Sant Baba Bhag Singh University celebrated International Day of Biological Diversity and World Environment Day

With the heavenly blessings of Reverend Sant Baba Malkit Singh ji and Reverend Baba Dlawar Singh ji (Brahm ji), and with the benign endorsement of Honorable Chancellor Sant Manmohan Singh ji, and under the valuable guidance of Honorable Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Dharmjit Singh Parmar, Sant Baba Bhag Singh University celebrated International Day of Biological Diversity and World Environment Day sponsored by Punjab Biodiversity Board, organized by Environment Sustainability and Management (ESM) Cell and IPR Cell under the aegis of IQAC on May 27, 2024.

In his inaugural address, the Chief Guest of the Day, Prof. (Dr.) Adarsh Pal Vig, Chairman, Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) and Professor, Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, mentioned that “Be part of the plan” is the theme of this year's International Day for Biological Diversity, which is marked on May 22, urging collective efforts across countries and sectors. Whereas, the theme for World Environment Day 2024 is "Land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience," with the slogan "Our Land, Our Future. This theme highlights environmental challenges that affect ecosystems and communities around the world. Between May 22 and June 5, both International Day of Biological Diversity and World Environment Day are celebrated throughout the world. Prof. (Dr.) Vig said that this day is celebrated as a reminder of the importance of environmental protection and sustainability. He emphasized that we are all gathering here to raise awareness about the critical environmental challenges facing our planet and to mobilize efforts to address them. By coming together at such events, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting the environment, promoting sustainability, and ensuring a healthier and more resilient future for all life on Earth. It's a day to reflect on our individual and collective impact on the planet and to take meaningful action to safeguard its precious resources.Prof. Vig highlighted that change at the individual level is a must for changing the world and protecting the environment.

Dr. Dharmjit Singh Parmar, Vice-Chancellor of the University expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Baba Janak Singh Ji, Sant Manmohan Singh Ji (Honourable Chancellor), and S. Hardaman Singh Minhas (Honourable Secretary of Sant Baba Bhag Singh Educational Complex for their support. Dr. Parmar extended his deepest gratitude toProf. (Dr.) Adarsh Pal Vig (Chairman, PPCB) for invaluable contributions for environment protection and management as well as his time to time guidance to the University. Dr. Parmar also offered sincere thanks to Er. R. K. Ratra (Senior Environmental Engineer, PPCB, Zonal Office, Jalandhar), Er. Sandeep Kumar, (XEN/Executive Engineer, PPCB, Regional Office-1, Jalandhar), Er. Jangir Singh (SDO, PPCB, Regional Office-1, Jalandhar), Er. Manvinder Singh (SDO, PPCB, Regional Office-1, Jalandhar), Er. Surbhi (SDO, PPCB, Regional Office-1, Jalandhar) and Er. Akashdeep Singh (JEE, PPCB, Regional Office-1, Jalandhar).

The plantation drive was carried out in the Sant Baba Malkit Singh Ji Memorial Botanical Garden, which was coordinated by Dr. Vikas (Director R&D) and Dr. Anil K Singh (Assistant Dy. Dean Academics). About 100 saplings were planted to enhance the diversity of plants in the University. The students of B. Sc. (Nursing) and GNM from Sant Baba Bhag Singh Institute of Nursing (SBBSIN) also actively participated in this event. Thereafter, Prof. (Dr.) Adarsh Pal Vig (Chairman, PPCB) and Er. R. K. Ratra (Senior Environmental Engineer, PPCB, Zonal Office, Jalandhar)visited the Vermicompost Unit of the University, which was initially established by Dr. Vig. From the Agriculture department, Dr. Vijay Singh and Dr. Ajit Pal Singh briefed about the progress of the vermicomposting. Dr. Vig offered them to visit GNDU to develop and modify the existing vermicomposting facility in order to promote organic farming. Dr. Shalu and Dr. P. S. Tyagi showed them the agricultural biodiversity. Thereafter, poster session was held on ground floor of block-5 which was coordinated by Dr. Mahendra Kurmar (IPR Cell). Various students from different departments participated in the poster session.

Dr. Vijay Dhir (Dean Academics) appreciated the efforts of Dr. Mahendra Kurmar (IPR Cell), Dr. Shweta Singh (Dean UIS), Dr. Nisha Sharma (Dy. Dean UIS), Dr. Indu Sharma (coordinator, ESM Cell), and their team for executing well-coordinated biodiversity event in the premises of the Sant Baba Bhag Singh University.Further, Dr. Indu Sharma (coordinator, ESM cell) acknowledged the relentless efforts of all the faculty members and students involved in the thriving organization of this plantation drive and poster session. For the unceasing hospitality services, Dr. Indu Sharma expressed her gratitude to Mr. Roop Singh, Mr. Pawan Kumar and Mr. Sukhvir Singh of the Department of Hotel Management and their whole staff of committed instructors and students. During this event, Dr. Aneet Kumar (Registrar), Dr. Vijay Dhir (Dean Academics), Mr. Roop Singh (Dy. Registrar), and Deans of Institutes were also present. Dr. Vikrant Jaryan (UIA) conducted the stage.

Guests of the Event:

1. Prof. (Dr.) Adarsh Pal Vig, Chairman, PPCB
2. Er. R. K. Ratra, Senior Environmental Engineer (SEE), PPCB, Zonal Office, Jalandhar
3. Er. Sandeep Kumar, XEN (Executive Engineer), PPCB, Regional Office-1, Jalandhar
4. Er. Jangir Singh, SDO, PPCB, Regional Office-1, Jalandhar
5. Er. Manvinder Singh, SDO, PPCB, Regional Office-1, Jalandhar
6. Er. Surbhi, SDO, PPCB, Regional Office-1, Jalandhar
7. Er. Akashdeep Singh, JEE, PPCB, Regional Office-1, Jalandhar