The Ecology Commission of Christ Church, Manipal, in association with Stree Sangatan, Catholic Sabha, and ICYM, celebrated Vanamahotsava on 12th July 2026, following the morning Holy Mass. The initiative was organized to foster environmental awareness, encourage tree planting, and highlight the importance of cultivating medicinal plants as part of sustainable living.
The program commenced with a warm welcome and an insightful introduction to the significance of Vanamahotsava by Ms. Sania D’Sa, President of ICYM. She emphasized the need to protect nature and inspired the gathering to actively contribute towards environmental conservation.
The event was graced by Rev. Fr. Romeo Lewis, Parish Priest of Christ Church, Manipal; Mr. Alwyn Saldanha, Vice President; Dr. Sabitha Mendonca, Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council; and Mr. Lawrence Almeida, Commission Coordinator.
The program was coordinated by Mr. Maxim Mendonca, Coordinator of the Ecology Commission, with the wholehearted support of Mrs. Cynthia Menezes, President of Stree Sangatan; Mr. Rophy D’Silva, President of Catholic Sabha; and the members of ICYM.
As a highlight of the celebration, the dignitaries, along with members of the participating organizations, planted medicinal saplings within the church premises. The symbolic plantation drive underscored the parish’s commitment to environmental stewardship, biodiversity conservation, and the promotion of eco-friendly practices within the community.
Members of Stree Sangatan, Catholic Sabha, and ICYM actively participated in the event, making the celebration a meaningful expression of the parish’s shared responsibility towards preserving nature for future generations.
