Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 20: Stressing the importance of environmental conservation deeply rooted in Indian tradition, Vice Chancellor of University of Jammu, Prof Umesh Rai, today said that rising temperatures, depleting groundwater and global warming are urgent reminders to protect nature.
“We are left with no choice but to plant more and more trees if we are to save ourselves,” he said, while interacting with participants of the green campus initiative titled ‘From Sips to Saplings’, organized on the University Campus.
Prof Rai highlighted how ecological symbols like ponds, wells and gardens were once integral to Indian culture and values. “When gardens disappear, childhood disappears too,” he remarked, lamenting the gradual loss of such spaces and its impact on environmental balance. He acknowledged the efforts of the Arboriculture team of the University, particularly Ajmer Singh, in remarkable transformation of the campus over the past three and a half years.
Additional Chief Secretary, J&K Government, Shantmanu, who also attended the event, emphasized the deep connection between humans and nature. “As a child watches a tree grow and as an adult sees it flourish, each stage holds a life lesson,” he said. He called for replacing the slogan ‘Plant Trees, Save the Future’ with ‘Plant Trees, Save the Present’, citing the immediate need for action. He added that such initiatives align with the Prime Minister’s vision reflected in campaigns like ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’.
Padma Shri Prof Lalit Magotra termed the plantation drive a powerful cultural and emotional investment, stating that it goes beyond environmental responsibility.
Those present at the occasion included Prof Anju Bhasin, Prof Neelu Rohmetra, Prof Sangeeta Gupta, Dr Neeraj Sharma, Prof Prakash C Antahal, Prof Rahul Gupta, Prof Naresh Padha, Iftikar Hussain Chauhan, Ajit Singh, as well as rectors of offsite campuses, heads of departments, faculty members, staff, students and civil society members.
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