In this second installment of our South Asia’s Green Shoots series, we continue our in-depth look at stories of hope and climate action across South Asia. This time, we turn to Gujarat Province and the way it is embodying the ecological Magis through a bold and strategic response to the environmental degradation of our common home. This latest story highlights the work of Jesuits in the region as “Eco-Warriors” and “Eco-Frontiers” on the ground — from making 100% organic farming a top priority among local farmers and advancing energy sovereignty through solar panels, to developing model farms that serve as centers for agroecological training.
Below, we share the text prepared by Fr. Suresh Antony, SJ, Coordinator of the Eco-Jesuits of Gujarat Province.
The Gujarat green Model
Gujarat Jesuits as Eco-warriors & as Eco-frontiers
The Province of Gujarat has never remained on the back seat when confronted with the harsh realities and challenges of the ecological crisis—ranging from global warming to the degradation of life itself. The Jesuits of the Gujarat Province have consistently stood at the forefront, striving to bring about meaningful redress amid these environmental ordeals.
It has been a journey marked by both glory and tragedy. It is a journey of glory, because this transformative mission toward establishing eco-justice has been made possible through the generosity of well-wishers and benefactors, particularly through the network of Alboan. For over a decade, Alboan’s eco-resources and eco-financial support have been key factors in advancing this noble cause of restoring the true face of the Earth.
It is also a journey of tragedy, for despite consistent, focused efforts and tireless hard work, the establishment of a truly comprehensive eco-justice remains a distant dream and a far cry. In contrast to the dedicated endeavors of many, the forces of ecological degradation and impending disaster continue to rise relentlessly, often beyond the range of human control.
This journey will indeed remain tragic as long as a minority of the super-rich and powerful persist in exploiting the Earth’s natural resources and generating disproportionate carbon emissions—while the burden of their excesses falls upon the majority and the poor, who suffer the gravest consequences of environmental injustice.
Concern for the environment was one of the five themes identified by Gujarat province as the result of a process of Strategic Apostolic Planning (SAP) in the period 2011 to 2013.
The Two Phases of Jesuit
Ecological Commitment in Gujarat
The growing concern for the environment and the urgent need to address the ecological crisis within the Gujarat Jesuit Province can be understood in two distinct yet connected phases. The first phase was marked by the formation and dynamic work of the Gujarat Jesuits Ecological Mission (GJEM), while the second phase continues under the renewed commitment of the Gujarat Province Eco-Jesuits (G-PEJ).
A systematic engagement with ecology and sustainability began in 2014 under the banner of Gujarat Jesuits Ecological Mission (GJEM). The initiative, led by Fr. Lancy SJ, together with Fr. Rappai SJ, Fr. Vincent Moonu SJ, Fr. Lucas Rayappan SJ, and Mr. Jothi Xavier, focused on promoting and facilitating environmentally friendly practices, fostering personal ecological conversion, and reviving the use of traditional medicines. Their collective efforts aimed to actualize the Jesuit mandate on care for our common home within the Gujarat context.
To strengthen this vision, GJEM sought to develop a “network of networks”—a structure designed to bring together individuals, communities, and institutions working for ecological renewal. Accordingly, four thematic networks were created: eco-spirituality, eco-education, eco-demonstration, and traditional medicine. Through these networks, a wide range of initiatives were carried out—eco-retreats, eco-recollections, awareness programs, organic farming, and solar installations—all of which contributed to the growing ecological consciousness and commitment across the province.
The second phase currently being undertaken is carried out by Gujarat Province Eco-Jesuits from July 2023. This team is constituted of Fr. Rayappan, Fr. Francis Dsa, Fr. Melwin and Fr. Suresh (Co-ordinator). This team took up the project of “Caring for the Mother Earth” for a Cleaner and Greener sustainable tomorrow sponsored by Alboan. This common project is broken down into four different components for better effectivity and implementations.
General Objective: To promote & strengthen good practices of sustainable development with focus on clean energy, sustainable agriculture & biodiversity.
Major Components and
Their Specific Objectives:
The project consists of four major components, each led by a highly competent person in charge to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of its interventions. The components and their specific objectives are as follows:
Component 1: Renewable Energy Network (REN)
The objective of this component is to achieve zero electricity bills through the installation of solar panels in Jesuit residences and institutions, while also reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Person in Charge: Dr. (Fr.) Rayappan Irudayam S.J.
Component 2: Agriculture and Natural Resource Management (ANRM)
The objective of this component is to establish 2–3 model farms for farmer training and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices. Person in Charge: Fr. Francis D’Sa S.J.
