Science Club Organizes Panel Discussion cum Interaction with Youth to Instill Awareness on International Biodiversity Day in collaboration with Nature and Wildlife Club, and Department of Zoology, University of Jammu

#BePartOfThePlan #BiodiversityDay #ForNature #Science Club #University of Jammu

On May 22, 2024, the Science Club in collaboration with Nature and Wildlife Club successfully conducted an expert panel discussion and interaction with youth to celebrate International Biodiversity Day (IBD). The Program was hosted at department of Zoology, University of Jammu. Prof. Satnam Kour, Chairperson, Utsaah, The Clubs, University of Jammu, recently delivered her views to celebrate the IBD on Dhwani JU and encouraged this awareness program. 

The panel discussions and youth interactions went synergistically well to meet the goal of IBD 2024. The panel consisted of Prof. Parmil Kumar (Bird Expert from J&K and Coordinator, Nature and Wildlife Club), Prof. Sadaf Shah (Coordinator, Literary Club), Dr Sarabjeet Kour (Associate Professor, Dept. of Zoology), Dr Amit Gupta (Associate Professor, Dept. of Zoology), Dr Shash Pal (Assistant Professor, Dept. of Zoology), Dr Pankaj Chhibber (Lecturer, Dept. of Zoology). The panelists laid stress on the awareness and understanding of biodiversity, its importance, and also discussed ways and mechanisms to conserve biodiversity as individual as well as community. Among the experts Prof. Parmil focused on the Theme of this year’s IBD, Be Part of The Plan, what are biodiversity goals and how to achieve them by 2030, he emphasized on 3Rs (Reduce | Reuse | Recycle) and to involve individuals and local community to be a part of PBR (People Biodiversity Register). He illustrated, how an individual can be part of the plan by taking small initiatives of Wrinkles Achhe Hain (WAH) campaign by wearing non-ironed clothes at least once a week, to reduce the carbon footprints. He informed that J&K possesses a rich biodiversity and is leading in the national map through its Biodiversity Council. 

Dr Sarabjeet drew the attention of the participants to this dire need and why is the need to celebrate such occasions, how can we be a part of this revolution and she asked to peep into the inner consciousness to save this earth. As a subject expert she gave examples from aquatic waterbodies of Jammu and detailed about how human action is diminishing and threatening various life forms. She used simple day-to-day examples to inspire the participants. Dr Amit Gupta, spoke vividly on microscopic forms of life and how some of the viruses and many zoonotic in origin are threat to humans and other organisms. Dr Pankaj, who is an active member in contributing towards studying biodiversity of the state, shared his experiences and motivated the youth to take action. Dr Shash Pal, who recently been in news for new species discoveries from Jammu, enlightened the students discussing various causes leading to biodiversity destruction and asked everyone to join hands in saving the planet. Prof. Sadaf Shah gave her opinion and views regarding celebration of this important day and congratulated science club for conducting such events to inspire the youth.

 Young panelists from department of Zoology and Design Your Degree, FYUP and the active participants from the University and outside, took part very enthusiastically in the interaction session. Ms. Tanishq Kour, shared her views about the biodiversity (variety and variability of living creatures on earth) and its role. Ms Deepanjali Slathia made participants aware about the importance of biodiversity. Ms Samiksha Sharma, pointed specific actions causing the loss of biodiversity and how to conserve it. Mr Adil Mahajan, gave example of an amphibian called wood frog. Ms. Paridhi Mahajan, gave example of a porcupine that inspired her for a specific biomaterial. Ms Sarnish, shared how peacock, the National Bird of India, inspires her. They all took examples of diverse life form on earth that can help innovate biomaterials and nature inspired bio-designs.

The program was conducted by Dr. Chinmoyee Maharana, Coordinator, The Science Club and Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, University of Jammu. She acknowledged Prof. Pankaj Kumar, Head in-charge for his support to host the event in the department of Zoology, and she further expressed her indebtedness to the staff for the required assistance. The other dignitaries present during the events were Dr Parvinder Kumar, Dr Rakesh Panjaliya, Dr Raman Jasrotia, Dr Younis and staff members.

Dr Chinmoyee Maharana urged everyone to “Be Part of the Plan”, which is the theme of the International Day for Biodiversity, 2024. She emphasized to act now to halt and reverse the done damage so far, not only for the future of human beings but for the mother earth as well. She reminded the youth that India as a nation believes in “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, that is “world is one family” which includes each and every species and their symbiotic relations on this planet and it’s our moral responsibility to sustain this planet for future generations to come.