![Jammu University Vice Chancellor, Prof Umesh Rai, unveiling a topiary garden at the varsity on Friday. Jammu University Vice Chancellor, Prof Umesh Rai, unveiling a topiary garden at the varsity on Friday.](https://cdndailyexcelsior.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/page8-8-16-696x464.jpg)
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 30: In a groundbreaking move to foster scientific awareness, the University of Jammu has inaugurated a distinctive initiative on campus, featuring a topiary garden that illustrates the milestones of vertebrate evolution.
The unveiling ceremony was led by Vice Chancellor of the varsity, Prof Umesh Rai.
The newly planted topiaries visually represent the evolution of vertebrate life from fish to humans, offering both an educational and aesthetic experience.
“This project reflects our commitment to advancing scientific curiosity and deepening our understanding of evolutionary processes,” said Prof Rai.
“We hope to ignite interest in this remarkable journey and emphasize the importance of conservation and sustainability.”
The topiary garden is now open to the public and includes informative plaques and guided tours designed to enrich the educational experience.
Additionally, the University plans to extend this initiative with workshops, lectures and research programs focused on horticulture, evolutionary biology, and environmental science.
This project was realized by the Department of Botany in collaboration with the Arboriculture section of the University, under the guidance of Prof Rai.
The inauguration event was attended by several faculty members, including Prof Seema Langer, Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences; Prof Susheel Verma, Head of the Department of Botany; Prof Piyush Malaviya, Head of the Department of Environmental Sciences; and other notable faculty including Prof Yash Pal Sharma, Prof Namrata Sharma, Prof Deepika Slathia, Dr Geeta, Dr Harish Chander, Dr Sajan Thakur, Dr Sapna Verma, Dr Abhishek Dutta, and Landscape Development Officer Ajmer Singh.