Component 3: Spirituality, Education, Awareness and Lifestyle (SEAL)
The objective of this component is to sensitize students, teachers, laity, Jesuits, and religious communities towards sustainable living and ecological responsibility. Person in Charge: Fr. Melwin DSa S.J.
Component 4: Communication, Advocacy and Research (CARE)
The objective of this component is to develop high-quality and adaptable bio-fertilizers through focused research in order to enhance soil fertility, increase crop yields, and transfer laboratory knowledge to the field. Person in Charge: Dr. (Fr.) Anthony Suresh S.J.
Gimples of the important activities
carried out by Gujarat Eco-Jesuits
Agriculture and Natural Resource Management (ANRM)
Under the ANRM Component 2, model farms are to be developed at two locations: Unai and Vyara. Various activities under this component have already been initiated, and several major milestones have been successfully achieved.
At the farm in Khambhalia village, Unai, plantation of nutritionally important fruit trees has been completed successfully. A total of eleven varieties of fruit trees have been planted. Some of the prominent species include mango, chikoo, papaya, badam, guava, drumstick, lemon, jackfruit, banana, and others. At present, 247 plants are surviving and growing well.
In addition, nutrition kitchen gardens have been established with a wide range of vegetable saplings such as cabbage, brinjal, tomato, chilli, chauli, garlic, and onion. Fresh and green vegetables are harvested on alternate days and served to hostel children, thereby contributing directly to their nutritional needs. These vegetables are cultivated using organic farming methods.
Furthermore, the installation of a drip irrigation system has also been successfully completed, ensuring efficient water management and sustainable agricultural practices at the farm. Eventually this model farms will also centre for farmers’ training programme on agroecology and indigenous seed bank creation.
Renewable Energy Network (REN)
Sole aim of this component is to aim for ‘Zero Bill’ for electricity consumption by indirectly cutting down coal used for electricity production. The Gujarat province already has solar panels capacity of 600 kv. Now with the help of Province eco-Jesuits 50 KV has been added in various places of Gujarat Mission. Five different mission stations benefited out of this programme. The functioning of solar panels is optimal and results are satisfactory. PEJ is also planning to undertake the second phase of solar panel installation in seven different places soon with the capacity of 80-100 KV more.
Spirituality, Education, Awareness and Lifestyle (SEAL)
Under the component there are various activities have been carried out.
General eco-awareness training programmes were conducted in five selected schools in the province, namely: St. Xavier’s High School – Bhiloda, St. Xavier’s High School – Mandali, Community College, Jivan Jyot – Unai, and Jivan Jyot High School – Subir.
Altogether, approximately 970 students from Classes 8 to 12 participated in the programme, including 385 girls and 585 boys. In addition, around 25 teachers, including principals, also took part in the training.
The training sessions focused on key themes of environmental responsibility and sustainable living. Topics covered included: the importance of saving trees, water conservation, energy conservation, plantation of tree saplings, use of organic farming methods, promotion of paper bags, waste management (solid waste and e-waste), maintaining clean surroundings, creating plastic-free campuses, and the formation of eco-clubs along with the roles and responsibilities of eco-club members.
Eco-Retreat
A three-day eco-retreat was organized for religious sisters and priests from 14–16 November 2025, with 18 participants taking part (3 priests, 14 nuns, and 1 lay person). One of its kind, the retreat provided a unique opportunity for the participants to be in communion with Mother Nature. The programme was facilitated by Rev. Fr. Ambrose S.J.
During the retreat, participants were guided through four contemplations:
- Living in Peace and Harmony with Nature – Reconciling with nature and the universe so that we may live in peace and harmony.
- Inner Healing through Nature – Without nature, we lose balance in our lives, which can lead to undesirable consequences. In modern life, there is often a deep disconnect between human beings and the natural world.
- Finding All Things in God and God in All Things – The happiest, most peaceful, and most cheerful heart is the one that is detached from self and seeks God in everything.
- Pain of Mother Earth – Mother Earth is deeply wounded by human activities such as climate change caused by pollution and fossil fuels, deforestation, and the contamination of air, water, and soil. These wounds arise through depletion of resources, destruction of ecosystems and habitats, loss of biodiversity, and the rise of extreme weather events.
Indeed, the eco-retreat proved to be fruitful and meaningful. It inspired the participants to become more sensitive and committed toward the promotion of a healthy and sustainable environment.
