Bengaluru: In a strong demonstration of its commitment to environmental stewardship, the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bengaluru Campus — an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University — celebrated World Environment Day 2025 with a day-long event centered around sustainability, innovation, and global cooperation. Organized in collaboration with the Indian Economic Trade Organisation (IETO) and the Manipal Centre for DWEEPA (Design with Environment through Education, Planning & Advocacy), the celebration echoed the United Nations’ theme for the year — “Beat Plastic Pollution.”
The campus came alive with green energy as students, faculty members, international dignitaries, and environmental experts gathered to reflect, discuss, and act on one of the most pressing environmental crises of our time — plastic pollution.
A Green Start with Lasting Commitment
The event commenced with “Green Beginnings”, a ceremonial shrub planting that set a symbolic tone of restoration and growth. This initiative reflects MAHE Bengaluru’s larger ecological vision, which includes rejuvenating the surrounding lake and enhancing campus biodiversity through the planting of indigenous trees and shrubs.
Recognized for its sustainability efforts, MAHE has been ranked No. 1 in the Platinum+ band of the Sustainable Institutions of India (SII) Green Rankings, reaffirming its role as a national leader in sustainable campus development.
Thought Leadership and Global Voices
The inaugural session was graced by Prof. (Dr.) Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice-Chancellor, MAHE Bengaluru, and Prof. (Dr.) Deepta Sateesh, from the Manipal Centre for DWEEPA, who emphasized the academic institution’s mission to lead by example in environmental responsibility.
Delivering the keynote address, His Excellency Fernando Bucheli, Ambassador of Ecuador to India, applauded MAHE’s green leadership. “The outstanding facilities at MAHE are impressive, but it’s the dedication of the professors and students to environmental responsibility that truly stands out. Ecuador has led global efforts against plastic pollution, and this collaboration with institutions like MAHE strengthens our collective commitment to a greener future,” he remarked.
Prof. M. V. Rajeev Gowda, an environmental advocate and former IIM Bangalore professor, and Dr. Asif Iqbal, President of IETO, brought additional depth to the dialogue with their perspectives on policy and global partnerships for sustainability.
Prof. (Dr.) Madhu Veeraraghavan reiterated MAHE’s ambitious zero-waste goals:
“With 400 million tons of plastic produced globally each year, the environmental crisis demands immediate action. At MAHE, we’ve eliminated plastic bottles, installed our own bottling plants, and built strategic partnerships for sustainable waste management. Sustainability is not just a policy here — it’s a way of life.”
Panel Sparks Urgency and Innovation
A powerful panel discussion on Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship explored practical solutions and visionary ideas.
- T. Paul Koshy, Co-founder of Unified Intelligence, showcased how non-recyclable plastic can be repurposed into building materials for affordable housing.
- Dawood Sait, marine food industry expert, highlighted the devastating impact of plastic on marine ecosystems.
- Dr. Meera Baindur, environmental philosopher, emphasized the need for transdisciplinary education to foster environmental consciousness in future leaders.
From Awareness to Action: The Manifesto for Change
A Manifesto Signing Ceremony followed, where participants pledged to reduce plastic usage in their daily lives. This was formalized through the signing of a General Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) — a public commitment to environmental accountability and sustainable practices.
Campus Tour Highlights Green Innovation
The celebration concluded with a Campus Sustainability Tour, showcasing MAHE Bengaluru’s eco-friendly infrastructure and practices. Highlights included:
- Semi-automatic water bottling plants
- Distribution of 3,200 reusable glass bottles to students and staff
- A ban on all 200ml and 500ml plastic water bottles
- Campus-wide color-coded waste segregation systems
- Plans to establish on-site composting units
These initiatives reflect a culture of sustainability that is deeply embedded in MAHE Bengaluru’s ethos.
A Living Lab for Sustainability
MAHE Bengaluru’s World Environment Day celebration went beyond ceremony — it was a clarion call for collective action. With its blend of education, innovation, and policy dialogue, the event positioned the university not only as a place of learning, but as a living lab for environmental transformation.
As global challenges mount, institutions like MAHE are proving that the most powerful solutions start with intention, collaboration, and action — one green n step at a time.
