BIS Mumbai
BOSCO INFORMATION SERVICE # 3448
GREEN SCHOOLS AWARDS 2013
By Aristo Mendis
MATUNGA-MUMBAI, MARCH 15, 2013: The Green Schools Campaign 2012-2013 promoted by GreenLine came to a close with the Awards 
Ceremony on March 14, 2013 held in the Auditorium of Don Bosco High School, Matunga. The nationally renowned naturalist, nature writer and award winning wildlife photographer, Mr Sunjoy Monga was the Chief Guest for the occasion, while the Guest of Honour was Fr. Edwin D'Souza, Chairperson of the Maschio Foundation. A total of fifty one schools from across Mumbai had participated in this third edition of the Campaign which focused on Biodiversity in Mumbai. The major topics dealt with through the year were Green Cover, Urban Fauna, and Threats and Conservation.
The programme began with Fr. Savio Silveira, GreenLine Director, welcoming the gathering and 
introducing the dignitaries. He thanked the schools for their enthusiastic participation in the Campaign and pointed out that no matter which of the schools would win the awards, every single participant was indeed a green champ. Devyani Singh of the GreenLine team then presented an overview of the Campaign. She described the various sessions held in the schools, the different activities carried out by the students, and the other events organized during the past year.
Mr Sunjoy Monga addressing the students spoke about Mumbai's biodiversity and the need for citizens' participation to conserve it. He pointed out that Mumbai has a rich biodiversity which unfortunately often goes unnoticed. He invited the students to visit the Sewri mudflats these days and see the huge number of migratory flamingos which are presently there. He concluded by reminding the students that every small contribution made towards conservation has 
a benefit and hence we should not shy away from being environmental contributors. Fr. Edwin D'Souza highlighted the fact that while previous generations may not have had specific 'green programmes', their very lifestyle was eco-friendly. He exhorted the students to make eco-friendly practices a way of life, so as to leave the planet in a good shape for future generations.
The highpoint of the programme was the announcement and giving away of the awards. The Greenest School Award went to St. Joseph's High School, Wadala. Holy Family High School, Chembur won the First Runner-up Awards while Don Bosco Senior Secondary School, Nerul won the Second Runner-up Award. Awards were also given to the 'Greenest Student' from each of the participating schools. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr Aristo Mendis from the GreenLine team.