600 Trees Named for Moms Grow at Mangalore University

Graduate students at Mangalore University in India are growing a forest of love, one tree at a time.

Over the past nine months, postgraduate students have planted more than 600 fruit-bearing saplings across campus, each one dedicated to their mother or planted on their birthday. Vice-Chancellor P.L. Dharma shared the heartwarming initiative with reporters, explaining how these trees create both environmental impact and emotional connection.

The program works like a chain of care. Students plant their saplings and tend them throughout their degree program. When they graduate, they pass responsibility to younger students, ensuring each tree receives continuous attention as it grows.

Mangoes, jackfruits, and chikoo trees now dot the campus landscape. The university plans to continue the tradition with every incoming class, steadily expanding the green canopy while creating a culture of environmental stewardship.

The Ripple Effect

This simple act of planting creates waves of positive change. Future students will walk through shaded paths and pick fresh fruit from trees planted by graduates they'll never meet. The campus becomes more than a place to study—it transforms into a living memorial of gratitude to mothers and a gift to the earth.

The initiative also tackles a practical need. As the university works to reduce plastic waste and improve garbage disposal on campus, the growing forest helps offset environmental impact. Local NGO Jana Shikshana Trust has partnered with the university to address waste management challenges, and officials are installing security cameras to prevent illegal dumping on university grounds.

Each tree represents a small promise kept. Students honor their mothers, care for the environment, and leave something beautiful behind. The graduating class won't just walk away with degrees—they'll leave roots that will bear fruit for decades.

These 600 trees are just the beginning of a forest built on gratitude.