Tarumitra Project at Loyola School, Jamshedpur: Nurturing Eco-Warriors for a Greener Tomorrow

In an era when environmental degradation and pollution threaten the balance of nature, the Tarumitra Project at Loyola School, Jamshedpur, stands as a beacon of hope for a greener, cleaner and more sustainable future. Launched with the vision of engaging the youth in environmental conservation, Tarumitra aims to instill a deep-rooted connection between students and the Earth, empowering them to drive action in saving our planet from the devastating effects of climate change.

An Introduction to Tarumitra

Tarumitra, meaning "Friends of Trees," is a nationwide student organization promoting ecological sensitivity in India. It was founded in 1988 in Patna, Bihar, by students from a few schools under the leadership of Anindo Banerjee, a Std IX student of Loyola High School, Patna, and the guidance of Fr. Robert Athikal from St. Xavier’s School, Patna. The movement’s commitment to sustainability earned it special consultative status from the United Nations Economic and Social Council in 2005.

Loyola’s Role in Preserving the Planet

Loyola School, Jamshedpur has embraced the five R's to actively preserve and protect our environment not just for themselves but for the entire Earth.

1. Refuse – Loyola students are encouraged to refuse the use of non-biodegradable and environmentally harmful material such as plastic and thermocol for props and placards. The school canteen has also taken steps to eliminate plastic cutlery while promoting sustainable alternatives.

2. Reduce – The school actively promotes a reduction in the use of single-use plastic. Students participate in various awareness sessions and seminars where they learn about the harmful effects of plastic and are motivated to minimize its usage both at school and at home.

3. Reuse – Loyola School hosts an annual second-hand book sale where students are encouraged to buy and sell used books instead of purchasing new ones. This not only saves paper but also reduces waste. Additionally, students are advised to use reusable items whenever possible.

4. Recycle – The school organizes a plastic collection drive where students collect single-use plastic bottles for recycling. Last year, thousands of bottles were collected and repurposed for road construction, thus preventing them from being dumped into landfills.

5. Repeat – Environmental awareness programs are conducted regularly to reinforce these principles. Tree plantation drives, organic farming activities, and other eco-friendly initiatives are repeated every year to ensure students remain actively involved in conservation efforts.

Loyola School’s Journey with Tarumitra

The Tarumitra Project at Loyola School, Jamshedpur, gained momentum after the visit of Fr. Robert Athikal and Miss Debopriya, who introduced students to the Tarumitra Ashram in Patna. Their visit inspired Loyola students to integrate the movement into its academic and extracurricular activities, leading to the establishment of the Tarumitra Centre at Jesu Bhavan. Regular educational trips to Jesu Bhavan offer students hands-on learning experiences in nature conservation, which have been incorporated into their Biology project work. Loyola’s vision includes developing infrastructure to accommodate around 100 students for weekend nature camps, fostering a deep appreciation for the environment.

Loyola School has taken several proactive steps to promote environmental awareness and action among students. Tree plantation drives are regularly organized at Jesu Bhavan, Mango, and across the school campus, with students and teachers participating actively. The school also follows the practice of nomenclature of trees, where different species of trees planted in the school campus are named and identified, helping students establish a personal connection with nature.

On World Environment Day, Loyola School organized multiple awareness activities to instill a sense of environmental responsibility in students. A poster-making competition encouraged students to express their concerns about climate change, pollution, deforestation and rising global temperatures through the medium of art. A street play (Nukkad Natak) was performed by students to highlight the importance of keeping our surroundings clean and protecting natural resources. Through such creative avenues, students not only learned about environmental challenges but also took proactive steps to spread awareness within the school community.

Apart from these initiatives, Loyola School has incorporated practical projects into its environmental programs. The installation of solar panels on the campus promotes the use of clean and renewable energy, reducing dependency on fossil fuels. Organic farming projects conducted at Jesu Bhavan give students firsthand experience in sustainable agricultural practices, teaching them eco-friendly farming methods. Such initiatives have deepened students' understanding of global environmental concerns and the urgent need for conservation.

Looking Ahead………

The Tarumitra Club at Loyola School plans to expand its scope of environmental initiatives to a larger scale. There are plans to create a dedicated garden for endangered plant species and to focus on planting native vegetation to enhance local biodiversity. Awareness projects will be strengthened to include household-level environmental campaigns, ensuring that students apply what they learn in school to their daily lives.

Loyola's commitment to environmental conservation ensures that students are not just passive learners but active eco-warriors who take tangible action to protect and restore nature. The movement has provided leadership opportunities for students to spearhead eco-friendly initiatives, empowering them to become future advocates for sustainability. Through regular environmental workshops, nature camps, and hands-on conservation projects, Loyola School has ensured that its students develop a personal commitment to safeguarding the planet while promoting awareness of the devastating impact of climate change.

Thus, the Tarumitra Project at Loyola School, Jamshedpur, is not just about saving trees or planting saplings; it is about fostering a movement that will reconnect young people with nature, empower them to take action and ensure that they understand their responsibility in protecting the planet. In a world rife with pollution, this movement offers hope through education, leadership, and action for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for all. The survival of humanity is inherently linked to the survival of the Earth, and through Tarumitra, the students of Loyola School learn that saving nature is not just an environmental duty but a moral responsibility. Their collective action will leave a lasting impact on the world, ensuring a brighter and more environmentally stable future for generations to come.

Once the Centre is set up, we will make it available for the other city school children who are equal stakeholders for the protection of the Mother Earth.

Seeking your Generous Support

Any venture of this magnitude needs community support. We seek your generous assistance, which can also be made through the CSR Funds. Contributions can be made by cheque in favour of “Loyola Jamshedpur”. Donations will be exempt U/S 80 G of the IT Act.