Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 17: In order to express their love, affection and harmony towards nature, the Department of Botany, University of Jammu, today organized a unique ceremony on the eve of ‘Raksha Bandhan’ wherein the traditional sacred and protective threads ‘Rakhis’ were tied to the trees by the students, research scholars and the faculty members. The festivity event was organized in the picturesque Botanical Garden of the University. Sacred threads were tied by the participants to some unique plants including sacred Tulsi, historic Magnolia, Sandalwood, Rudraaksh, Mahua, Putranjiva, Peepal, Chandani, Haarshringaar, Paarijaat etc. The participants while tying the Rakhis, also took pledge to protect and conserve the nature and its bounties to mitigate the challenges of climate change for healthier future.
Speaking on the relevance of such green concerns, Director, Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing, J&K Govt, O.P Sharma Vidyarthi, informed that the time has come that besides strengthening the family relations, we also need to develop a strong bonding with the flora and fauna as well to have perfect balance in ecosystems.
Prof Archana Kesar, a renowned Dogri literateur threw light on the history and tradition of the festival of Raksha Bandhan, which is celebrated irrespective of caste and creed by the people from all walks of life.
Earlier, Prof Yash Pal Sharma, Head, Department of Botany, informed the nature lovers that presently it’s imperative and an ardent need that we show special friendliness and affection towards our ‘Natural Oxygen Generators’ and food and shelter providers. “Plants are conscious life forms that feel, know, and are mindful. The scientific field of neurobiology has been effective in demonstrating plant consciousness and therefore, let us treat them like our close relations, our own brothers and sisters” appealed Prof Sharma.
Others, who were present on the occasion, include Prof Namrata Sharma, Dr Veenu Kaul, Dr Harish Chander, Dr Geeta, Dr Sikander Pal, G D Chalotra, Forest officials, research scholars of Botany and Dogri Department and the M Sc students.
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