By Pearl Fernandes for BIS Mumbai

The staff and students of Don Bosco Junior and Don Bosco College of Arts and Commerce (Evening) College, Yerwada, Pune, collaborated with the NGO, Being Volunteer, to participate in the Greenathon – Tree Plantation Drive at Mahalunge Forest Land, Pune, on Saturday, August 23, 2025, with the goal of instilling in students the values of environmental conservation, sustainability, teamwork and civic responsibility.

Being Volunteer Foundation, a socially active NGO, engages in a variety of community service activities. Tree planting is a signature initiative for the members. The programme's primary goals are: 1) To increase forest cover in proportion to population in a geographic region. 2) Increase the citizen-to-tree ratio. 3) Nurture newly planted trees for at least two years until they can self-sustain.This year, the organisation celebrated its tenth anniversary by pledging to continue its social work with zeal and passion. They engage in community-building activities and have the opportunity to participate in well-planned, well-crafted, and socially impactful programmes.

155 socially responsible students and 15 dedicated teachers from the Don Bosco Edu-Complex in Yerwada, Pune, were led and instructed on the key SOPs to follow during the tree planting activity by volunteers from the Being Volunteer team. After being divided into groups, the students received saplings and planting supplies. With the assistance of their teachers and volunteers, the students enthusiastically and carefully planted the saplings. The staff, students, and various groups who participated in this mega-event successfully planted one thousand saplings while happily chanting the slogan, 'Ek Pedh, Maa Ke Naam.'  

Rohan Choudhary, the Junior College Captain, proudly stated, "Today is an emotional day for me as I participate in the tree planting activity, which allows me to connect with Mother Earth."  Simran Paggi, the student of  F.Y.B.Com., stated, "Today's activity brought us all together to do community service by caring for our environment; our small steps today will go a long way towards protecting and nurturing life." Mr Kailas Narwade, the founder of Being Volunteer, praised the active and enthusiastic participation and thanked the management for supporting this noble cause.

Don Bosco Edu-Complex, Pune, participates in various outreach activities, assisting their students in understanding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are the blueprint for achieving a better and more sustainable future for all. SDG 11 aims to "Make cities and human settlements more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable", while SDG 15 seeks to "Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems; sustainably manage forests; combat desertification; halt and reverse land degradation; and halt biodiversity loss." Students enjoyed a day in the beauty of nature while learning important life lessons outside the classroom. They learnt about the importance of planting and caring for trees, particularly in cities with increasing urbanisation, in order to maintain a healthy environment. The rain did not dampen the students' spirits; they had a lovely and memorable day in Mother Nature's lap.