चैतन्य विज्ञान एवं कला महाविद्यालय, पामगढ़
CHAITANYA SCIENCE AND ARTS COLLEGE
PAMGARH, JANJGIR-CHAMPA (C.G.),495554
Affiliated to Shaheed Nandkumar Patel Vishwavidyalaya, Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, India
On the occasion of World Environment Day, a 2-day national seminar was organized from June 04 to 05, 2022 at Chaitanya Science & Arts College Pamgarh in online/offline mode. Prof. Lalit Prakash Pateria, Honorable Vice Chancellor of Shaheed Nandkumar Patel University, Raigarh as the Chief Guest addressed the gathering and emphasized the role of sustainable living in harmony with nature. He said that degradation of environment is a burning problem of today. The kind of atmosphere we want to present to our children depends on the environmental activities done by us at present. The future of our survival depends on our present efforts. While saving the resources for the future, proper utilization of resources is needed. Mr. Veerendra Tiwari, the director of the Chaitanya Shikshan Samiti appreciated the initiative taken by organizing committee and discussed about the relevance of sustainable efforts for the conservation of the nature. In the seminar, Professor Vishambhar Prasad Sati, Department of Geography and Resource Management, Central University of Mizoram, Professor Deep Narayan Pandey of Special Center for Disaster Research, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Dr. Garima Tiwari, Assistant Professor, Forestry Department, Guru Ghasidas Central University, Bilaspur and Professor Tapas Pal, Department of Geography, Raiganj University were associated as speakers.
Dr. V.K. Gupta, the Principal of the institution in his welcome addressed said that ongoing international campaign is to create awareness in society for the conservation of the nature for sustainable development. Educational institution has to play the key role in disseminating the aforesaid message in society through stake holders. The program coordinator Dr. Narendranath Guria discussed the theme of the program and the outline of the activity.
Dr. Sati, the keynote speaker explained about the historical background of the Environment Day Celebration said, the first resolution was passed in the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 regarding environmental protection. Today, on the occasion of 50 years of the passing of that resolution, Environment Day is being celebrated again this year on the same theme - “only one earth”. He explained in detail the causes of the devastating floods in Pindar Valley. He explained how human intervention has been inviting environmental disasters. Citing the example of the
South American country Brazil, he expressed concern over the contraction of agricultural land and its conversion into industrial land. Drawing attention to the shortcomings of the Smart City project, he said that cities are turning into heat islands. He spoke about the need to efficiently implement various measures for environmental protection. Professor Deep Narayan Pandey said that today we are forgetting the relation between man and nature. The role of the tree remains from the birth of man till his death. Giving information about the different places of the world and the trees, he said that trees have been worshipped not only in Indian culture but in the whole world. The rites like not letting anyone touch the trees / plants during the night need to be re-introduced from the parents to the children so that the coming generation can understand the importance of the trees. Recalling the prominent environmentalists, he said that today there is a need to run a big campaign like Chipko Andolan in every corner of the country.
Addressing the gathering, Professor Tapas Pal, Raiganj University West Bengal said that today every teacher/ professor in the world needs to become a farmer. We have to come forward to promote agricultural work. Citing the example of a pond being converted into a multi-storey building in the Dhaka University campus, he said such activities are harmful for the environment. We have to revive the natural water source. He advised some ways of nature conservation by planting trees on auspicious occasions, gifting plants etc. While addressing the gathering, Dr. Garima Tiwari, Asst. Professor of Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur said that conservation and promotion of environment is the responsibility of all of us. Merely planting trees will not save the environment. Rather, the safety of the planted plants needs to be ensured. She also added that we should take a pledge to not to spread garbage here and there. It will be our biggest contribution towards environmental protection. Mr. Veerendra Tiwari, the Director of the organization delivered his vote of thanks to all the visitors involved in the program for productive discussion on relevant topic. During the discussion, the participants quenched their curiosity asking questions to the speakers. Mr. Rishab Dev Pandey, Assistant Professor of Chemistry Department and also the coordinator of the program conducted the meeting. The activities of the students were kept on the second day of the seminar. Professors of 25 universities and more than 150 colleges, research scholars and students across the country participated in the program. Mr. Dhaneshwar Surya of Computer Department provided technical support in the program. The role of the college staff was duly acknowledged. More than 500 participants joined through Google meet and YouTube and they also expressed their views on living in harmony.