Mumbai, 16 Aug 2023 — SVKM’s NMIMS Sunandan Divatia School of Science (SDSOS) vibrantly celebrated World Nature Conservation Day (WNCD) on July 28th, 2023, which unfolded with a series of engaging and impactful events from 24th July to 28th July 2023. The theme for this year’s event was chosen to reflect the essence of our planet’s delicate balance – “Forests and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and Planet.” The event was inaugurated by Dr. Pravin Patil (Director, Accreditation, NMIMS), Dr. Purvi Bhatt (I/C Dean, SDSOS), and Dr. Pamela Jha (Assistant Professor, Biological Science, SDSOS). The week-long celebrations aimed to emphasize the significance of preserving our environment and raising awareness about the conservation of our precious ecosystems and wildlife.
The celebration started with the “Waste Collection Drive” held from 24th to 28th July 2023, at Mithibai College, Mumbai. The five-day drive encouraged participants to contribute to conservation by donating e-waste, plastic waste, and paper waste. Old earphones, smartphones, laptops, chargers, plastic bottles, bags, notebooks, and newspapers were among the items accepted. The School of Science partnered with GreenCiti, Recycle India Foundation, ReCircle, and Robin Hood Army.
Further, to promote a spirit of healthy competition and education, two exciting events were scheduled for the 27th and 28th of July: Kaun Banega Conservationist: a thrilling event that challenged participants’ conservation knowledge and awareness, and offered exciting cash prizes for the winners. For Sculpt ‘N’ Sprout, participants showcased their creativity by transforming plastic bottles into beautiful pots, promoting the theme “Conservation of Forests.”The event was sponsored by ZeroMiles Technologies Services Pvt. Ltd. and winners of Sculpt N Sprout and Kaun Banega Conservationist were awarded the ‘ZeroMiles World Nature Conservation Day Award.’ Additionally, the exhibition at Mithibai College foyer showcased various conservation projects and initiatives.
A generous contribution of 22 trash bags brimming with waste was made. The donated saplings found purpose in Sculpt N Sprout. Moreover, resourceful BSc Animation and VFX students crafted sculptures from plastic waste, while a DIY origami hat-making corner emerged from discarded newspapers. Among the victorious students in these contests were Khushi Jain, Rukeshree Rajput, Ananya Sukhtankar, Maitri Jhaveri, Neha Amin, Shachi Shirwadkar, Yashaswini Ajay, Mayuri Shelar, Yashika Papne and Sushrut Vartak.
Dr. Purvi Bhatt, I/C Dean, SDSOS, shared the highlights from the transformative week-long conservation endeavor. She said, “ At Sunandan Divatia School of Science, NMIMS Mumbai, we embrace the essence of World Nature Conservation Day, a momentous occasion that is observed every 28th of July. Our dedication to safeguarding the environment and fostering awareness about the preservation of our precious wildlife and plant life was exemplified through this week-long celebration. This vibrant week comprised four impactful events, each carefully designed to echo the urgent call for conservation. We harnessed plastic waste, transforming it into community assets – benches, bins, and stationery. Our tri-fold drive united GreenCiti for e-waste reforestation and Robin Hood Army for educational nourishment, echoing our commitment to holistic conservation. Embracing the spirit of inquiry and innovation, our school envisions a curriculum where ‘Research’ is not just a component, but the very essence. Through this, we nurture a reservoir of exceptional scientific minds.”
Students, faculty, staff from SDSOS and other SVKM institutes and NMIMS Schools were a part of these inspiring events and contributed to the noble cause of nature conservation.