Communication, Advocacy and Research (CARE)
Through focused research initiatives, Integrated Farming Practices (IFP) have been introduced and taught to 35 selected farmers from villages in Modasa. IFP incorporates sustainable techniques such as natural farming, organic farming, and microbial-based biofertilizers. The primary aim of this approach is to restore soil fertility that has been degraded through prolonged dependence on inorganic farming practices.
The participating farmers underwent a series of intensive training sessions, where they were equipped with practical skills to prepare various biofertilizers and natural pesticides. The development of microbial-based biofertilizers, produced through continuous scientific research by dedicated researchers at Xavier Research Foundation (XRF), has played a significant role in this effort. Farmers have been supported with these laboratory-developed biofertilizers, thereby strengthening the connection between lab to land and land to life.
Scientists and other stakeholders have closely accompanied these farmers over the past year, ensuring the proper implementation of IFP methods in their fields. As a result, farmers have successfully cultivated various vegetables and crops such as maize, wheat, and turmeric through these sustainable practices. The produce has not only ensured organic quality but has also retained rich nutritional value.
Two days’ workshop – Advocacy.
Two back -to back -workshops were organised by the Province Eco Jesuits (PEJ). They brought together a wide range of people from all walks of life and with a common concern: climate change is wreaking havoc on our common home and particularly on the poor – what more should we be doing to address the grim reality?
The first workshop on 17 January, focused on the theme ‘Responding to the Challenges of COP – 30’. The participants numbering about one hundred were mainly religious and priests with some college students. Provincial Fr. Durai Fernand, set the tone for both the workshops with his inaugural address in which he said that we must do all we can to respond to the environmental crises that is seriously affecting every section of society.
The second workshop on 18 January, had for its theme ‘India’s environmental crisis: where do we go from here? ‘The participants who numbered around one hundred and sixty, comprised university students, academics, journalists, trade unionists and other members from civil society.
The resource person for both the workshops was the internationally renowned environmental activist and long-standing people’s science movement leader Mr. Soumya Dutta. With a wealth of experience and expertise on the subject, Mr. Dutta kept the audience spellbound in both workshops. He substantiated his arguments with well-researched data and with hard facts He challenged the audience to address the reality in an objective way but with a sense of urgency beginning with do-able things.
He also shared his insights of the recently concluded COP 30 in Brazil in which he participated (he has so far been for 17 COPs) He had an unequivocal message for all, “climate survival cannot rely on incremental steps or symbolic gestures. This crisis demands deep, systemic change—grounded in science, equity and justice…. without it, millions will continue paying with their health, livelihoods and lives.”. The participants on both days felt very challenged and enriched with the workshops. Fr. Cedric Prakash SJ the renowned human right activist organised these two events meaningfully.
Solid Waste Management and Biofertilizers Centre:
The Solid Waste Management and Biofertilizers Centre was inaugurated on 6th February 2026 at Xavier Research Foundation (XRF), Ahmedabad. The Centre is supported by the Province Development Office (PDO) under the Jesuit Universal Apostolic Preference (UAP 4), “Caring for Our Common Home.” This is yet another initiative of province eco-Jesuits.
The Centre has been established to convert biodegradable waste—such as leaf litter, kitchen waste, and agricultural residues generated from the college campus (canteen, hostel, and Jesuit residence) and its surroundings—into valuable biofertilizers through systematic composting. This initiative not only reduces waste but transforms it into a renewable resource that enriches soil health.
Beyond waste management, the Centre seeks to cultivate ecological consciousness among students by promoting responsible waste segregation and sustainable practices. The organic compost produced will be utilized within the campus and also made available at a nominal cost to staff, students, and the public for kitchen gardens and other green initiatives. This milestone marks a concrete step towards environmental stewardship, sustainable living, and an institutional commitment to caring for Mother Earth.
Conclusion
The Gujarat Eco-Jesuits (G-PEJ) are fully committed to advancing the four key focus areas outlined earlier. In addition to these, G-PEJ is actively engaged in several other environmental initiatives. Among all the proposed green undertakings, promoting 100% organic farming among farmers remains the highest priority. The adoption of solar energy as a renewable power source is also being successfully implemented in many centers, aiming to achieve zero electricity bills and thereby reducing fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
Furthermore, awareness programs have been organized for various target groups to foster ecological consciousness and sustainable living. The two model farms will eventually become centre for agroecological practices and effective training centre. The Gujarat Eco-Jesuits express their deep gratitude to Fr. Durai SJ, the Provincial, Province Development office (PDO) and Alboan for the financial and moral support that has made these efforts possible. Looking ahead, G-PEJ remains hopeful that in the coming years, these collective endeavors will significantly promote sustainable practices and contribute to the care and nurturing of Mother Earth.
