Jesuit Institutions Strengthen Climate Cells for Ecological Action

Trichy, Tamil Nadu — The Jesuit Madurai Province held a One-Day Orientation Programme for Climate Cell Members at St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Trichy. The programme sought to sensitise and empower participants in line with the Madurai Province Apostolic Plan (PAP) priority of “preserving and protecting the environment and safeguarding the rights of those affected by environmental degradation.”

A total of 13 members representing three Jesuit colleges of South Tamil Nadu — St. Xavier’s College, Palayamkottai; Arul Anandar College, Madurai; and St. Joseph’s College, Trichy — took part in the session. The initiative aimed to strengthen Climate Cells across Jesuit institutions as vibrant platforms for ecological education, advocacy, and action.

The event began with words of welcome and blessings from Dr. M. Pavulraj Michael, S.J., Rector of St. Joseph’s College, followed by felicitations from Dr. S. Mariadoss, S.J., Principal of the college. Dr. M. Anthonysamy, S.J., Coordinator of the Ecology Commission, then presented the dynamics and mission of the Climate Cell, setting the tone for the day’s deliberations.

The key objectives of the orientation included raising awareness on climate change, developing institutional mechanisms for environmental audits, and fostering inter-collegiate collaboration for ecological stewardship. The plan of action proposed by the Ecology Commission encompassed forming advisory and working committees, conducting green audits, initiating research and publications, training students in sustainable practices, and partnering with NGOs for community outreach.

An expert session and interactive plenary led by Mr. Prabakaran Veera Arasu, Environmental Engineer and member of Poovulagin Nanbargal, provided valuable insights into Tamil Nadu’s Climate Missions. Participants discussed practical strategies for integrating ecological responsibility into both academic and administrative frameworks.

The programme’s expected outcomes included the creation of effective campus-level environmental governance systems, the development of data-driven green initiatives, and the empowerment of faculty and students to serve as ecological change agents.

In a collective resolution, participants committed to implementing sustainable practices, monitoring progress regularly, and upholding the Jesuit ecological mission in both spirit and action.

Recommendations emerging from the orientation emphasised the integration of climate literacy into curricula, installation of weather monitoring stations, promotion of zero-waste and plastic-free campuses, organisation of inter-collegiate green forums, and the submission of annual climate action reports to the Ecology Commission.

Through this initiative, Jesuit higher education institutions reaffirmed their commitment to justice through environmental care, aligning faith with ecological responsibility.

By Dr. M. Anthonysamy, S.J.

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