Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU) has been awarded the prestigious State Biodiversity Award by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board in recognition of its outstanding contributions towards biodiversity conservation. At a ceremony held at the Shankaranarayanan Thampi Hall in the Kerala Legislative Assembly Complex, Speaker A.N. Shamseer presented the award to Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) C.T. Aravindakumar.
Forest and Wildlife Minister A.K. Saseendran, Chief Minister’s Scientific Advisor Dr. M.C. Dathan, Environment Department Special Secretary Sriram Sambasiva Rao, University Syndicate members Prof. Harikrishnan P. and Dr. Sumesh A.S., and University Green Protocol Officer Dr. Mahesh Mohan were among the dignitaries present.
The award acknowledges the university’s pioneering initiatives in environmental protection and biodiversity management. The State Biodiversity Board selected MGU as the best biodiversity conservation institution among government, cooperative, and public sector entities.
With its lush greenery and eco-friendly initiatives, the university campus stands as a model for sustainable living. The Nirmalam MGU Green Protocol project, which converts organic waste and dry leaves into value-added products, along with biogas plants and solar energy units that reduce carbon emissions, distinguish the campus for its environmental commitment.
Other major initiatives include the Jeevaka Live Laboratory, Organic Farm, Medicinal Plant Garden, Miyawaki Forest, Bhoomithra Club, Environmental Science Students’ Club, and QR-coded tree identification system, that help visitors and students learn more about the campus flora. Faculty, students, and staff actively contribute to these conservation efforts.
Initiatives such as controlling invasive plant species, participating in biodiversity policy formulation, undertaking post-flood disaster studies and organizing awareness programmes led by the School of Environmental Sciences were instrumental in the university’s selection for the award.
Receiving the award, Vice Chancellor Dr. C.T. Aravindakumar remarked that the recognition serves as a strong encouragement for the university to further strengthen its efforts in biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.
To know more about MGU’s Sustainability Initiatives, visit : https://www.mgu.ac.in/about/sustainability-initiatives/
