VAN MAHOTSAV CELEBRATION – GROWING GREEN HEARTS AT AUXILIUM BARODA

Auxilium Convent High School, Baroda, celebrated Van Mahotsav with great enthusiasm and a strong commitment to caring for our common home. Students from both the English and Gujarati Medium sections, from Grades Nursery to 12, participated actively in a variety of age-appropriate activities that went beyond the traditional practice of planting trees. The celebration encouraged students to observe, appreciate, protect and care for nature, helping them understand that environmental responsibility begins with simple actions in our everyday lives.

The school campus became a lively space for learning, creativity and action as students explored different ways of connecting with nature. Our younger students discovered the beauty of the natural world through leaf-printing art, favourite-tree drawings, nature treasure hunts, nature walks, storytelling, action songs and rhymes. They observed leaves, seeds and other natural objects with curiosity and care, learning to appreciate nature without harming living plants. Through the “Tree Friends” activity, students adopted trees, gave them names and learnt about their importance. Seed-ball making, the Green Pledge and Best Out of Waste activities further helped them understand that loving nature also means taking small but meaningful steps to protect it.

As students grew older, their activities became more exploratory and investigative. They conducted a Campus Biodiversity Survey, identifying and recording the variety of trees, plants, birds, butterflies and insects found around the school. Poster and slogan competitions provided opportunities for students to express their concern for forests and environmental conservation, while Herbal Garden Identification helped them discover the value of medicinal plants. Through the Nature Photography Challenge, students captured the beauty and diversity of the natural world around them. Activities such as Waste Segregation Awareness Drives, street plays and mime performances enabled them to communicate important messages about deforestation, climate change, responsible waste management and the need to protect our environment.

Our senior students took their environmental learning a step further through more action-oriented activities. The Tree Census encouraged them to study the trees on the school campus and work towards creating a digital record of them. The Campus Cleanliness and Plastic free campus helped them identify areas of concern and reflect on practical ways of bringing about positive change. Eco Journalism encouraged students to observe, interview and write about environmental issues, while panel discussions and debates provided a platform to engage thoughtfully with themes such as conservation, climate change and urban forests.

The celebration also promoted practical and innovative approaches to environmental care. Students participated in composting demonstrations, Green Innovation Projects and environmental documentary reflections, gaining a better understanding of sustainable practices and possible solutions to environmental challenges. The QR Code Tree Information activity brought together technology and environmental education, making learning more interactive and helping students discover information about the trees around them.

A special feature of the celebration was the visible green spirit throughout the school. Students wore green badges, ribbons, wristbands, hairbands and other simple green accessories, turning the campus into a colourful reminder of their shared commitment to nature. These symbols represented more than a celebration for a day; they reflected a promise to make environmentally responsible choices in daily life.

Through Van Mahotsav, students were reminded that caring for creation does not always require big actions. Saving water, reducing waste, avoiding unnecessary plastic, protecting plants, respecting biodiversity and keeping our surroundings clean are simple steps that can make a meaningful difference when practised consistently.

At Auxilium Baroda, Van Mahotsav became a celebration of learning through action. It gave every student an opportunity to discover that each one of us has a role to play in caring for the earth. The celebration therefore went beyond planting trees—it sought to nurture green hearts, responsible habits and a lasting respect for nature.

With enthusiasm, creativity and a spirit of shared responsibility, the students of Auxilium Baroda reaffirmed their commitment to caring for our common home and building a greener and more sustainable future.