RGUHS Marks World Environment Day 2026 with ‘One Sapling for One Student’ Campaign
Over 4,000 Students Join Walkathon, Take Pledge for a Greener Future
Bengaluru, June 5, 2026: Emphasising the crucial role of youth in protecting the environment, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) on Friday launched its meaningful “One Sapling for One Student” campaign as part of World Environment Day 2026 celebrations, urging every student to plant and nurture at least one sapling.
The campaign was launched during the World Environment Day 2026 Walkathon organised jointly by RGUHS and Rotary Bengaluru Samruddhi. The event began from the western gate of Lalbagh and concluded near the Kempegowda Tower inside the botanical garden after passing through key city roads.
ಆರ್ಜೀಯುಎಚ್ಎಸ್ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯಿಂದ ‘ಒಬ್ಬ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗೆ ಒಂದು ಸಸಿ’ ಅಭಿಯಾನ: ೪,೦೦೦ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳನ್ನು ಹಸಿರು ಕ್ರಾಂತಿಯ ನಾಯಕರನ್ನಾಗಿ ರೂಪಿಸಿದ ಅಭೂತಪೂರ್ವ ಉಪಕ್ರಮ.
Addressing thousands of students who participated in the walkathon, RGUHS Vice-Chancellor Dr. Bhagavan B.C. said every student should take responsibility not only for planting a sapling but also for ensuring its long-term care and protection.
“Through the ‘One Sapling for One Student’ initiative, we want every student to contribute directly to environmental conservation. Planting a tree is not enough; nurturing it is equally important,” he said.
Highlighting the university’s commitment to sustainable development, Dr. Bhagavan noted that RGUHS has been giving special priority to social responsibility, healthy living, environmental sustainability and climate-conscious initiatives alongside academic excellence. He said the university has been actively promoting green initiatives, waste management practices, eco-friendly infrastructure and climate responsibility programmes to build a sustainable future.
Referring to the growing global challenges of climate change, global warming, water scarcity and pollution, he said initiatives such as tree planting have become both necessary and relevant.
“We must revive and strengthen our tradition of loving, respecting and worshipping nature, which forms the very basis of our existence. This value must be passed on to our children and students,” he said.
Expressing concern over society’s increasing disconnect from nature, Dr. Bhagavan observed that while the world is rapidly progressing towards development, technology and modernisation, people are gradually losing their bond with the environment.
“Without nurturing a genuine love for nature, we cannot create a better tomorrow. If future generations are to inherit clean air, safe drinking water, fertile land and a balanced climate, we must deepen our relationship with nature today,” he said.
He further stressed that environmental protection is not the responsibility of governments and institutions alone but a duty shared by every citizen.
“Simple actions such as planting trees, conserving water, segregating waste, reducing plastic consumption and keeping public spaces clean can collectively bring about transformative change,” he added.
Environmental Protection Must Begin at Home: DCP
Speaking at the event, Bengaluru South Division Deputy Commissioner of Police Dr. Kona Vamsi Krishna said environmental conservation should not be limited to annual celebrations.
“This should not remain a one-day observance. Caring for the environment must come from within. The responsibility to protect and nurture nature begins at home and cannot be achieved through laws alone. It requires active participation from every individual,” he said.
His remarks highlighted the importance of community involvement and personal responsibility in addressing environmental challenges.
Thousands Participate in Awareness Walk
The walkathon witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 4,000 students, who marched through the city carrying placards carrying messages on environmental protection and sustainability. Participants raised slogans promoting conservation and climate awareness throughout the route.
The walk began at Lalbagh’s western gate and passed through RV Teachers College, Ashoka Pillar Circle, Siddapura Road, Siddapura Circle, Marigowda Road and KH Circle before culminating near the iconic Kempegowda Tower in Lalbagh.
The event concluded on a celebratory note as students took selfies with saplings near the Kempegowda Tower, symbolising their commitment to environmental stewardship and the university’s message that every individual can play a meaningful role in building a greener, cleaner and healthier future.
Among those present were Rotary leader B.L. Nagendra Prasad, RGUHS Registrar (Evaluation) Dr. Riyaz Basha S., Finance Officer B.K. Gangadhara and other university officials.
