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Cradled in the lap of mountains at the foothills of auspicious Trikuta, besides the river Tawi at an altitude of 1030 ft. is Jammu. This 'city of temples' has many places...
University of Jammu Marks World Environment Day with Plantation Drive and Biodiversity Conservation Initiative
Jammu, June 5: The Department of Journalism and Media Studies, in collaboration with the Department of Zoology, University of Jammu, organized a plantation drive and biodiversity conservation activities at the University's Zoological Park to commemorate World Environment Day. The initiative was undertaken to promote environmental stewardship, community engagement, and experiential learning in line with the vision of the University's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Umesh Rai, who himself is a distinguished academic from the discipline of Zoology and has always emphasized that the role of higher educational institutions should extend beyond the dissemination of knowledge and focus on nurturing social consciousness, environmental responsibility, and the values of responsible citizenship among students.
The programme witnessed the enthusiastic participation of nearly 200 students from PSPS Government Degree College, Gandhi Nagar, and GGM Science College, Jammu. The students are currently undergoing training under the Summer Internship Programme being conducted by the Department of Journalism and Media Studies in accordance with the University Grants Commission (UGC) Internship Guidelines. As part of the initiative, the interns planted saplings across the Zoological Park and installed artificial bird nests, demonstrating their commitment to biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.
To further encourage environmental awareness, the Department of Zoology also organized a quiz competition and a slogan-writing competition focusing on environmental conservation and environmental journalism. These activities provided students with an opportunity to engage critically with contemporary environmental challenges, conservation strategies, and the role of media in promoting public awareness.
Addressing the participants, Head of the Department of Zoology, Prof. Seema Langer, highlighted that environmental conservation is a shared societal responsibility. She observed that plantation drives, biodiversity conservation measures, and wildlife-friendly initiatives play a vital role in strengthening ecological balance while fostering environmental awareness among the younger generation.
Head of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, Prof. Dushyant Kumar Rai, stated that the Summer Internship Programme aims to expose students to meaningful real-world experiences beyond the classroom. He noted that participation in environmental and community-based initiatives enables students to develop a deeper understanding of responsible communication, social engagement, and public-interest journalism. He further emphasized that such activities help students establish a meaningful connection with nature while cultivating a socially responsive outlook.
Appreciating the efforts of the student interns, Prof. Pankaj Kumar from the Department of Zoology remarked that even small collective actions can act as catalysts for long-term positive environmental change and inspire communities to adopt sustainable practices. Dr. Sarabjeet Kour encouraged the students to embrace environmentally responsible lifestyles and remain committed to the principles of sustainable development in their personal and professional lives. Dr. Arti Sharma highlighted the importance of biodiversity conservation and urged students to actively participate in environmental protection initiatives, emphasizing that youth engagement is essential for building a greener and more sustainable future.
Among those present on the occasion were faculty members from the Department of Zoology, including, Dr. Parvinder Kumar, Dr. Amit Gupta, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Dr. Ripu Daman Parihar, Dr. Shash Pal, Dr. Pankaj Chibber, Dr. Nidhi Slathia, along with faculty members from the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, Dr. Pardeep Singh, Dr. Ravia Gupta, Dr. Kumerjit Chajgotra, and Dr. Ramiyan Bhardwaj. The faculty members encouraged students to actively contribute to environmental conservation, biodiversity enhancement, and community service initiatives.
The event stands as a strong reflection of the University of Jammu's commitment to environmental sustainability, interdisciplinary collaboration, experiential learning, and the holistic development of its students.