JAMMU: The Botanical Club of the Department of Botany, University of Jammu organised a lecture on ‘Religio-Cultural Environmentalism- Connecting Humans with Nature’ and 360th Session of the Tree Talk in the Department on Monday.
Speaking on topic, O.P Sharma Vidyarthi, a renowned environmentalist, appreciated the concept of religious and cultural traditions in the conservation of natural resources.
Giving important examples of sacred groves and sacred water bodies, Vidyarthi exposed the secrets of old healthy traditions in protecting many plants and animal species. Time has come when these inputs need to the disseminated among the younger generation, he exhorted.
A presentation highlighting the local medicinal flora and wild fauna of the State and its religio-cultural conservation aspects were the main attraction of the talk.
Earlier, Prof. Yash Pal Sharma, Head, Department of Botany, University of Jammu in his welcome remarks introduced the speaker and highlighted his invaluable contributions in bringing all strata of people together in bringing a revolution in environmental awareness.
Prof. Sharma informed the audience about the achievements of Tree Talk which began its first session on 19th Dec, 2010 from the University of Jammu, and is completing 360th session today. He further said that it is heartening to note that over the past several years there has been a tremendous involvement of common masses in the protection and conservation of natural resources.
Seven plant saplings of a very important indigenous anti-cancerous medicinal plant called Oroxylum indicum (Indian trumpet flower tree) locally called as Arlu or Tantaa and used in famous herbal ‘Chywanprash’ formulation were as also planted in the premises of the Department to mark the delight.
Prof. V.S Verma from SKUAST, Jammu, Dr. Harish Dutt also shared their green concerns.
Others who were present on the occasion include Prof. Pankaj Shrivastava, Dean Students Welfare, Prof. Geeta Sumbali, Prof. Namrata Sharma, Dr. Veenu Kaul, Dr. Geeta, Dr. Beetika Kohli, Shalini Aryan Shashipal Lakhanpal, Research Scholars and students of the Department of Botany, University of Jammu.