World Soil Day 2022
Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills :: December 5, 2022

World Soil Day

RGU Observes World Soil Day, 2022 in active collaboration with the Directorate of Soil and Water Conservation, RWD, Government of Arunachal Pradesh

Directorate of Soil and Water Conservation, RWD, Government of Arunachal Pradesh in association with the Department of Social Work, Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) has observed World Soil Day, on the theme, Soils: Where Food Begins. It was organized at the Mini Auditorium, RGU. The programme was attended by over 150 participants including Heads of various Departments, Directors of Institutes, Professors, Faculty Members, Statutory Officers, Research Scholars, Students of Rajiv Gandhi University accompanied by nearly 50 Officers and staff from Directorate of Soil and Water Conservation, RWD, Government of Arunachal Pradesh.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Saket Kushwaha and Registrar, Dr. N.T. Rikam graced the program as Chairman and Guest of Honour, respectively. The Director of Soil & Water Conservation, RWD, Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Joram Puppa and the Soil Conservation Officers, Smti. N.D. Pubiyang together with Mr. R.D. Mosobi, Directorate of Soil and Water Conservation, RWD, Government of Arunachal Pradesh also joined for the programme.

The program started with a plantation drive held in the RGU Campus. Over hundred (100) saplings were planted including Indian Lilac (Neem), Indian Gooseberry (Amla), Gulmohar, Ficus, and the like.

As shared by the Smti. Pubiyang, Soil & Water Conservation Officer, “Soil is a living entity”. It was also highlighted by Smt. Pubiyang that Sikkim being fully organic state calls upon Arunachal and other parts of the country to adopt this sustainable way of living. Mr. Puppa, the Director, Soil and Water Conservation, RWD, Government of Arunachal Pradesh shared his views in a very pragmatic manner, where he mentioned on the importance of maintaining an organic crop pattern and soil preservation techniques in order to ensure a sustainable living.

The Vice Chancellor of RGU highlighted that ‘the nature returns us everything, we only get what we give and soil is no exception in this regard’. It was brought to the fore by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Kushwaha that all the pollution and waste that we dump to the soil directly gets reflected in our grains which we consume and hence we are becoming more susceptible to many diseases and related vulnerabilities.

He called upon the academia and the youth to adopt a healthy life style which is based on natural activities. It was reminded also that nearly 9 out of 10 Indians including those in Arunachal Pradesh have an agricultural family background and hence, Agriculture is embedded in culture of our social fabric which we all need to protect and preserve. Registrar, Dr. N.T. Rikam highlighted the need for an agriculture-based economy in the state.

Dr. Rikam called upon academia to conduct research on more such topics which relate to soil and environment. Both registrar and VC emphasized that beyond disciplinary boundaries such issues should be part and parcel of every course curriculum.

During the program, all the dignitaries and Head of the organising Department, Social Work, Dr. Ravi Ranjan Kumar along with the Program Coordinator from RGU, Ms. Chaphiak Lowang shared their inputs regarding the significance of the Soil preservation.

A documentary was also showcased during the program that served on the similar purpose of significance of soil conservation and living a sustainable life. Members of the Directorate of Soil & Water Conservation, RWD, Arunachal Pradesh shared their views to the audience through the documentary. The students of MASW, Department of Social Work, RGU displayed a very meaningful skit on ‘Conservation of Soil’ and damages of using chemical fertilizers. The documentary and the skit well delivered the message to the audience in a very creative manner.

All the resource persons as well as the skit by MASW students highlighted on the concern that soil being a crucial resource, is under tremendous pressure and constant depletion due to erosion, acidification, excessive use of chemicals, soil salinisation etc. and hence it is need of the hour to take immediate measures to protect and preserve the natural bounty of it which is full of life-giving capacity.