15th Tree Talk Foundation Day-2025 celebrated at JU 

Jammu, Dec 19: Department of Botany in collaboration with “Tree Talk Group” proudly celebrated 15th Tree Talk Foundation Day-2025, marking fifteen years of dedicated service towards environmental awareness, tree conservation, taxonomic knowledge and sustainable living. The Foundation Day celebration was held at Botanical Garden, University of Jammu, where faculty members of Department of Botany, University of Jammu and Cluster University, Jammu along with herbal innovators, taxonomists, social workers, research scholars and school students gathered to celebrate the tree talk journey. 

The celebration was commemorated in the august presence of Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, University of Jammu, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Prof. Rohmetra in her remarks emphasized upon the urgent need for collective action to protect nature. She stated that planting and nurturing trees is not just an environmental duty but a moral responsibility towards future generations. She also expressed gratitude to all volunteers, supporters and partners who have contributed to the Tree Talk Campaign’s success over the years.

The Tree Talk Campaign was initiated by Sh. Om Prakash Vidyarthi, IFS (Retd.), whose vision and leadership have been instrumental in promoting harmony between nature and society.  Speaking on the occasion, Sh. OP Vidyarthi reiterated that environmental protection begins with awareness and action at the grassroots level. He highlighted the need to move beyond symbolic plantation and focus on long-term care and conservation of trees. He also acknowledged the unwavering support of volunteers and partners who have strengthened the Tree Talk Campaign’s mission over the years.

Earlier, Prof. Susheel Verma, Head Department of Botany, welcomed all the dignitaries, Tree Talk members, faculty members from various institutions, herbal innovators, research scholars and students. He in his opening remarks congratulated Tree Talk Group for successfully completing fifteen years of social and nature service. 

During the event various herbal innovators showcased various edible items, beverages and crafts made of plants and plant parts. This exhibition put an impactful impression on the young minds towards biodiversity values and conservation. The event highlighted the Tree Talk Group’s impactful work and renewed its commitment to addressing pressing environmental challenges such as deforestation, climate change and biodiversity loss.

Among others present on the occasion were Padma Shri awardee Sh. Romalo Ram; Dr. Ashok Bhan, IPS (Retd.); Dr. S. P. Vaid, IPS (Retd.); Sh. Dilbagh Singh, IPS (Retd.); Prof. Yash Pal Sharma, Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences; Prof. Veenu Kaul, Former Head, Department of Botany; along with faculty members of the Department of Botany, University of Jammu.