This New Year let us all exude positivity and wish for the best. The past year posed several challenges, especially to the education sector, and we have marched over all the challenges with confidence and a proactive approach. REVA University was one of the first few universities in South India to conduct virtual events like convocation, orientation in 2020 when many other institutions struggled to shift to online classes. The quick transition from offline to online learning was possible because REVA University had laid a roadmap to build advanced technological infrastructure on campus and we had achieved our goals in short span.
The turnaround time to become a digitized campus and support hybrid learning was less than 3 days, and I am proud of my team at REVA University for accomplishing this feat. The spirit of REVA is to continue to march on under any circumstances and reach our goals. Members of the REVA Family proved that we are ready to adopt and adapt. When we approach any challenge with positive mindset, any goal can be accomplished.
Along with this, two other initiatives adopted by REVA made me happy. We launched Education on Wheels to take digital learning to remote areas and students of community schools, and this unique initiative will benefit more than 1,000 students. We also launched REVA Vanamahotsava to mark the 75th year of Independence as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations. We are on a mission to plant 15,000 saplings by August 2022. January is a milestone month as it is going to be six months since the initiative has taken off.
In six months, we have planted more than 5,500 saplings across various locations in Bengaluru, and around Bengaluru.
It is important to launch such activities as the need of the hour is to reduce carbon footprints and build a greener nation. At REVA, we are determined to contribute towards building a cleaner and greener country, and my advice to REVA Family is to not consider this as a one-time event but a continuous process and make it a regular practice. Our actions should speak loud and our works should inspire the next generation. Our commitment to conserve nature and protect greenery must inspire the student community to carry forward our works.
Finally, your goal for next year must be to work for the betterment of society and align your works towards building a strong nation. Youngsters are the foundation of a better tomorrow and empowering them through education will yield big results.
May good health, good eating habits, and mental health be top priorities for each one of you.
Let this New Year be the onset of new beginnings and many endless possibilities to one and all.
