Smt. NRP Sheth Multipurpose High School Celebrates Van Mahotsav 2025 with Week-Long Green Initiatives

In a vibrant display of ecological consciousness, Smt. NRP Sheth Multipurpose High School, Mumbai, celebrated Van Mahotsav 2025 with a week-long series of green initiatives that combined environmental education with student participation. The celebration aimed to instill awareness about the importance of trees, biodiversity, and sustainable living among students.

Rooted in the tradition started in 1950 under the guidance of K.M. Munshi, then Union Minister for Agriculture, Van Mahotsav is India’s annual tree-planting festival aimed at combating deforestation and promoting conservation. This year, the school carried that vision forward by integrating inter-departmental activities that turned the campus into a living classroom for sustainability.

Day 1: Science Department Leads Tree Plantation and Awareness Rally

The green week kicked off with the Science Department taking charge. Students participated in a tree plantation drive, planting saplings in and around the school premises to boost green cover.

Other key activities included:

• Seed bomb creation – Students prepared seed bombs for distribution and planting in local green spaces.
• Awareness rally – A student-led march from the school to Kamla Nehru Park drew attention to the importance of environmental stewardship.
• Thematic quiz – A quiz competition tested students’ knowledge on how trees contribute to ecosystems, biodiversity, and climate stability.

The day emphasized the scientific significance of trees, highlighting their role in oxygen production, carbon sequestration, and supporting diverse life forms.

Day 2: Art Department Sparks Creativity for Conservation

The Art Department took the reins on Day 2, focusing on visual expression and emotional connection with nature.

Students showcased their environmental understanding through:

• Drawings and paintings on the theme of Van Mahotsav, showcasing forest landscapes, endangered species, and the consequences of deforestation.
• Posters and banners promoting forest conservation, tree planting, and sustainable living.

This creative outlet encouraged students to internalize ecological themes and communicate them visually, reinforcing environmental values through the lens of art and design.

Day 3: Social Science Department Links Nature to Nation Building

On the third day, the Social Science Department organized an interactive workshop centered on “Green Festivals and Native Saplings.”

The session emphasized:

• The importance of planting indigenous tree species for ecological balance.
• How preserving green cover contributes to climate change mitigation, biodiversity protection, and soil conservation.
• The connection between tree conservation and rural livelihoods, groundwater restoration, and sustainable development.

Through discussions and group activities, students explored the relationship between environmental action and social equity, learning how sustainability supports both the planet and people.

Beyond the Activities: A Week of Deep Learning and Dialogue

Throughout the Van Mahotsav week, students and teachers engaged in thought-provoking conversations on pressing environmental issues such as:

• Afforestation and reforestation strategies
• Climate change and global warming
• Biodiversity loss and habitat degradation
• Sustainable rural development
• Groundwater management and soil health

These sessions helped students understand that environmental protection is not a one-time event but a lifelong commitment that impacts public health, food security, and the future of generations to come.

The School as a Living Laboratory for Sustainability

By organizing these departmental activities, Smt. NRP Sheth Multipurpose High School transformed into a living, breathing model of environmental education. The celebration brought theory into practice, with students actively participating in solutions-driven learning.

Every activity reinforced the core message that trees are more than just greenery—they are essential to:

• Combating global warming
• Maintaining ecological balance
• Preserving biodiversity
• Ensuring clean air and water resources

Conclusion: Van Mahotsav as a Catalyst for Green Futures

Van Mahotsav 2025 at Smt. NRP Sheth Multipurpose High School was more than a celebration—it was a transformational experience that empowered students to take real ownership of the environment.

By integrating science, art, and social consciousness, the school demonstrated that environmental education can be both engaging and impactful. As students planted saplings, created awareness, and explored sustainable solutions, they emerged not just as learners—but as future custodians of the planet.

The green week stands as a reminder that every small step matters, and with collective effort, schools can sow the seeds for a healthier, greener India.