INDIA: Community garden provides healthy food to people in need
Don Bosco College shows commitment to sustainable agriculture and healthy living
INDIA
(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco College, located in Yelagiri Hills, Tamil Nadu, India, has successfully cultivated and harvested fresh vegetables at the Thiruvalluvar Thottam vegetable garden. This achievement marks a major step forward in the college’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and healthy living.
One Salesian noted, “The dedicated efforts of our gardening team have resulted in a bountiful crop. The radishes, beans and turnips that have been carefully nurtured over the past season have been harvested. These vegetables are not only nutritious and delicious, but also a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team.”
Salesians carefully chose what was to be grown in the garden. The radishes thrived and were the first to be harvested. The beans added a versatile and nutritious component to the food selection, and the turnips were chosen for their health benefits.
The Salesian added, “The success of this harvest is a direct result of our commitment to sustainable agriculture practices. By employing environmentally friendly methods and focusing on soil health, water conservation and natural pest control, we have created a thriving garden that contributes to our overall sustainability goals.”
The harvested vegetables are now available for the community to enjoy. The initiative promotes healthy eating and self-sufficiency while aligning with the Salesian objective of fostering a sustainable and health-conscious campus environment. The involvement of students, staff and faculty in the cultivation process has also strengthened the community’s bonds and shared commitment to sustainability.
This garden is among many environmentally driven initiatives that Salesian colleges, schools and centers in India and around the globe have undertaken in the last few years. Many of these efforts are in response to Pope Francis’ 2020 Laudato Si’, the theme of which was “Good Christians and Upright Citizens.” In the document, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of education and training in helping youth foster environmental responsibility.
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Sources:
ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)
ANS – Vegetable Harvesting at Thiruvalluvar Thottam at Don Bosco College, Yelagiri Hills
Salesian Missions – India
World Bank – India
