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JAMMU: Saying that ecological values were deeply rooted in the Indian tradition, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu Prof Umesh Rai today observed that rising temperatures, depleting groundwater, and global warming are all reminders that nature needs urgent care. “To save ourselves, we are left with no choice but to plant more and more trees,” the Vice Chancellor said while interacting with the participants during the green campus initiative ‘From Sips to Saplings’, organised in the Campus.
The Vice Chancellor said, “In our culture, ponds, wells, and gardens were once considered symbols of virtue. But as they gradually disappeared, so did the balance in our environment. When gardens disappear, childhood disappears too.”He lauded the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s inspiring call for “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” and extended it with his own appeal to the campus community to dedicate “Ek Ped Vishwavidyalaya Ke Naam”, symbolizing a personal commitment to the environment.
Prof. Rai also acknowledged the commendable efforts of the University’s Arboriculture team, in particular Ajmer Singh. Arboriculturist, saying: “The visible transformation of the campus into a greener space over the past three and a half years is the result of their dedication and consistent work. I may be the facilitator, but the credit truly belongs to them”.
Talking to media persons on the occasion, Additional Chief Secretary Mr Shantmanu echoed the sentiment that humans are deeply connected to nature and have much to learn from it. “As a child watches a tree grow, and as an adult watches it mature and flourish, there is a powerful life lesson in every stage of that tree’s journey,” Mr Shantmanu added.
He lauded the University’s leadership in championing sustainability, saying that such initiatives resonate with the larger vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, who has underscored the value of tree plantation through campaigns like ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’.
Mr Shantmanu remarked that it is not enough to simply plant a tree — nurturing and protecting it is equally important. “Every sapling planted must be seen as a life — it needs fencing, regular care, and protection from pests or animals. Just like a child in a nursery, it must be tended to with patience and responsibility,” he said. He suggested updating the traditional slogan ‘Plant Trees, Save the Future’ to ‘Plant Trees, Save the Present’, and called for action now, not just for tomorrow but for immediate environmental impact.
Speaking on the occasion, Padam Shree Prof. Lalit Magotra highlighted the transformative power of plantation drives, calling today’s initiative not just an act of environmental responsibility but a cultural and emotional investment in the future. He noted that the trees planted today — gulmohar, neem, champa, and many others — will shape the landscape and soul of the University for generations to come. “Greenery is not just physical; it has a deep psychological impact. It brings peace, clarity, and joy — essential ingredients for true education,” he said. Applauding the vision of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Magotra added that such efforts are turning the campus into a model of ecological harmony. Urging the youth to actively participate, he proposed a meaningful slogan: “Plant a tree so that both the present and the future are elevated.”
The plantation drive marked yet another step in the University’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship and campus sustainability. The plantation drive, aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and ecological awareness, was held in presence of Prof Anju Bhasin, Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, Prof. Sangeeta Gupta, Dean Planning and Development, Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Registrar, Prof. Prakash C. Antahal, Dean Students Welfare, Prof. Rahul Gupta, Rector Bhaderwah Campus, Prof Naresh Padha, Mr. Iftikar Hussain Chauhan, Director Finance, Dept of IT, J&K Department, S. Ajit Singh, Chairman, All J&K Sikh Coordination Committee, Sh Tariq Hussain, Sh Arun Joshi, Mrs Vijya Thakur, S. Harpyas Singh, Prof. Piyush Malviya, Convener Arboriculture and Landscaping Unit. Dr. Guneet Singh Sudan, Director IT, Rectors of offsite campuses, Heads and Directors of teaching departments, faculty members, officers, staff, students, other prominent members of the civil society, and representatives of various associations of the University who enthusiastically participated in planting saplings across the campus.
