World Environment Day 2020 assumes greater significance as the world battles the COVID-19 pandemic among other environmental disasters including cyclones, earthquakes and floods. The theme for this year - 'Celebrating Biodiversity' emphasis that Mother Nature's bounty is not only for human beings but also for every living plant and animal life.
Commemoration of World Environment Day at St Joseph's School CBSE with the core premise of 'Time for Nature' began with various activities for students. They were encouraged to plant a sapling at home, in whatever means and ways available to them. Children participated in large number across classes and enthusiastically shared pictures of them planting saplings with great pride. They were also invited to write an essay expressing their thoughts on this time for Nature. It was evident from the students' participation that they are aware of the environment and the nature around them like never before.
On 5 June 2020 - World Environment Day, a small ceremony was conducted on the school grounds with the Rector Fr Joseph Rodrigues, the Chief Guest Fr Luminous, the coordinator of the Environment committee and the Principal Rev Fr Rohan D'Almeida presiding. The programme started with a prayer by Brother Mark asking God's Mercy in this difficult time for our ungrateful attitude towards Nature. Both the Rector and the Chief Guest shared their experience of joy on looking at trees which they had planted as tiny saplings years ago, now fully grown and bearing fruits. In his short speech, Father Principal said that the hourly sound of a giant clock near the Cubbon Park circle could now be heard from the school premises because of the reduced noise pollution, even the sky is now filled with a greater number of birds. Mother Nature seems to be reclaiming what is rightfully hers. The event concluded with the planting of a sapling at the school assembly gate and an oath to give the future generation a healthier and green environment.
This is the time to pause and reflect on where we have faltered and how we can right the wrongs done to nature. It is indeed the "Time for Nature".