Aaranyak, in collaboration with Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Thrissur, organized an awareness programme on the importance of medicinal plants and their conservation on 29th October 2020. The session was graced by Dr. S. K. Gupta from the National Productivity Council, Government of India, who addressed the students and faculty.

Dr. Gupta highlighted the vital role of medicinal plants in traditional healthcare systems and modern pharmaceuticals, emphasizing their significance in Ayurveda, indigenous practices, global medicine, and sustainable livelihoods. The programme also underlined the urgent need to conserve medicinal plant diversity, especially in the face of habitat destruction, overexploitation, and climate change. Participants were made aware that the extinction of medicinal plants could lead to the loss of biodiversity, disruption of cultural heritage, and reduced opportunities for future drug discovery.

A field trail on medicinal plant diversity was conducted with the participation of students, teachers, the school principal, and Dr. Gupta. During this interactive session, students were introduced to different species of medicinal plants, their uses, and conservation practices. The trail not only enriched their knowledge but also enlightened them on the ecological and healthcare value of medicinal plants. Students actively engaged in discussions and shared ideas on promoting herbal gardens, practicing sustainable use, and creating awareness in their communities. The event concluded with a collective pledge to safeguard medicinal plants, recognizing them as a critical natural resource for human health, ecological balance, and intergenerational equity.