Pune, India (July 15, 2024) – Amanora School has partnered with Mumbai-based NGO Mission Green and Red FM for the laudable “Guthali Returns” project. This initiative aims to support farmers through the collection of mango seeds for plantation. Amanora School has been encouraging its students to preserve mango seeds after consuming the fruit, contributing to this environmental cause.
Students at Amanora School embraced the project with enthusiasm, collecting an impressive amount of 1,600 mango seeds, also known as “Guthalis.” These seeds were presented to Red FM staff, with students sharing their thoughts on the project’s significance. Through this collaboration, Amanora School, Mission Green, and Red FM are sowing the seeds for positive environmental change.
This marks the fourth season of “Guthali Returns,” with Amanora School joining the initiative for the first time. The school volunteered to participate later in the project’s timeline, also establishing its inaugural partnership with the Green Mission NGO.
In preparation for this substantial undertaking, Amanora School focused on comprehending the project’s objectives and effectively communicating them to parents and students. The school generated awareness and interest by sending periodic reminders and follow-ups during the summer break. Students were instructed to collect, wash, and sun-dry the mango seeds. Collection bins were provided, and the seeds were subsequently delivered to the FM station.
Nearly 1,200 students from all grades participated in this collection drive, demonstrating their commitment to the cause. Amanora School intends to participate in this activation annually to support farmers and contribute to a greener environment.
The collected seeds are distributed to over 48 nurseries affiliated with the Green Mission NGO, where they are cultivated into saplings. After a year, when the plants are ready for transplantation, the Green Mission will collaborate with the Krishi Vibhag. The department assigns around 2,000 employees to identify financially burdened farmers. The saplings are then distributed to these farmers for planting, with the Vibhag providing land upon the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.
In the previous year, approximately 70 hectares of land were utilized, and 64,000 plants were distributed to farmers. This year, the Green Mission aims to plant more than 100,000 mango trees, a target that will significantly impact the environment and support numerous farmers. Amanora School takes pride in its involvement in this initiative and looks forward to continued participation, working towards a greener and more sustainable future.
Meera Nair, the Director of Amanora School, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative by stating “We are thrilled to join hands with Mission Green and Red FM for the ‘Guthali Returns’ project. This collaboration not only instills environmental consciousness in our students but also connects them to the broader community and agricultural sector. By collecting mango seeds, our students are literally planting the seeds of change. This initiative aligns perfectly with our school’s commitment to holistic education and environmental stewardship. We look forward to seeing these seeds grow into a forest of opportunities for farmers and a greener future for all.”