Grand celebrations mark 50th World Environment Day at GDC Shopian

SHOPIAN — The Government Degree College (GDC) Shopian, in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Science, the Debates and Seminars Committee, and the National Service Scheme (NSS) Unit of the college, came together on Monday to commemorate the 50th World Environment Day with great enthusiasm and passion.

The event, held in the college auditorium, witnessed a vibrant gathering of students from various semesters, NSS volunteers, and esteemed faculty members, all showcasing their unwavering commitment and concern for environmental issues.

Kicking off the program was a soul-stirring Tilawat-e-Quran by Shibli Ahsan, a student from the 2nd semester, setting a contemplative tone for the day’s events. Following the recitation, Professor Sayar Yaseen, Head of the Department of Environmental Science, took the stage to deliver a warm Welcome Address. He graciously greeted the distinguished audience and emphasized the importance and objective of this year’s theme, #BeatPlasticPollution.

A highlight of the event was the keynote address delivered by Professor Mahmood Ahmad Tak, a senior faculty member of the college. Prof. Tak provided an insightful overview of the background and significance of World Environment Day, stressing the crucial role of individual responsibility and collective action in combatting the menace of plastic pollution.

Dr. Abdul Barey Shah, a Lecturer in Environmental Science, also delivered a compelling talk on the theme “Solutions to Plastic Pollution,” shedding light on global plastic production and raising awareness about the urgent need to alter our lifestyles to eliminate plastic waste from our environment.

Further enriching the program, Prof. Sayar Yaseen delivered a lecture on “Mission LiFE,” an initiative undertaken by the Government of India to address environmental issues. He showcased the college’s activities carried out under this theme during the current academic session.

The event continued with a series of competitive activities among the college students, including Speech, Painting, and Essay Competitions. Participants displayed exceptional oratory skills and a deep understanding of the environmental challenges posed by plastic pollution. Faculty members acted as the jury, evaluating the students’ individual capabilities and selecting three winners for each competition.

In his presidential address, the esteemed Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Mohd Shafiq, applauded the efforts of the Department of Environmental Science and the NSS wing for organizing such a remarkable event. He emphasized the college’s commitment to combat plastic pollution and announced the college’s ambitious plans to become a Plastic Waste-Free Campus by implementing more renewable energy sources.

The felicitation ceremony held at the end of the day honored the speakers with mementos as tokens of appreciation from the Department of Environmental Science. The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Principal and senior faculty members. Additionally, certificates were distributed among the students to recognize their dedication and commitment to the environment.

The 50th World Environment Day celebration at Government Degree College Shopian served as a testament to the institution’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and the holistic development of its students. It stood as a reminder that collective efforts and individual actions are essential in safeguarding our planet and creating a sustainable future for generations to come.

By instilling a sense of responsibility and empowering students to become environmentally conscious citizens, the college aims to make significant contributions to global efforts addressing environmental challenges.

Events like the World Environment Day celebration encourage students to become ambassadors of change, spreading awareness and implementing practical solutions within their communities. With such initiatives, GDC Shopian nurtures a new generation of environmentally conscious leaders who will shape a greener and brighter tomorrow.