIAA, MoEF, GoI, said, “Addressing climate change requires collective responsibility and sustained action at every level of society. Educational institutions play a vital role in shaping environmentally conscious citizens and fostering sustainable practices. It is encouraging to see initiatives such as this, where students, educators, and the community come together to reaffirm their commitment to protecting the environment and building a more sustainable future.”

A key highlight of the event was the Environment Pledge, administered by Dr Poornima Panduranga Kundapur, Director, Student Affairs, MAHE, Manipal. The pledge encouraged participants to adopt environmentally responsible practices in their daily lives and reaffirmed the collective responsibility of individuals and institutions to protect natural resources, reduce waste, and contribute to climate resilience.

Adding depth and vibrancy to the programme was the active participation of over 2,000 students from schools and colleges across the region. Mr Vinil Patil, a Class 10 student from Sharada Residential School, Kunjibettu, Upupi, addressed the gathering in English on the significance of World Environment Day, while Mr Srujan from Perdoor High School delivered a speech in Kannada. Students from Sharada High School, Cherkady, presented the invocation, and participating institutions were felicitated for their enthusiastic involvement in the celebrations.

The inclusion of local schools and multilingual participation reflected MAHE’s broader vision of extending climate awareness beyond institutional spaces and encouraging stronger community engagement. The programme included addresses by the leadership.  The observance aligns with MAHE’s broader sustainability commitments and continued participation in global frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). An NAAC A++ accredited institution ranked among India’s leading universities, MAHE continues to integrate environmental consciousness and responsible practices across its academic and institutional ecosystem.