Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, by Team Allycaral
Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked his 75th birthday with a deeply symbolic gesture—planting a Kadamb sapling gifted to him by British King Charles III. The event took place at Modi’s official residence on Friday and was in line with his ongoing environmental initiative, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, which encourages citizens to plant a tree as a tribute to their mother.
The British High Commission in India had earlier announced the gift on September 17, stating that it was inspired by Modi’s call for environmental stewardship. According to the Commission, the gesture reflects the shared commitment of King Charles III and Prime Minister Modi to promoting sustainability and environmental conservation across global platforms.
The act also underscores the deepening partnership between the United Kingdom and India, particularly in the area of climate and clean energy. During his official visit to Britain in July, Prime Minister Modi had presented a Sonoma tree to King Charles III as part of the same initiative. The reciprocal nature of these symbolic gifts highlights a growing collaboration that transcends traditional diplomacy.
An official video released by the government showed PM Modi planting the sapling, emphasizing the strong personal and political significance of the moment. The British High Commission reaffirmed that environmental cooperation remains a key pillar of the UK-India partnership, as outlined in the “Vision 2035” roadmap jointly developed by the two Prime Ministers.
As the world faces the growing challenges of climate change, such initiatives—both symbolic and practical—demonstrate the potential of global partnerships rooted in mutual respect and shared values. The Kadamb sapling now stands not just as a birthday gift, but as a living testament to a vision for a greener, more sustainable future.
JCI Panaji has made a significant contribution to environmental conservation and sustainability by launching the “One LO Sustainable Project” in collaboration with the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) and the Goa Forest Department . This community-driven initiative focused on planting several medicinal saplings across strategic locations in Panaji, with the goal of enhancing biodiversity, promoting ecological balance, and reviving traditional healing practices through the cultivation of native medicinal plants.
The project was formally inaugurated in Panaji in the presence of several dignitaries, including Mayor Rohit Monserrate, who graced the event as Chief Guest. Applauding the efforts of JCI Panaji, the Mayor highlighted how such grassroots projects are essential for the sustainable growth of the city and encouraged other youth-led organizations to join the movement for a greener Panaji.
Also attending the launch were Deu Tukaram Khavnekar (Forest Guard), Amit Rajaram Kalangutkar (Forest Guard), Gautam Kharangate (CEO, Rashtra TV), and JCI Panaji President Sandeep Kerkar, alongside a passionate group of JCI Panaji members who were instrumental in bringing the project to life.
Speaking at the event, Sandeep Kerkar emphasized the dual benefits of planting medicinal species – supporting both the environment and preserving indigenous knowledge systems related to natural healing. “Through this initiative, we aim to inspire citizens to create green spaces in their homes and neighborhoods,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with a pledge by JCI Panaji to nurture the saplings and expand the project in the coming months. The initiative aligns with the global JCI mission and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
This is a proud moment for Panaji, as civic bodies and citizen groups come together to protect and nurture the natural environment for future generations.
The Goa Sand Art Festival (GSAF) is set to return to Miramar Beach this November, after receiving the green light from the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA). Scheduled from November 14 to 30, the two-week event will be a free-to-view cultural festival that blends creativity, education, and environmental awareness in one of Goa’s most iconic coastal locations.
The festival, organised by Sand Cult, will occupy approximately 15,000 square feet of beach space, where visitors can experience live sand sculpting displays, interactive workshops for students and local artists, and school engagement programs aimed at promoting Goa’s sustainable development goals.
The event proposal, first submitted in July, offered two formats—a short-term free festival and a six-month paid exhibition. After careful review, the GCZMA opted for the short-term model, citing its limited ecological footprint and easier logistical management. The decision was based on compliance with the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2011, as well as detailed considerations of waste management, temporary structures, and crowd control.
Importantly, the GCZMA has stated that no permanent structures will be allowed at the venue, though temporary tents may be set up for the duration. Strict adherence to environmental safeguards and continuous maintenance of beach cleanliness have been mandated throughout the event.
The festival is poised to offer a cultural boost to Goa’s tourism season while also creating employment opportunities for locals and encouraging community involvement in sustainable coastal development. With its unique blend of artistic expression and environmental responsibility, the Goa Sand Art Festival promises to be a standout event on the state’s cultural calendar.
