PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, May 23: Ghatshila-based Sona Devi University concluded its eight-day World Environment Day awareness campaign with a grand closing ceremony, reinforcing the message of turning environmental protection into a mass movement.
The initiative aimed to promote environmental awareness and sustainable living among students through a series of academic, cultural, and interactive activities. The programme included yoga sessions, poster and slogan-writing competitions, environmental quizzes and awareness discussions focused on ecological challenges and conservation.
Students Honoured for Environmental Awareness Activities
The concluding ceremony began with the traditional lighting of the lamp, symbolising enlightenment and collective responsibility towards nature.
Anusua Rai, Head of the Department of English, conducted the programme.
Students who performed well in different competitions during the campaign were awarded certificates by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr Braj Mohan Pat Pingua and Krishnendu Dutta, Head of the Department of Mathematics.
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Faculty Stress Need for Environmental Conservation
Addressing the gathering, Princi, Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics, said environmental conservation should become a collective social responsibility instead of remaining limited to policy discussions.
She encouraged students to adopt water conservation, energy-saving measures and eco-friendly lifestyles.
Monali Mahanta, a student of the Department of Agricultural Science, highlighted the close relationship between humans and nature and urged youth to participate in tree plantation drives, cleanliness campaigns and efforts to reduce plastic use.
Vice-Chancellor Calls Environmental Protection a Lifelong Responsibility
In his presidential address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr Braj Mohan Pat Pingua said environmental protection is a lifelong ethical responsibility and not a one-day agenda.
“The true purpose of education is not merely earning degrees, but becoming responsible citizens committed to society and nature,” he said.
He urged every student to plant at least one tree and adopt environmentally responsible habits.
University Chancellor Prabhakar Singh also stressed that meaningful development must go hand in hand with ecological balance and encouraged students to become agents of environmental change.
The programme concluded with a rendition of the national song and the national anthem by Sangeeta Choudhary, Head of the Department of Music.
The university community appreciated the efforts of Anusua Rai for successfully coordinating the eight-day campaign.
The initiative reflected Sona Devi University’s continued commitment towards environmental awareness, social responsibility and sustainable development.