Mangalore Diocese’s Green Pledge Reaches 1.36 Lakh People

MANGALURU, October 28, 2026: An environmental campaign by the Diocese of Mangalore has drawn 1,36,966 participants across 125 parishes, with a first-year medical student winning ₹1 lakh in a lucky draw linked to the initiative.

Abdul Razid, a student at Kanachur Medical College and a resident of Panjimogaru, was selected as the winner of Pledge for Our Survival – 2026, organised by the diocese’s Environment Commission. Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha drew the winning entry at the campaign’s concluding event at Surathkal Church hall on October 25. Razid received the prize at the Bishop’s House the following day.

The campaign sought to translate environmental awareness into everyday action by encouraging families, parishioners and students across schools, colleges and other institutions to commit to conservation practices.

The pledge called on participants to plant three trees for every tree cut, reduce plastic use, segregate waste and conserve water and electricity. It also promoted reuse and recycling, carpooling and public transport, reducing noise pollution, protecting animals and birds, and avoiding food wastage.

The initiative was conducted with the support of the diocese’s Youth Commission and Education Commission.

The valedictory programme was attended by Fr. Austin Peris, parish priest of Surathkal Church, and Roy Castelino, public relations officer of the diocese.

Louis Pinto, secretary of the Ecology and Environment Commission and convener of the campaign, thanked those who contributed to its implementation.

The commission organises annual awareness initiatives to encourage environmental responsibility among students and the wider public, with the pledge campaign seeking to extend conservation efforts from parish communities to individual households.

Courtesy: Mangalore Diocese