SRINAGAR: The Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) marked World Environment Day 2026 at its Tulmulla campus, emphasizing the theme “Inspired By Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.” The event was organized by the School of Life Sciences, which includes departments of Botany, Zoology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Civil Engineering.
Speakers highlighted the urgent need for sustainable lifestyles and climate action, underscoring the importance of integrating ecological consciousness into education and policies. Vice Chancellor Prof. A. Ravinder Nath emphasized nature as humanity’s greatest teacher, stressing that environmental education begins with understanding the natural world. He pointed out that human actions are largely responsible for environmental degradation and underscored the importance of ecological balance for future generations.
Prof. Nath drew parallels between natural systems and human society, illustrating how producers, consumers, and decomposers sustain life and offering lessons in social harmony and responsibility. The Chief Guest, Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari, Vice Chancellor of the Central University of Punjab, reflected on India’s traditional respect for nature and lamented that modern consumerism and materialism have led to environmental crises. He warned about the consequences of plastic pollution, soil degradation, water scarcity, and climate change, calling for innovations in recycling, sustainable agriculture, and water conservation. He emphasized that universities should serve as hubs of environmental innovation, and that humanity must preserve Earth for future generations.
Prof. K.V.S.G. Murali Krishna, former Vice Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, urged individuals to adopt respectful and responsible attitudes toward nature, viewing it as an extension of their family. He stressed that environmental conservation should be a way of life, not just a ceremonial act, and highlighted the importance of biodiversity and sustainable practices.
Dean of the School of Life Sciences, Prof. Abid Hamid Dar, underscored the significance of collective action and awareness, urging participants to reflect on their responsibilities. The event included a pledge administered by Sr. Asst Prof. Dr. Lateef Khaliq, with students Mudabbir Ahmad and Sheefan Riyaz conducting proceedings and Dr. Dharmendra Singh delivering the vote of thanks.