Rajouri: Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University Rajouri organized an International E-Conference on ‘Environmental Ethics in Pandemic Times’. The E- Conference was jointly organized by School of Islamic Studies & Languages and School of Biosciences & Biotechnology under the aegis of Media Cell of the University. Prof. Javed Musarrat, Vice Chancellor, BGSBU inaugurated the conference. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Musarrat said that The COVID-19 pandemic has upended lifestyle and forced people across the globe to alter their behaviour to combat the spread of Coronavirus. Prof. Musarrat said that Climate change is having an impact on biodiversity and is a significant threat in days to come. Prof. Musarrat said that in order to succeed everyone needs to be in action together in saving the world from global warming. Prof. Musarrat urged participants to have more respect for biodiversity in the post covid-19 world. He said that all of us should revisit our relationship with nature and rebuild a more suitable, equitable and just world. Religions which connect with people’s emotions and personal lives, could help mobilize people in the fight against climate change, he mentioned. Prof. Musarrat said that BGSB University is systematically responding to the unprecedented circumstances due to the outbreak of COVID-19.The University is effectively reaching out to all its stakeholders particularly the students and scholars by adopting online modes of teaching and learning to ensure that their academic pursuits are met within the stipulated time frame.
Dr.Qazi S Azher , Michigan State University USA delivered the keynote address. Dr. Qazi presented an overview of the Coronavirus. Dr.Qazi urged upon the participants to take necessary precautions and adhere to the health advisories in combating COVID-19 Pandemic. Dr. Qazi highlighted the impact of pandemic on the environment.He said that in future switching to environmentally safe energy resources can help us in building a safe and healthy world for our future generations. He stressed upon solving environmental pollution by bringing scientific research in school and college curricula.
Those who spoke on the occasion included Prof. Ozdemir Ibrahim , Uskudar University , Turkey, Prof. Annapurna Pandey , University of California , USA and Prof. Hamidullah Marazi, Central university of Kashmir.
Prof. Ozdemir presented Islamic perspective on environmental protection. Prof. Ibrahim said that environment protection is an important aspect of Islam. Protection of the environment is essential to Islamic beliefs and Muslims have the responsibility to ensure safe custody of the environment, he mentioned.
Speaking on the occasion Prof. Annapurna highlighted the issues and challenges faced by faculty and students across the globe due to covid-19 crisis. She advised the teachers to be more empathetic in these times. She stressed on developing community learning through peer to peer support.
Prof. Marazi highlighted the importance of generating academic discourse by bringing intellectuals and academia across the globe to discuss environmental ethics. Prof. Marazai spoke on environmental ethics in Islam. Prof. Iqbal Parwez delivered a welcome address. Prof. Iqbal said that during the pandemic the university has been inviting eminent scholars from diverse fields of study from all over the world to interact with our faculties and students so as to reap the benefits of their wisdom and experience.Prof. G M Malik, Dean School of Islamic Studies & Languages proposed the vote of thanks. More than 200 participants from India and abroad attended the conference.

KR Desk