Two years ago, the Government Pre University College on 29th B Main in Sector 1, HSR Layout, was just barren land. Today, it sports 30 trees that provide shade and cut the pollution from the surroundings with their green cover.
The story began in 2016 when Kaagaz Foundation, an HSR-based NGO, was planning to plant 3000 saplings in different parts of the neighbourhood. That’s when the volunteers zeroed in on this college. They approached the principal who readily agreed and the 30 saplings were planted and the college students joined in too. It was team effort all the way.
Recalls the NGO’s founder, Kavitha Reddy: “Led by the Principal, the college students who were also part of College NSS supported by the teaching staff kept over 30 pits ready for planting the saplings. The students had meticulously dug the pits by maintaining a proper distance between each pit. They were lined up in a neat row.”
Some of the saplings included Honge, Tori Matti, Mahogany, and Indian Badam, among others. What was even more heartwarming was that the students took an oath to maintain the saplings, nurture them and take care of them till they were on their own. “Re-enforce the commitment to environment, cleaner and greener surroundings among minds is very important, being environment-conscious can lead to a more sustainable living,” says Reddy, post incident.
And the latest news is that another NGO in HSR, Mythri Mahila Koota, has donated 59 flower saplings to this college. Clearly a vibrant picture ahead for the students and faculty in the years to come.