World Bamboo Day celebrated at Chandigarh
- 18th September 2023 :: Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women -

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World Bamboo Day celebrated at Chandigarh

In commemoration of the Bicentenary Birth Anniversary of Swami Dayanand Saraswati, the Department of Botany and the Add-on Course in Floriculture and Landscaping at Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women, Sector 36-A, Chandigarh, proudly organized a vibrant celebration of World Bamboo Day. This event, held on 18th September, was an insightful and engaging affair that brought together students, faculty, and bamboo enthusiasts alike.

Dr. Nisha Bhargava, Convenor and Principal of Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women, expressed her delight at the success of the event. Dr. Gunjan Sud, Programme Coordinator, and Head of the Department of Botany, welcomed Prof. Nirmala Chongtham, resource person World Bamboo Ambassador and also a professor at the Department of Botany, Panjab University, Chandigarh.

Dr. Gunjan also briefed about Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women, located in Sector 36-A, Chandigarh. The college is a renowned educational institution dedicated to empowering women through quality education and holistic development. Dr. Purnima Bhandari, Programme Coordinator, Department of Botany, added the importance of the celebration of World Bamboo Day as a small step towards creating awareness about this versatile plant.

World Bamboo Day celebrated at Chandigarh

The event was enlightened by the lecture of Prof. Nirmala on the topic “Bamboo: A Precious Gift of Nature”. She emphasized the critical importance of bamboo in our ecosystem. Bamboo is not just a plant; it's a symbol of sustainability, resilience, and responsible resource management. Prof. Nirmala highlighted that bamboo, often referred to as "green gold," offers numerous benefits to our planet.

As a rapidly renewable resource, bamboo can be harvested without causing deforestation, making it an ideal choice for sustainable construction, furniture production, and a wide range of eco-friendly products. Its ability to sequester carbon dioxide and promote biodiversity also contributes to mitigating climate change and preserving our natural ecosystems. Prof. Nirmala also highlighted the high nutritional benefits of bamboo shoots due to which it is being projected as a superfood.

Participants were treated to a captivating exhibition showcasing a diverse range of bamboo products. From intricately designed handicrafts to eco-friendly products, the exhibition emphasized the manifold applications of bamboo in modern life. Food items such as bamboo cookies, muffin, and pickle were also displayed during the event. A stimulating quiz competition, "Do You Know About Bamboo," was organized to test participants' knowledge about this remarkable plant. Prizes were awarded to those who demonstrated their expertise in the quiz.

World Bamboo Day celebrated at Chandigarh

World Bamboo Day, celebrated annually on September 18th, is an attempt to raise awareness about the immense potential of bamboo and promote its sustainable use. The idea originated in Thailand in 2009, the host of the 8th World Bamboo Congress to mark the anniversary of the inception of the Thai Forestry Bureau, which falls on 18th September when the first World Bamboo Day was celebrated.

It was subsequently endorsed by several bamboo organizations and enthusiasts worldwide. This special day serves as a platform to highlight bamboo's ecological, economic, and cultural significance, fostering a global understanding of its importance in building a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. Moreover, bamboo plays a pivotal role in the livelihoods of many communities around the world.

It provides employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas, and supports local economies through its diverse applications. Its role in soil conservation and watershed management further underscores its significance in sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. In essence, World Bamboo Day is a reminder of the potential for bamboo to shape a greener and more sustainable future.

It encourages us to explore this versatile plant's myriad uses and to integrate it into our daily lives in an environmentally responsible manner, ultimately contributing to the well-being of our planet and future generations.

The event at Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women, Sector 36-A, Chandigarh, was a testament to the institution's commitment to environmental awareness and education. It is hoped that such initiatives will inspire a new generation of eco-conscious individuals to explore the sustainable potential of bamboo and promote a greener, more resilient future.