SCERT Jammu concludes workshop on “Environmental Sustainability and Cultural Awareness”
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Jammu, concluded a workshop on “Environmental Sustainability and Cultural Awareness” for masters, teachers, and lecturers representing all ten districts of Jammu Division.
Held under the mentorship of Shantmanu, Director SCERT, J&K, and the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Sindhu Kapoor, Joint Director, JKSCERT Jammu, the workshop focused on developing actionable strategies for embedding eco-cultural values into teaching practices in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The inaugural ceremony commenced with the Lighting of the Lamp by Chief Guest O.P. Vidyarthi (Retd. IFS Officer and Sahitya Akademi Awardee), alongside Prof. (Dr.) Sindhu Kapoor and other dignitaries.
The session featured a Welcome Address by Dr. Neeraj Jandial, Associate Professor, SCERT Jammu, followed by a Keynote Address by Rajesh Hali, Senior Academic Officer, who emphasized innovative pedagogical approaches for sustainable education.
O.P. Vidyarthi highlighted the need for reviving traditional practices to combat environmental challenges, while Prof. (Dr.) Sindhu Kapoor stressed the importance of teacher preparedness for achieving sustainability targets. The session concluded with a Vote of Thanks from Ms. Farhat Jahan, Academic Officer & Workshop Coordinator, acknowledging the collaborative efforts behind the program’s success.
The technical sessions brought forward insightful perspectives from distinguished speakers. Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu, emphasized the integration of local knowledge, Sustainable Development Goals, and cultural rootedness in environmental education. He highlighted the “Right Tree, Right Place” concept as a guiding principle for ecological restoration and sustainable afforestation practices.
Rajesh Hali, Senior Academic Officer, Central Move Office, focused on innovative pedagogies for integrating eco-cultural values in the school curriculum, advocating for experiential learning, storytelling, and community engagement. Additionally, an awareness lecture on the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan encouraged healthy, drug-free communities as a foundation for sustainable development. Group participation allowed teachers from all districts to collaboratively prepare guidelines for environmental awareness in the curriculum, reflecting local perspectives and diversity.
The workshop moved beyond awareness-building to achieve practical outcomes, with participants collaboratively designing school-level action plans for environmental sustainability and cultural awareness. Strategies included eco-friendly campus initiatives, student-led green clubs, cultural heritage projects, and vocational training in sustainable crafts, all aimed at strengthening school-community partnerships and aligning with national and global sustainability goals. The valedictory function, led by the Joint Director, focused on collective environmental duties and the importance of education in fostering responsibility among future generations, while organizers and educators expressed readiness to implement the proposed initiatives in their respective schools and communities.
The organizing team included Dr. Meenakshi Chandan (Associate Coordinator), Dr. Seema Zakir (Moderator), Rukhsana Kousar, Sabha Rasheed, Pooja Sharma, Meena Thakur, Dr. Sunita Sharma, and Monica Sharma, whose efforts ensured the initiative’s success.
