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Written by: JK Monitor News Network

Category: ENVIRONMENT

Published: 05 June 2024

KATHUA: Aiming at providing invaluable insights and fostering a deeper understanding of the critical link between environmental sustainability and cultural heritage, Kathua Campus, University of Jammu  partnered with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) to celebrate World Environment Day, focusing on a series of expert lectures that highlighted the intersection of environmental sustainability and cultural heritage under the theme for 2024 “Our Land Our Future.”

The event was attended by various dignitaries including Sh. Hemant Sharma (IAS) Retd. and former Divisional Commissioner; Dr. C. M. Seth (IFS) Retd. A renowned Environmentalist and Former Chairperson (J&K) Pollution Control Board and Co-convener INTACH Jammu Chapter; Sh. S. M. Sahni  Retd. Director Tourism, Convener INTACH Jammu Chapter; Dr. Mrinalini Atrey, Assistant Professor, The Law School, University of Jammu;  Sh. Ankush Sharma, Head INTACH Sub Chapter Kathua; Sh. A. K. Kapoor, Retd. Suptd. Engineer INTACH member; Sh. Sohan Sing Billawria, Renowned Artist; and Sh. K.K. Sharma Former Director Floriculture.

The event began with the address by Dr. C. M. Seth (IFS) wherein he discussed the importance of integrating cultural heritage conservation with environmental protection, emphasizing how traditional practices can offer sustainable solutions to modern environmental challenges.  

Following this, a series of lectures were delivered by esteemed experts from various fields. Sh. S. M. Sahni while providing an introduction of INTACH as the largest NGO of the nation working towards the preservation of the cultural heritage of the country shared the future plans comprising cultural resource mapping including the listing of water bodies, heritage of historical and cultural importance.

Further, Dr. Mrinalini Atrey, emphasised on the interlink between nature – culture elaborating the cultural heritages and history of Kathua Region and Sh. Ankush Sharma presented in detail the Cultural Heritage of Kathua District with the information on infrastructure, the legends and related folklore. 

Sh. Hemant Sharma, the Chief Guest of the Event in his presidential remarks focused upon land restoration, draught resilience and how every individual can contribute towards building a sustainable environment through their everyday activities. On the occasion, INTACH launched the Kathua Sub-Chapter inducting new members.  

Earlier, Professor Arvind Jasrotia, Rector, Kathua Campus and an expert on environmental law in his message commended the contribution of the INTACH towards the causes of environment and assured that more such events of global importance shall be organised by the Campus in future. 

Dr. Vivek Sharma, Academic Coordinator, Kathua Campus presented the welcome address and the formal vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Pankaj Khajuria, Assistant Registrar, Kathua Campus. The event was attended by Dr Sourabh, Sh Amit Sharma, all the faculty members, staff and students of the Campus.