Bhubaneswar 06/08: A community engagement campaign was organized to raise awareness about the initiative by the We Navodayans at Satya Vihar, Bhubaneswar on the occasion of Friendship Day. The participants tied friendship bands and moved from house to house to gift plants like Aparajita, Sahada, Hadajoda, Baula, Aonla, Guava, Basil, Insulin plant, Aloe Vera etc. Information about the significance of medicinal plants, their healing properties, and environmental benefits were shared to inspire more people to participate. The initiative received an overwhelmingly positive response from the residents of Satya Vihar. People appreciated the thoughtful and sustainable approach to celebrating Friendship Day organised by alumni members of JNV.

The act of gifting medicinal plants strengthened friendships as it fostered a sense of mutual care and responsibility for both the plants and each other’s well-being. The celebration of Friendship Day through the distribution of medicinal plants proved to be an effective and meaningful way to promote friendship, environmental consciousness, and well-being. This unique approach not only strengthened existing friendships but also encouraged individuals to develop new connections with nature and embrace sustainable living practices. The unique idea has been followed since 2018 and the organisers promised to continue the theme for years to come. The event was successfully organised by CA Rudra Narayan Satapathy, Shri Shantanu Kumar Nandi, Shri Pratyusha Ranjan Sahoo and Shri Sampad Sahoo.