SRINAGAR: The Department of Students Welfare, SKUAST-K organized an Earth Day celebration marked by an inter-faculty and inter school elocution competition, bringing together students, faculty members and environmental enthusiasts to reflect on the importance of environmental conservation. The event was sponsored by Ministry of Earth Sciences, GoI.
The programme was graced by Chief Guest Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension/Dean faculty of Horticulture, Prof. K. N. Kaiser Controller of Examination, SKUAST-K, Prof. S.A. Gangoo Dean Students Welfare and Engineer Abdul Rasheed, EMMRC, KU also joined the event. Programme was commenced with the welcome address by the Prof. S.A. Gangoo, Dean Students Welfare, in his address he highlighted the significance of observing Earth Day and emphasized the role of youth in safeguarding the environment. He encouraged students to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives and to act as ambassadors of environmental awareness in society.
The Chief Guest of the event Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension appreciated the initiative taken by the Department of Students Welfare and underscored the urgent need for collective action to address environmental challenges. She urged students to remain committed to preserving natural resources and to contribute actively towards building a greener and healthier future.
Prof. K.N. Kaiser, Controller of Examination shared valuable insights on environmental protection and sustainable practices. A documentary on environmental concerns, prepared by Engineer Qadri, was screened during the programme was well received by the audience.
The elocution competition witnessed enthusiastic participation from students across faculties and schools, who eloquently expressed their views on pressing environmental issues. The competition was adjudged by a distinguished jury comprising Prof. F.A. Lone, Head Division of Environmental Sciences, Prof. Baseerat Afroza, Vegetable Science and Prof. Sameera Qayoom, Head Division of Agrometeorology. The event was attended by school children as well as NSS volunteers of Faculty of Horticulture reflecting a strong spirit of community engagement and awareness.
Organizing Secretary, Dr. Seemi Lohani informed that Adyan Nazir, of Iqbal Memorial Institute secured First, Malika from Mallinson Girls School secured second and Nooris from Presentation Convent secured third position in the inter – school Elocution competition. While in the Inter Faculty elocution competition Jazlan Bashir Faculty of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry secured first position, Tyba Bashir Faculty of Forestry secured second and Nashika Rifat secured third position.
The winners and participants were awarded by trophies and certificate of merit. The programme concluded with a renewed commitment from all participants towards protecting the environment and promoting the environment and promoting sustainable practices.