Manipal, 5 June 2025: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University commemorated World Environment Day 2025 by holding a thoughtful engagement and community action on its   Manipal campus. The celebrations began with a vibrant student rally aimed at raising awareness about eradicating single-use plastic.  Hundreds of students from various schools across Udupi and Manipal participated in the rally, which was flagged off by Dr. H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE. The spirited procession set the tone for a day dedicated to environmental consciousness and collective action.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, stated, “As the imparters of education, it is our moral responsibility to lead by example in embracing sustainable practices. True progress is believed to not be in innovation alone but in the wisdom to preserve what sustains us. Environmental stewardship is an integral part of MAHE, not just in thought, but in action as well. The health of our planet is inter-connected with the well-being of our future generations. The environment is an integral part of us, just as we are a part of it."  He also stressed the importance of younger generation taking up the responsibility of conserving the environment.  

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Narayana Sabhahit, Pro Vice Chancellor - Technology and Science, MAHE reiterated MAHE’s vision of integrating sustainability practices into academics, operations and outreach efforts.  Speaking on the occasion Dr. Sharath Kumar Rao K, Pro Vice Chancellor - Health Sciences stressed the need for protecting water, air and land from pollution.

Student representatives -K.S. Avaneesh from T A Pai English Medium High School, Udupi and Sameeksha Nayak from Madhava Kripa School, Manipal inspired the gathering with energetic speeches on harmful impact single use plastics. Dr. Raviraja N S, Chief Operating Officer – Operations administered the oath to conserve the environment by eradicating single-use plastic.   Four benches, crafted from recycled plastic water bottles collected on campus, became the centre of attention.  Dr. P. Giridhar Kini, Registrar and Dr. Anand Venugopal, Chief Operating Officer of MAHE teaching hospitals graced the occasion. Dr. Anil Bhat, Dean, Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal, welcomed the gathering.  Mr. Balakrishna Prabhu, Estate Officer, MAHE, proposed a vote of thanks.