As part of its ongoing #IronWill4GreenerPlanet campaign, Vedanta Sesa Goa organized an educational visit to the Sanquelim Reclaimed Mines (SRM) for students of the National Service Scheme (NSS) from Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce (GCASC), Khandola, along with employees of the company. This visit aimed to promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices & provided a valuable learning experience for all participants.
During the visit, the group explored the expanse of the SRM and discovered how an erstwhile while mine cluster has been sustainably reclaimed and converted into a verdant & lush ‘green-scape’ supporting endemic flora & fauna. The SRM today comprises the ‘Nakshatra Van’, a medicinal garden that combines the beauty of nature with the healing power of plants, and the ‘Charak Vatika’, another garden focused on traditional medicinal plants. The visiting group also familiarised themselves with the ‘Pisciculture Pond’, which promotes water conservation and sustainable fish farming, demonstrating Vedanta Sesa Goa’s commitment to eco-friendly agricultural practices. The students were particularly impressed by the ‘Bamboo Pavilion’, an eco-friendly structure built using sustainable materials, which highlights the company’s innovative approach to creating green, sustainable spaces.
The students were introduced to the Sesa Football Academy and Sesa Technical School, both established on the reclaimed land utilising the one time workshop and other built up area at the erstwhile mine cluster. As part of this initiative, the NSS students from GCASC have volunteered to become #SesaGreenWarriors, and will play an active role in spreading awareness about eco-conscious behaviors and sustainable practices within their communities around Goa. The SRM was developed by Sesa Goa in the late 90s when no regulatory or statutory requirements existed for mine closure, today the SRM has emerged as a mode mine closure project having earned accolades at national & international level. Recently, Shri G Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Minister for Coal & Mines, Govt of India, had visited the SRM and praised the effort having gone into the project, terming it as a role model for all mining companies.
Dr. Sapna, NSS In-Charge at GCASC, shared, “The visit to the Sanquelim Reclaimed Mines was an eye-opening experience for our students. It demonstrated how industry can contribute to environmental conservation and biodiversity restoration. By empowering our NSS students as #SesaGreenWarriors, we are equipping them with the knowledge and passion to drive positive change in their communities and inspire others to adopt sustainable practices.”
Mr Rajesh Kumar, Head ESG, Vedanta Sesa Goa, said, “The #IronWill4GreenerPlanet campaign is about more than just corporate responsibility; it’s about empowering the community to actively engage in the protection of our environment. By partnering with the GCASC NSS students and involving them in this transformative experience, we’re creating future leaders who will champion sustainability. The Sanquelim Reclaimed Mines is a testament to how industry and nature can work in harmony, and through initiatives like these, we reaffirm our commitment to environmental stewardship.”
Through such initiatives, Vedanta Sesa Goa continues to reinforce its commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. The company’s efforts are part of a larger vision to contribute to Swayampurna Goa and #ViksitBharat, ensuring ecologically sustainable businesses are also economically viable. Vedanta Sesa Goa’s commitment to innovative mining practices, renewable energy, and community engagement highlights the company’s role in driving a greener future for Goa, India, and the world.
On April 22, 2025, PM SHRI Government High School (GHS) Morpirla celebrated Earth Day with great enthusiasm and dedication. The event was held on the theme “Our Power Our Planet,” aiming to raise awareness about environmental conservation and promote sustainable practices among students.
The celebration featured a range of innovative activities designed to engage students and promote learning. Some of the highlights included:
QR Code for Flora: The school created a QR code for the flora in the school, providing students with information about the various plants on scanning the code. This interactive approach helped students learn about the different plant species and their importance in the ecosystem.
Floral Headgears and Tiaras: Students showcased their creativity by making innovative headgears and tiaras using floral materials. This activity not only encouraged artistic expression but also promoted the use of natural materials.
Rally on Environmental Conservation: Students participated in a rally that emphasized the importance of environmental conservation. The rally helped students develop a sense of responsibility towards protecting the planet and encouraged them to adopt eco-friendly practices in their daily lives.
The Earth Day celebration at PM SHRI GHS Morpirla was a huge success, with students and teachers actively participating in the various activities. The event encouraged students to think critically about their role in protecting the planet and motivated them to make a positive impact on the environment.
The celebration served as a reminder of the importance of promoting sustainable practices in our daily lives. By adopting eco-friendly habits and reducing our carbon footprint, we can contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.
The Earth Day celebration at PM SHRI GHS Morpirla was a resounding success, thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication of the students and teachers. The event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of environmental conservation and the need to promote sustainable practices in our daily lives.
