Mumbai: D Y Patil International School, Worli turned its campus into a hub for environmental action by hosting the #NowForClimate Tree Plantation Drive.
Spearheaded by Dr. Ajeenkya D Y Patil and Ish Patil, and held in partnership with the Bhamla Foundation, the event anchored the school's World Environment Day 2026 campaign. Moving beyond the confines of the classroom, students joined forces with faculty and notable guests to engage directly in conservation efforts.
Dr. Ajeenkya D Y Patil, Chairman of the Ajeenkya D Y Patil Group, attended the drive, underscoring the school's commitment to a holistic education that balances academic excellence with character building. This initiative reflects a broader pedagogical approach designed to inspire students to tackle social and environmental challenges through tangible, impactful work.
Ish Patil played a key role in the day's events, contributing a modern and forward-thinking viewpoint to the D Y Patil educational model. Her involvement emphasized the necessity of crafting school curricula that address critical issues for the next generation, such as climate awareness, social responsibility, and proactive community involvement.
The event also welcomed back DYPIS, Worli alumna Saher Bhamla, who returned to her former school to advocate for the environmental initiatives of the Bhamla Foundation. Her presence connected the school's past with its current objectives, uniting alumni and current students in a collective pledge to safeguard the environment.
Actor and wellness advocate Shilpa Shetty was among the notable figures who showed their support for the initiative. The event drew a diverse group of guests from media, entertainment, wellness, and public service, including Faye D'Souza, Yasmin Karachiwala, Kanika Kapoor, Neeti Mohan, Pankaja Munde, Jaykumar Rawal, Lakshmi Manchu, Chhaya Momaya and Humaira Kaazi.
For DYPIS, Worli, this tree planting drive demonstrates how educational institutions can leverage campus activities to introduce students to vital social causes. In a city like Mumbai, where rising temperatures, air quality concerns, and diminishing green spaces are pressing issues, the program offered students a hands-on, experiential lesson in the importance of environmental stewardship.
The day featured sapling planting, opportunities for students to engage with guests, and various activities centered on the #NowForClimate campaign. Ultimately, the event underscored the crucial role schools play in nurturing students who are not only academically proficient but also deeply conscious of the civic and environmental hurdles facing the world today.
Under the guidance of Dr. Ajeenkya D Y Patil and Ish Patil, the event highlighted DYPIS, Worli's dedication to fostering student awareness through direct, active participation. The attendance of Saher Bhamla served as a powerful reminder that the values instilled during school years persist long after graduation, as evidenced by the ongoing contributions of alumni to the broader community.