07 Jul 2023|Noida | Amity University, Noida
Week-long celebrations of “Van Mahotsav”, conclude at Amity
One week-long celebrations of “Van Mahotsav” by Amity School of Natural Resources and Sustainable Development (ASNRSD), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, held from 1 to 7 July 2023, concluded with a workshop on the theme, “Trees are Our Best Friends.”
Delivering the Keynote Address, Chief Guest, Dr. V.K. Bahuguna, IFS (Retd.), Former Director General, ICFRE, averred, “In Indian culture trees, sun, nature and earth are worshipped and given the stature of God. Therefore, it is our responsibility to protect mother earth by planting more trees and saving the environment. We must dedicate ourselves to nature and nurture and care for our surroundings by planting trees.”
Addressing the gathering, Dr. A. K. Jain, IFS (Retd.), Senior Advisor, Green Highway Division, Ministry of Road and Transport, New Delhi, stated, “Humanity cannot survive without forests and every human being will suffer if there are no trees. Trees are being cut for widening the roads and our organization is working towards stopping deforestation for making roads and highways to ensure that infrastructural development does not harm the environment.”
Motivating the students of Amity to plant trees, Prof. (Dr.) Balvinder Shukla, Vice Chancellor, Amity University Uttar Pradesh said, “The problem of pollution and climate change is on the rise due to deforestation and the environment is becoming harmful. Trees provide us with oxygen and last for centuries, therefore every person must plant as many trees as possible in their surroundings and on this occasion, we must commit to ourselves to plant trees and make the environment better for the whole world.”
Highlighting the contribution of forests in protecting the environment, Dr. D. K. Tyagi, IFS (Retd.), Former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Maharashtra, asserted, “If one cares about the SDGs then one must keep the role of forests in mind. The contribution of forests is not limited to local livelihoods and global environmental objectives only. Stopping deforestation contributes to many other development goals including the socio-economic development. Therefore, sectoral policies for achieving the SDGs should not overlook the significance of planting trees.”
Sharing his views on the occasion, Mr. M. M. Sharma, IFS (Retd.), Former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Assam, opined, “All sections of the society must participate wholeheartedly in van Mahotsav, since it is not only the responsibility of the forest department, rather the responsibility of each individual to increase the green cover. More important than merely planting trees is protecting and nurturing them so that they survive for many years to come and contribute to a green environment.”
Welcoming the guests, Dr. S.P Singh, Director, Amity School of Natural Resources and Sustainable Development (ASNRSD), said, “Van Mahotsav was officially launched in 1950 by the then Minister of Food and Agriculture Kanhaiyalal Maneklal Munshi. It is celebrated across the country to raise awareness about tree plantation and forest conservation and encourage the citizens of India to plant more trees. Each and every individual must pledge to plant at least one sapling during the Van Mahotsav Week in order to reduce pollution and safeguard the environment.”
On this occasion, ceremonial tree plantations by the HOIs, faculty members, researchers and students were done at various locations in Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida campus. Other activities held during the week-long celebrations included a webinar on the theme, “Significance of Van Mahotsav in creating awareness for Green Environment, Sustainable livelihood and Global Warming”, an Essay Writing Competition on the theme “Role of Van Mahotsav for Creating Awareness for Forest Conservation”, a Poster Making Competition on the theme “World Without Forest”, a Slogan Competition on “Van Mahotsav Slogan” and a Quiz Competition.