Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 22: World Earth Day was observed today by various educational and social organizations across the union territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh by organizing a number of activities highlighting the importance of preserving our natural resources, reducing plastic pollution and combating climate change.
Central University of Jammu under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof Sanjeev Jain organized a series of events under the theme “Planet vs Plastic,” aimed at spotlighting the critical issue of plastic pollution and advocating for sustainable solutions. The day-long festivities brought together students, scholars, faculty, and experts to raise awareness and encourage collective action toward a cleaner and greener future. The event also featured a captivating environmental awareness skit performed by students. The event includes Ecogiri stall exhibition and SFD talk on the theme of this year’s Earth Day.
In alignment with the theme of this year’s Earth Day, the Department of Economics, University of Jammu (JU) organized two engaging activities. The primary focus was on advocating for a reduction in plastic usage, particularly through a signature campaign titled “Say No to Polythene Bags.” In addition to this, a competition themed ‘Reuse and Recycle’ showcased the innovative prowess of students enrolled in the Master Degree Programme. Participants exhibited their creativity by presenting innovative ways to repurpose and recycle materials. The winning teams were duly recognized and rewarded for their contributions towards promoting sustainability.
World Earth Day was observed by the Environmental Sciences, Centre for Biodiversity Studies, BGSB University, Rajouri. A Brainstorming session on this year’s theme was organized to observe the event in which the staff, scholars and students of Environmental Sciences participated. Prof Akbar Masood, Vice Chancellor BGSBU in his message emphasized that the Earth Day 2024 theme emphasizes the need for collective action to repair and heal the planet’s ecosystems, combat climate change, and preserve biodiversity for posterity.
NSS Unit 1 of Government College for Women (GCW) Gandhinagar, in collaboration with the Department of Botany, Cluster University of Jammu, organized a poster making competition aimed at raising awareness about environmental conservation and sustainable living. The event, held at the premises of GCW Gandhinagar, witnessed enthusiastic participation from NSS volunteers and Department of Botany. The theme of this year’s Earth Day, “Planet vs Plastic”, resonated throughout the event, inspiring participants to reflect on the pressing environmental challenges facing our planet and the urgent need for collective action.
Scientists and scholars of SKAUST Jammu working under the guidance of Prof B N Tripathi (Vice Chancellor, SKUAST Jammu) observed World Earth Day with zeal and fervor. The programme was organized in collaboration with Indian Society of Soil Science-New Delhi. Prof (Dr) Vivak M Arya, secretary of the Jammu Chapter of ISSS-New Delhi, gave an overview about the importance of the Day. Prof (Dr) Vikas Sharma, HoD and president of ISSS, Jammu Chapter, outlined about the usage of natural resource management modules for reducing the soil erosion.
Environmental Club of KC College of Education observed ‘Earth Day’ by organizing a poster making activity for the students of Arya Girls High School, Jammu. The main aim of the activity was to spread the awareness about the importance of sustainable development. Convener of the Club, Dr Puja Sharma along with the members of the club educated the students on issues of environmental concern. A good number of students of Arya Girls High School participated in the poster making activity.
The Science Club and Eco Club of GCW Parade Ground in collaboration with J&K Department of Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing organized two competitive events — Poster Making Competition and Powerpoint Presentation Competition. The guest of honour for the event was Sajjad Ahmed Khan, Environment Soil Conservationist, J&K Department of Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing. Dr Kirti, Programme Officer, J&K Department of Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing also attended the event. The event was also graced by Principal Dr RK Tickoo.
A cleanliness drive, slogan writing competition and an interactive lecture organized under the patronage of Principal Dr Shallu Samyal were the main attraction of the Earth Day observation at Government Degree College (GDC) Bishnah. The event commenced with the lighting of lamp and singing of Earth Day theme related beautiful Bhajan, by students of Music Department under guidance of Prof Shivani Raina (HoD Music). Resource person, Prof Anita Gupta through her lecture sensitized the students about the importance of the Day. Dr Ashma Gupta and Dr Preeti Mahajan acted as jury members for slogan writing competition. The event was managed by Prof Sania Hamid (HoD Botany), Prof Nisha Bhagat (HoD EVS) and Dr Kusum (HoD Punjabi). Arshpreet of Sem-2 bagged first prize, Muskan of Sem-4 won second prize while third prize was bagged by Vijay Laxmi of Sem-2. The entire programme was coordinated by Dr Geeta Lakhotra (NSS, PO).
Eco club of Government Degree College (GDC) Marh celebrated the Day in the college campus under the leadership of Principal Prof Dr Rakesh Kumar Koul. Students of 4th and 2nd semester namely Ayush, Navpreet, Raveena, Sonia, Palak, Roshni prepared beautiful decorative items out of plastic waste like pen holder, pots, flowers, etc. The activity was coordinated by Dr Shakun Sharma (HoD Sociology), Prof Anjana Chib (HoD EVS) and Mohit Kalotra.
NSS Unit and Eco Club “Srishti” of GDC Sidhra under the aegis of IQAC organized a poster making competition. Around 10 students participated in the competition and prepared wonderful posters that reflected the theme of Earth Day very explicitly. First prize was won by Suhaani of BA Sem-II, second prize by Asif Iqbal of BA Sem-II and 3rd prize by Shahjahan Ahmed of BA Sem-II. Principal Dr GS Rakwal felicitated the winners.
