Green Earth, Sustainable Future: Expert Lecture on Environmental Challenges and Sustainable Lifestyles under the Mission LiFE Initiative

Date: 20-05-2026

Event Report

Under the esteemed blessings and guidance of Chancellor Baba Manmohan Singh Ji, the visionary leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Vijay Dhir, and the continuous support of S. Hardaman Singh Minhas, Secretary of the Sant Baba Bhag Singh Charitable Memorial Society, an expert lecture session was organized under the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative - a nationwide pre-campaign for World Environment Day 2026 launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The event was conducted under the aegis of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) and the Institution’s Innovation Cell in collaboration with the Prithvi Welfare Society. The programme aimed to sensitize students and participants towards environmental conservation, sustainable lifestyles, and ecological responsibility.
The session commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Gurpreet Kaur, Head, Faculty of Agriculture, SBBSU. In her address, she emphasized the growing importance of environmental awareness and encouraged students to actively participate in activities related to environmental protection, sustainable agriculture, and conservation of natural resources. She warmly welcomed the keynote speaker, Dr. Rajeev Sharma, former Head of the Department of Botany and Agriculture at DAV College, Hoshiarpur.
Dr. Rajeev Sharma delivered an insightful and thought-provoking lecture on contemporary environmental challenges and sustainable practices. He highlighted pressing global environmental concerns and stressed the urgent need for collective action to safeguard the planet. He elaborated on important conservation strategies such as tree plantation, water conservation, recycling, scientific waste management, and protection of wildlife and endangered species. He also discussed critical issues including degradation of forest ecosystems, biodiversity loss, climate change, global warming, and the lack of adequate research on indigenous plant species. Further, Dr. Sharma shed light on the harmful impacts of plastics, polythene, and microplastics on both human health and the environment. He emphasized the importance of afforestation and the urgent management of invasive alien species that threaten native biodiversity and ecosystems. Referring to species such as Lantana camara, Prosopis juliflora, water hyacinth, and African catfish, he informed the participants about India’s initiatives, including the National Action Plan on Invasive Alien Species, aimed at preserving ecological balance and biodiversity. He also highlighted the significance of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices in promoting sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation, inspiring students to adopt eco-friendly practices in their daily lives.
Following the expert lecture, Mr. Harinder Singh, President of the Prithvi Welfare Society, addressed the gathering and shared his valuable perspectives on environmental conservation and sustainable development. He explained the concept and significance of seed ball activities and encouraged students to actively participate in such initiatives to increase green cover and
rejuvenate degraded ecosystems. He appreciated the efforts being undertaken under Mission LiFE and motivated students to contribute meaningfully towards environmental protection. Thereafter, Dr. Kulbir Singh, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, SBBSU, addressed the audience and emphasized the collective responsibility of protecting the environment for future generations. He encouraged both students and faculty members to adopt sustainable practices and actively participate in plantation drives and environmental awareness programmes.
The dignitaries and guest speakers were honoured with tokens of appreciation and gratitude for their valuable contributions. The programme concluded with an interactive discussion session with students, a model demonstration on environmental and sustainable agricultural practices, followed by a plantation drive on the university campus led by S. Harinder Singh. Faculty members, guests, and students enthusiastically participated in the plantation activity to promote environmental sustainability and reinforce the message of Mission LiFE.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, faculty members, and staff. Overall, the session proved to be highly informative, inspiring, and successful in spreading awareness about environmental conservation, biodiversity protection, sustainable development, and climate action among the youth and the academic community.