“Trees are the kindest things we grow”

 This has been rightly said as the needs of all the living beings are fulfilled by them. But their depleting number has become a serious issue. To make students aware of this issue and taking initiative towards it. , like every year Vanmahotsav – the Festival of Trees, is celebrated at St. Joseph’s Sr. Sec. School, Sector 44-D, Chandigarh, with a plethora of activities organized for the Josephian family in collaboration with the Department of Forest and Wildlife Chandigarh and the Youth Innovative Society in its premises.

The Chief Guest for the event was Mr Debendra Dalai IFS, CCF Department of Forest and Wildlife Chandigarh.Being a charismatic and a pragmatic leader,he has been known for working along with the masses making dedicated and substantial efforts towards creating a sustainable environment..Then it was time for the plantation of saplings by the worthy Chief Guest,Management member Mr. Paramdeep Grewal, Principal Ms. Monica Chawla,Mr Sachin.Teachers along with the young Josephians were also present to lend a helping hand and do their bit to ensure that their school premises always have a green and clean environment. The cultural event that followed showcased a m’elange of vibrant acts. The school choir welcomed the esteemed guests with a specially prepared Welcome Song. The young Josephites of Primary II won everybody’s heart with their soulful enactment, they brought to light the unknown environmentalists who has taken environmental conservation as their foremost duty.

“When we stand for trees we stand for protecting wildlife.”

Undoubtedly, the highlight of the programme was the Puppet Show as it bespoke of the immense talent of the young Josephites.It was an effective way to portray the message that we must protect the forest for those who cannot speak for themselves such as the birds, animals ,fish and trees.Another performance that won a generous applause from everyone gathered there was the performance by Marketing Maestros.Josephian Arshita and Niharika went on to express all the steps that have already been taken by St.Joseph’s to bring about a positive change in the environment. They highlighted the banning of polythene bags and foil in school,Harbin Harbinger of Plastic Elimination Campaign (HOPE )and CBC(Cloth Bag Campaign) while encouraging everyone to adopt the practice of making and using cloth bags.Manmohit from Class Xth with his spirited and musical peformance urged everyone to propagate the technique of making and using seed bombs.The dance performance encapsulating the message Not to litter’ in the end left spectators spellbound with its magnificent formations and graceful dance moves.The Chief Guest Mr Debendra Dalai gave a motivating address,complimenting the school for the grand show.He particularly thanked the School Management and Principal Ms Monica Chawla for their exemplary leadership and commitment towards creating a sustainable environment for all..He also accentuated the importance of tree plantation to return to the nation what we have acquired.

Principal, Ms. Monica Chawla extended her gratitude to the Chief Guest with a gracious vote of thanks for sparing his valuable time and making the event such a memorable one. As a token of gratitude artefacts along with School Calendar and an environment Newsletter was also presented to the Chief Guest. Women workers who were roped into Cloth Bag Campaign for stitching cloth bags were also felicitated under Cloth bag Campaign Worthy Director Mr Paramdeep Singh in his message encouraged the students to preserve trees which play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance. He added that it is the responsibility of each citizen to not only grow but also taking care and protecting them. The Principal Ms Monica Chawla said that such celebrations encourages the students to preserve trees and plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance .The whole programme sensitized the students about their role in marching ahead on bringing about sustainability through tree plantation.