Plantation is the way to control the global warming
- 04th May 2023 :: Dr. B.R. Sur Homoeopathic Medical College, Delhi -

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As the year 2023 marks the G20 presidency with the theme 'Vasudevkutumbkam', Dr. B. R.Sur Homoeopathic Medical College Hospital and Research Centre observed 'Earth day’ by organising a plantation drive of medicinal plants on 4th May 2023 in the college premises. It was organised by the Swachhata committee of the institution in collaboration with the student’s council to sensitize the faculty, staff and students about the need to inculcate the universal sense of preserving the environment.

The Chief Guest of the program was Shri Rakesh Kumar Jain, Akhil Bhartiyasah Sah Sanyojak, Paryavaran Sanrakshan Gatividhi (PSG). Other guests who graced the occasion included Shri Punit Sood, Delhi Prant Sah Sanyojak, Shri Vikram Bery, Delhi Delhi Prant Sah Pramukh, PSG Waste Management and Dr. Leena Chhatre CMO NFSG, Directorate of Ayush.

The program was initiated by lighting the lamp followed by welcome of the honourable guests on the dais and welcome address by Dr. (Prof) Neeraj Gupta, Principal of the Institute. He talked about the importance of 'Earth day' and highlighted the need to plant trees to save our planet. He told that when the atom bomb was dropped on Nagasaki on 6 Aug 1945, lot of destruction, death and devastation of forest trees and plants occurred but only survivor was Ginkgo biloba which shows about it's radiation protection effects.

He said that the Vedic scriptures mentions about Kalpavriksha, the tree of life and how it emerged from the primal waters during the ocean churning process( Samudramanthan) along with Kamadhenu, the divine cow that bestows all needs. He reiterated that the institute has taken every step to inculcate the eco friendly and clean habits among the students. He also affirmed the Institute's commitment to the significant and energizing concept of 'Swachhata' and also towards a clean and green campus.

Speaking on the occasion chief guest Shri Rakesh Kumar Jain ji, apprised the gathering about the various activities being undertaken throughout India to generate awareness about saving trees, water and against use of polythene. Through a song he talked about the contribution and sacrifices of Amrita Devi of Rajasthan who sacrificed her life in 1730 while saving the khejritrees from the king's man who had come to cut down them.

To motivate the students he talked about various environmentalists like Gurgaon's tree man Deepak Gaur, forest man of India Jaidevpayenge and Karnataka's pride Saalumarada Thimaka who is working for the cause of protecting the environment.

Shri Punit Sood highlighted the need to cut down the use of polythene and one time use plastics to reduce the carbon footprint as well as to check the carcinogenic effects of it. He also emphasized the need to reuse, reduce and recycle.

Addressing the gathering Dr. Leena Chattre told about the upcoming concept of Green hospitals which takes care of patients' well-being while using resources in an efficient, environment friendly manner.

Emphasizing the proper waste management for a clean environment Shri Vikram Bery talked about the importance of the involvement of the young generation in various programmes. He appealed every one not to throw the seeds of fruits/ vegetables but utilise them to grow new plants. He added that per person liability for tree plantation in India is very high as there should be 422 trees per person but we have only 28.

On the occasion, a poster and poem writing competition was organised. Students took this opportunity with enthusiasm to show their talent and creativity in the form of beautiful posters and poems. Saplings and certificates were given to the winners. Ms Niharika Sapra III BHMS, Ms Tanvi II BHMS and Ms Manasvi, I BHMS winners of the poem writing competition recited their poems.

A skit was presented by Interns, JRs and SRs of the Institute depicting the environmental changes that have occurred from 1940 to 2023 and its effect in our lives.

It was followed by the Plantation drive which began with planting of Kalpvriksh in the college premises by honourable chief guest, Principal of the college and other dignitaries. Close to 50 saplings of different medicinal plants like cardamom, bishop weeds, cathedral bells, ocimum, insulin, aloe vera and lemongrass etc were planted by the faculty staff and students of the institute. Saplings were also distributed to first year students for planting in the herbal garden under the supervision of nodal officer of horticulture committee Dr. Amar Bodhi.

The program ended with the vote of thanks by Dr. (Prof.) Archana Narang nodal officer, Swachata committee.

The event was a huge success as the staff members as well as the students showed an overwhelming response towards the drive.

Dr. Moirangthem Jiban Singh
Assistant Professor
Department of Environmental Studies
Swami Shraddhanand College, University of Delhi.