Greening the Blue

“Seven Billion Dreams but only one Planet. Consume with Care.” In sync with the U N theme of the year 2015, on how the well-being of humanity, the environment and economies ultimately depends on the responsible management of the planet’s natural resources, Witty International School, Pawan Baug celebrated Van Mahotsav in the school premises on 3^rd July, 2015. The primary and secondary students planted many herbal and medicinal plants in school premise. Students of Grade I and II made green leaves which were collated to make the Witty Tree of Wisdom. The primary students initiated ‘Plant a Sapling’ Drive, where each class planted a sapling and pledged to nurture it. The main purpose of planting the trees during Van Mahotsav is to create awareness on preservation of forest as a symbol of unending awakening movement towards a greener India. The programme started with a group discussion by the students of IGCSE on "Vast Modernization versus Environment" while the students supported the need for modernization and development, they categorically stated that the Environment should not be vitiated and came up with innovative ideas for sustainable development without jeopardizing the non-renewable resources. The students planted saplings in the school compound and watered it, followed by other faculty members. The programme was a grand success and was appreciated by everyone.

In accordance of the “World Environment Week”, an Interactive Workshop on “The Future of Biodiversity” was conducted by Mr. Prashant Mahajan, Director and Learning Catalyst at Somaiya Centre for Experiential Learning and an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) Fellow with the Department of State, Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs, USA along with Ms. Sudha Iyer, Programme and Communication Manager from the SCEL. Their enriching, enlightening and motivating discourse sensitized the students on the importance of Conservation and Interdependence on Nature.  Mr. Mahajan quoted, “Evidence is building that people are consuming far more natural resources than what the planet can sustainably provide. Every hour three species of organisms are disappearing from the face of the earth.”

Students were curious enough to pose probing questions which led to further investigate the present scenario of our Environment. Intriguing information about the endangered species, extinction and dependency on nature helped in increasing further awareness. Many of the Earth’s ecosystems are nearing critical tipping points of depletion or irreversible change, pushed by high population growth and economic development. By 2050, if current consumption and production patterns remain the same and with a rising population expected to reach 9.6 billion, we will need three planets to sustain our way of life. The Principal, Mr. Bijo Kurian quoted, “Living well within planetary boundaries is the most promising strategy for ensuring a healthy future.”

This workshop paved way for the initiation of “WIS Nature Club” wherein Wittians will become brand ambassadors for greening the planet. They will work with Naturalists and the Forest Department to collate data, identify new species, to study biodiversity and to take measures in spreading awareness about Environmental Conservation.