MAHE inaugurates activity club, youth parliament at Manipal campus

NEW DELHI: The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Manipal campus inaugurated the Ganga Activity Club and Ganga Youth Parliament at the Interact Hall. This event marks an important move in encouraging environmental awareness and sustainable development in the region.

Cdr Anil Rana, Director, MIT, welcomed the guests and recalled MIT Manipal's longtime support for national programmes such as Mission Amrut Sarovar. The event's chief guest was Giridhar P Kini, registrar, MAHE. During his inaugural talk, he revealed the club’s triple objective – new clean water and sanitation solutions, active engagement in river rejuvenation, and raising public awareness about the necessity of maintaining rivers. Kini emphasised the seasonal variations in water supply in the Udupi area, emphasising the critical need for community knowledge and personal responsibility in water resource conservation.

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Narayana Sabhahit, Pro-Vice Chancellor, MAHE Manipal, briefed the audience on the problems of maintaining water resources in the face of population increase, while K.P. Vijayalakshmi spoke about the spiritual and emotional value of the Ganges River. She also addressed global and national geopolitical issues over water resources.

NN Sharma also poured water from the hallowed Ganges and Swarna rivers onto saplings, which were subsequently delivered to the visitors in a symbolic and solemn gesture. Sharma proudly stated that MAHE is one of 50 institutions in India that have signed an agreement with the National Mission for Clean Ganga.

The Ganga Youth Parliament had debate on the topic, 'Economic Development vs Environmental Conservation: Striking a Balance in River Rejuvenation.' Students of the Department of Geopolitics and International Relations demonstrated their debate skills by playing the roles of government officials, members of the opposition, and representatives of states. They proposed new and practical strategies to integrate economic growth with river protection activities.