World Nature Conservation Day at St. Anthony's High School

On 28th July 2025, St. Anthony’s High School celebrated World Nature Conservation Day with great enthusiasm, reminding everyone of the vital importance of protecting the environment. The day began with a thought-provoking watchword during the assembly, making the students aware of the significance of the occasion.

Our principal, Sr. Suman, entrusted the Environment Club teachers to lead a meaningful seminar to enlighten the students. Under the guidance of Sr. Suman, Sir Sydney Furtado, along with Ms. Sara Almeida and Ms. Smita D’Costa, conducted an engaging seminar in St. Helen’s Hall.

The seminar focused on the alarming effects of environmental degradation and the human actions contributing to the suffering of nature. Sir Sydney’s presentation not only raised awareness but also provided practical solutions, such as reducing plastic use, conserving water, planting trees, and protecting biodiversity. The seminar was thoughtfully divided into three groups: Primary Section, Middle School, and High School, to ensure the message resonated across different age groups.

One of the most impactful moments of the event was the presentation of student-created posters on the theme "Our Planet, Our Responsibility," displayed throughout the hall. The emotional and artistic highlight of the day was a special performance by the school choir, who sang a meaningful environmental song, set to the tune of Bella Ciao, with lyrics written by Sir Sydney himself. The song beautifully conveyed the importance of protecting the planet.

As a symbolic gesture, students participated in planting a papaya seed, with each section of the school contributing to the planting process: a primary student loosened the soil, a middle school student sowed the seed, and a high school student covered it with soil. This act of care was a powerful symbol of hope, with each student pledging to nurture the plant and protect nature throughout the year.

The celebration concluded with a collective pledge, reinforcing the commitment to safeguard nature:

"I pledge to respect, protect, and care for nature. I will make responsible choices every day. For my planet, for my future. Together, we will build a greener tomorrow."

The event, published in the NIE Times of India on 12th August 2025, served as a powerful reminder that while nature doesn’t need us, we absolutely need nature. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, "The Environment is not luxury, but necessity of life." This day reminded everyone of our collective responsibility to preserve and nurture the environment for a sustainable future.

 - By Aayesha Ansari – 9A