JAMMU: To monitor the most vibrant and fascinating species on earth that are also one of best barometers of environmental health, NSS unit in collaboration with Bird watching club of college organized two day workshop on ‘Campus Bird Count’ here at Government Degree College Marh. The programme was inaugurated by Prof Dr. Rakesh Kumar Koul along with Dr Pankaj Chandan, the Chief Guest.
The workshop was conducted by Asst. Prof. in Political Science Sachin Kumar Bhagat, a famous bird enthusiast of Jammu and Kashmir. The College Principal gave a comprehensive explanation of the spiritual role of birds. He emphasized that birds have profound spiritual significance across various cultures and religions, symbolizing concepts such as freedom, transcendence, and divine connection and highlighted that their presence in art, literature, and religious iconography serves as a reminder of the human connection to the divine and eternal quest for spiritual elevation.
The guest speaker of the event Dr. Pankaj Chandan, a wildlife biologist and an expert on Himalayan ecology, inspired students to pursue higher studies in ornithology and also stressed on the importance of wetlands and bird species. He focused on the role of birds for conservation of humanity such as pest control, maintaining ecological balance and pollination.
Dr Chandan further shared his magnificent stories of several species of birds like Black-tailed godwit and tallest flying bird Black necked crane. He discussed anthropogenic threats to habitat of birds such as deforestation, pesticides, wetland drainage and urbanization. He also donated posters on species of vultures and Raptors of J and K and reading material to the college for knowledge sharing among the students.
During the programme a PPT and photographic exhibition showcasing birds of J&K along with equipment required for bird watching was also organized by Sachin Kumar Bhagat (HOD Political Science). To Study the ecological behavior of birds, campus bird count was also organized in the college by the Bird Club.
HOD Environmental Sciences Anjana Chib stressed that rich biodiversity of birds around college is the indicator of a clean and pollution free environment along with the clean water body. She said it is for these endowments of nature that the college has been registered as a birding hotspot. During the one hour birding, students counted around 59 species around the campus including; Black winged stilt Red Naped Ibis.
In the end students shared their feedback and experience about how such types of programmes inspire, motivate them to connect with nature and choose their career. Dr. RamDayal, Dr. Rahul Sharma, Dr. Sheetal Sharma and Dr. Priya Sharma were also present during the event. Dr. Balwinder Saini (HOD Chemistry) presented the formal vote of thanks. Technical support was provided by Mohit Kalotra.
