World Earth Day celebrated at NU campuses

DIMAPUR — World Earth Day on the theme 'Planet vs. plastic’, focusing on the urgent need to address the issue of plastic pollution, was celebrated at various campuses of Nagaland University, on Monday.

The celebration took place at multiple campuses including Lumami, Kohima and Medziphema, where students and faculty members raised awareness about environmental conservation and sustainability, an update stated.

Vice Chancellor of NU, Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, the chief guest of the occasion, highlighted the significance of Earth Day and stressed the collective responsibility to safeguard planet earth for future generations.

A key highlight of the event was a virtual lecture delivered by Prof. P K Mishra, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT BHU, Varanasi. Prof. Mishra shed light on the pressing issue of plastic pollution and the crucial steps needed to mitigate its adverse environmental impacts.

Earlier, the event commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Ashutosh Tripathi, head of Department of Environmental Studies and convener of the programme. Tripathi presented a documentary, offering valuable insights into the detrimental effects of plastic pollution on ecosystems.

Dr. Eliza Khwairakpam chaired the event, while Dr. Latonglila Jamir, Department of Environmental Studies, proposed the vote of thanks.

In the closing ceremony, Prof. M S Rawat, Dean of Sciences, awarded the participants with prizes and certificates in poster-making and model presentation competitions.

Among others, the event was attended by guests including finance officer N Albert Khizho and Prof. Bendag Ao, alongside other faculty members, officials and staff of the university.

In a gesture towards sustainability, saplings were planted by faculties and students at Kohima Campus, exemplifying the commitment to fostering a cleaner and greener planet.

 “The Earth Day celebration at Nagaland University served as a reminder of our duty to protect and preserve the environment for future generations. Through collective action and awareness, we can strive towards a cleaner, greener planet, free from the menace of plastic pollution,” it stated.

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