On 19th October, 2022, Marthoma School Maharashtra held an Eco-friendly Exhibition Cum Harit Mela. The main motive to organize such a fair of greenery was to create awareness in the minds of people and the students to conserve and preserve our mother earth and to keep it safe for our next generations to come. This exhibition was held in association with the members of ecological commission of Mar Thoma Church Mumbai Diocese.

The presiding member of this exhibition was the manager of Mar Thoma School Maharashtra, Rev. Dr. John George. His enthusiasm and love for nature made the programme successful on a large scale. The chief guest of the programme was Rev. Dr. John Joseph. He is one of the most senior priests in Marthoma Church. He achieved Ph.D in chemistry at present he is leading Mumbai Diocese as the Bishop’s secretary and Diocesan Secretary. He is also the secretary of the Ecological Commission of Mar Thoma Church, Mumbai. He addressed the audience with a very inspiring message. The event was witnessed by eco-activists – Rev. Godson Samuel and Biji Lamas.

Rev. Godson Samuel has taken the mission to grow Palmyra tree which is vanishing so fast. He has made use of the tubers which are edible. He made different drinks like Neera and Toddy. Rev. Godson. Semuel wants to convert Mumbai into a ‘Palm Bay’ by growing over 1 lakh Palmyra trees over the next few years. Another eminent activist present was Ms. Kshama Elizabeth John who has many articles published on ecology in various periodicals and has held many awareness classes for youngsters and women. She is an expert in Kitchen gardening too. Rev. Dr. John George himself is an eco-activist his topic of thesis was integrating Ecovision in Pastoral Ministry. he has specialized in food production and waste management. He practiced his Ecovision in different parishes. He is rightly called the green priest.

Guests were welcomed by a Bharatnatyam dance performance by the students of Mar Thoma School Maharashtra a depicting the five elements of the nature. Harit Garba was performed by the students to for ecological awareness.

The exhibition was divided into three segments focusing on three different themes. First segment showed the past rural life of people which was pollution-free and full of serenity. Second theme projected the concept of fall of creation which was caused by Modernization and technology and the third theme upheld the concept of Restoration which focused on the awareness and work of every individual to protect nature and conserve resource. Students presented the themes through working models. The manager of Mar Thoma School Maharashtra encouraged the students to grow kitchen plants and to feel proud by being a producer.

Pottery was presented in this exhibition to make the people aware of the productive aspect of mother earth. Children enjoyed interacting with him and they made pots. Organic products like soap, hair oils face packs were made and exhibited by the teachers of the school. The fair had creativity corner too. Children made many things out of waste upholding the message of creating, ‘Best Out of Waste’

The exhibition allowed parents and other enthusiasts to sell their home made products to promote healthy and hygienic food and other creativity.

Drawing competition was also held for which many other school children were invited to showcase their talent. The Harit Mela Cum Eco-Exhibition has achieved great acknowledgement and recognition.

Please see the photo gallery for pictures of the event!