To mark the occasion, GDC Nagrota organized a demonstration on Recycling of Plastics. This demonstration was given by Prof Aanchal Sharma, convener of Eco Club. She elaborated on plastic segregation as per number codes. She also explained various ways in which students can avoid use of single use plastics on the campus as well as at home. Principal Prof Anjali Mahajan also emphasized on the importance of avoiding single use of plastic and its proper recycling.
The Eco Club “Tawishi” at GCW Bhagwati Nagar organized a vibrant celebration for Earth Day, supported by Principal Dr Meeru Abrol. In a heartening display of solidarity with environmental sustainability, students from the college united to celebrate Earth Day and reaffirm their dedication to nurturing our planet. Their enthusiasm translated into a multitude of eco-friendly activities. Among these activities were the crafting of bird feeders, bird houses, and planters using recycled plastic materials.
Department of Environmental Science and Eco Club of GDC Marheen organized an awareness lecture on the theme “Importance of Earth Day” and an open house discussion on the topic “How to conserve Mother Earth” in the College premises. The programme was organized under the patronage of Principal Prof (Dr.) Anupama Gupta. In her address, she highlighted that we all work together to save Earth, ease sufferings and lessen the shattering economic and social consequences.
The Department of Botany in collaboration with Department of Geography and Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) under the aegis of IQAC of GDC Thannamandi organized an impressive program under the patronage of Prof (Dr) Farooq Ahmed, Principal of the College. The program was followed by an Earth Day pledge and on campus cleanliness drive.
Himalayan Degree College Rajouri (HDCR) organized a series of events and activities to commemorate Earth Day. The day began with a plantation drive in the college campus, where students and faculty members planted saplings of various indigenous trees. A series of workshops and seminars were conducted on the theme of Investing in Our Planet Experts. HDCR students showcased their creativity through poster-making competitions and environmental exhibitions. The College also organized a Trash to Treasure competition where students transformed used and discarded items into functional and artistic objects.
Delhi Public School Junior, Kathua initiated the day with a special morning assembly dedicated to the protection and conservation of the environment in observance of Earth Day. In the pre-primary wing, activities like fingerprinting, various art and craft sessions, plantation drive, and learning sessions on plant cycles and life cycles, were organized while primary classes’ students participated in graph activities, poster-making competition and extemporaneous speaking. Principal Vivek Arora urged the students to continue being proactive in contributing to the betterment of society, the nation and the world at large.
Doon International School, Jammu observed the Day with plantation drive. The highlight of the event was the initiative taken by senior students who creatively crafted planters using waste plastic materials. This innovative approach not only helped in reusing plastic but also contributed towards the school’s commitment to saving the environment. GN Tantray, Chairman of Doon International School and Dr Vikesh Kaur, Principal of the School, were present at the event to support the efforts of the students.
Forest Department Kargil in collaboration with KVK Kargil organized World Earth Day function Government High School, Minjee (Kargil). A large number of students, faculty members of the School, extension workers of the Forest Department and scientists of KVK Kargil were present. During the day-long program, a series of lectures were delivered on the importance of Earth Day followed by planting of an evergreen State Tree Juniper inside the school premises. Dr Mehdi (Chief Scientist, KVK Kargil) delivered an elaborated lecture on technologies for successful growing of trees under deficit water conditions.
Air Defence Warriors of Fire and Fury Corps commemorated the Day at Sangam (Leh) along with 60 young minds of Mahabodhi Residential School and Delhi Public School, Leh. The students were engaged in a series of activities including skits, showcasing the effect of plastic and pollution on ‘Mother Earth’ and highlighting the importance of preserving our natural resources, reducing plastic pollution and combating climate change. Air Defence Warriors and the school children also conducted a cleanliness drive at Sangam, planting flower saplings and undertaking a symbolic one kilometer walk, encouraging ‘Walking Instead of Driving’.
Shiv Public Higher Secondary School, Sari Rakwalan (Ghou Manhasan Road, Jammu) organized a series of activities including tree plantation, awareness sessions on recycling and waste management, and interactive discussions on sustainable living practices under the guidance of Principal Mehak Manhas. The event also witnessed presence of School’s Managing Director, Balbir Singh Salaria, who underscored the significance of collective efforts in combating environmental challenges.
Aadarsh Bhartiya Samaj, a social volunteer organization working to promote education, environment, health and nationhood among the general masses observed ‘World Earth Day’ under the guidance of Col (Retired) R K Sharma (chairman) and Daljeet Singh (president-ABS) with the message ‘Save Earth, Save Humanity’. Members spread the message of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Restore and Replenish. Varieties of saplings were planted on the occasion.
To commemorate the Day, students and staff of Dewan Devi Public School involved in different activities like planting trees making crowns and depicting Earth Day in their scrap books. The students took a pledge to save earth. Principal of the School, Seloni Suri, exhorted everybody to save flaura and fauna, soil and water from the unhealthy man made practices including growing industrialization and urbanization.
On World Earth Day, Bhartiya Lok Sangeet Kala Sansthan (BLSKS) performed 418th Dogri musical play “Meri Mati Mera Desh” in collaboration with Sangam Tru Art Production, Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and Social Welfare Deptt of J&K Government at Heaven Kingdom High School, Janipur (Jammu). A pledge to save Mother Earth was administered on the occasion by Usha Raina (Troupe leader) to more than 250 students/teachers.
The Day was observed at Kids Planet Public School, Akhnoor in a befitting manner to sensitize the children to become the crusaders for environmental conservation. Mona Gupta, Principal shared her views about the importance of saving earth and the measures that can be adopted to save our planet. A Poster Making Competition on Earth Day was organized and the theme was ‘Planet vs Plastics’. The winners were rewarded by the Principal.
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