Srinagar: To raise awareness about environmental protection and sustainability, the University of Kashmir organised a mega student rally to observe the ‘World Environment Day’.
The NSS volunteers, scholars and students from various university departments and the students of the KU Model School participated in the event jointly organised by the varsity’s Department of Students Welfare and Office of the NSS Coordinator. On the occasion, Prof Nilofer Khan, emphasised the importance of collective action to safeguard the environment not only in the campus but outside the campus as well.
“Our commitment to protect the environment is not just for today, but for the future generations. It is heartening to see our students take the lead in this crucial cause,” she said, adding that the varsity is devising a mechanism to ensure all its campuses maintain and uphold its mission of protecting the environment.
“If we do not act now, things will go haywire and it is our students and the younger generation who can bring about change in our collective mindset and propose ideas to safeguard our future,” she maintained, adding that the varsity is contemplating on restricting the entry of vehicles into the campus.
The KU Registrar, Prof Naseer Iqbal, highlighted the role of education in encouraging environmental ambassadorship. “Educational institutions like ours have a crucial role in shaping the mindset of young individuals towards a sustainable future as there is a dire need to preserve our culture and our environment for posterity,” he reiterated, adding that the varsity will very soon implement the guidelines set for penalising those violating any environmental norms across the campuses.
Dean Students Welfare, Prof Shamim Iqbal, said that students have a larger role to change the whole scenario of the world environment. “You are the torch-bearers and you only can decide the future discourse,” he said, adding that the varsity has already introduced green energy across its campuses.
Despite inclement weather, KU Vice Chancellor Prof Nilofer Khan flagged-off the rally. She was accompanied by KU Registrar Prof Naseer Iqbal, Dean, Students Welfare, Prof Shamim Iqbal, NSS Coordinator Dr Musavir Ahmad besides representatives from the administration, faculty and proctorial organisation.
Undeterred by the rain, the rally traversed the campus, with students displaying placards bearing messages on environmental protection, raising slogans and engaging with students and faculty and spreading awareness about the day’s significance.
Cultural Officer, Shahid Ali Khan, conducted the proceedings of the event.
Meanwhile, the NSS Unit of the varsity’s South Campus organised an on-campus ‘Green Walkathon’ to mark the ‘World Environment Day’.
Director, South Campus, Prof Raies Ahmad Qadri, emphasised the importance of collective efforts in preventing undesirable changes in our environment. He said, “Educational institutions have a pivotal role in mobilising the community for the restoration of land and the development of a robust and resilient ecosystem.
