Walking for a Greener Tomorrow

Walking for a Greener Tomorrow: Commemorating Gandhi Jayanti through Purposeful Action

On the morning of 2nd October 2026, the tranquil hills of CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus, witnessed a powerful demonstration of community spirit, environmental consciousness, and civic responsibility. Commemorating the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Centre for Social Action (CSA), in proud collaboration with the School of Business and Management (BBA), Lavasa Trekkers, Centre for Digital Learning (CDL), and Focus Club, organised an impactful mega clean-up drive titled “Walking for a Greener Tomorrow.” 

Rooted in Bapu’s timeless ideals of Swachhata (cleanliness) and the dignity of manual labour, the drive transformed an institutional holiday into an active morning of ground-level service. The initiative commenced at the crack of dawn at 7:00 AM. A vibrant assembly of nearly 140 enthusiastic students—primarily comprising first-year BBA cohorts—joined hands with faculty mentors, administrative staff, and student leaders. The entire initiative was carried out under the benevolent guidance and blessings of the university management, with Dr Fr. Peter, the Student Support Services Coordinator and Fr. Justin, the Academic Coordinator, providing continuous institutional encouragement and vision throughout the planning and execution phases.

What made this event truly extraordinary was the extensive interdisciplinary and cross-functional synergy on display across the campus through the united efforts of the five collaborating bodies. Equipped with biodegradable collection bags, safety gloves, and protective gear, the participants fanned out across key perimeter roads, local pathways, and trekking trails encircling the campus. The first-year BBA students displayed commendable zeal, collecting segregated plastic waste, non-biodegradable litter, and discarded packaging. Leading directly from the front, class mentors Sharan Sir and Shine Sir worked alongside the students, reinforcing the spirit of collaborative mentorship outside academic lecture halls. Alanso Sir and the Lavasa Trekkers expertly guided the groups through the outdoor terrain with discipline and trekking safety protocols, while Vigneshwar Sir and Aibel Sir from the Centre for Digital Learning actively supported the on-ground coordination. Meanwhile, the talented student media team from the Focus Club documented the grit, smiles, and collective labour across every segment of the trail.

The seamless execution of the drive was made possible through dedicated operational planning and constant administrative support. Sandeep Sir and Datta Sir managed all logistical arrangements, tools, and transit routes without a hitch, while the constant presence and encouragement of Archita Ma’am, Nikhil Sir, Akshya Ma’am, Tooba Ma’am, and Devleena Ma’am energised the volunteers throughout the demanding morning. By 9:30 AM, substantial volumes of roadside litter and plastic debris were systematically gathered, sorted, and routed to institutional waste-management facilities for responsible disposal. As the drive concluded, participants shared refreshments and reflected on the morning's outcomes. “Walking for a Greener Tomorrow” successfully transcended a symbolic commemorative ritual, imparting experiential lessons on ecological mindfulness and shared ownership of our public spaces. By stepping out onto the field together, our educators, student clubs, and volunteers reaffirmed that sustainable change begins with simple, collective steps—proving that when an entire community walks with purpose, the path forward naturally turns greener.