SRINAGAR: In connection with the Earth Day Celebrations a series of events organized at Islamic University of Science and Technology  (IUST) culminated here today. On the occasion Prof. A. Ravindranath, Vice Chancellor Central University of Kashmir was the Chief Guest while as, Shri Khursheed A. Ganaie IAS (Retd) , Mr. Irfan Ali Shah (IFS), Conservator of Forests South Circle, Mr. Saqib Qadri (Environmentalist) were the special guests.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Shakil Ahmad Romshoo Vice Chancellor IUST, said that the theme “Invest in our Planet” of Earth Day 2023 resonates on the importance of shifting over to sustainable business practices. He said that celebrating earth day at the university is to spread awareness among the students about the urgency of the problem of the climate change, and the attendant human and economic costs.

He said that the developed world should fulfill its commitment of financial support and transfer of technology to the emerging economies, so that the developing countries are not forced to choose between Green and Growth. He also talked about different measures taken at the IUST for a green and environment friendly campus.

Prof. A. Ravindranath talked about the need for collective action for sustaining human life on earth and said that a balance has to be established between what we take from the nature and what we return to it. He also said that nature has bestowed Kashmir with rich beautiful resources which makes it binding on every citizen to contribute their part towards preservation and conservation of natural resources.

Shri Khursheed A. Ganaie, in his address gave a historical perspective on the rising environmental consciousness across the globe and stressed on the fact that it is the time to walk the talk and achieve the objectives set out in global frameworks aimed at controlling/mitigating the impacts of climate change.

A panel discussion on “Caring for environment: our shared responsibility” was also held in which experts and faculty deliberated on the different challenges facing the environment and different mitigation strategies. The participants also discussed about the Sustainable Development Goals and efforts underway in this direction at different levels.  Furthermore, a cleanliness drive was also organized in the campus wherein the students and staff participated enthusiastically.

The program was organized by the Dean of Students IUST and was attended by students from different departments of IUST as well as students from Mantaqi Memorial Higher Secondary School and Govt. Higher Secondary School Awantipora.