Chamba govt college students embrace wildlife conservation

The Department of Zoology and the Department of Botany of Government College, Chamba, jointly celebrated World Wildlife Week under the banners of the Society for Wildlife and Nature and Neo Botany. The week-long programme featured a series of awareness activities, lectures and competitions aimed at promoting the conservation of wildlife, nature, and the environment.

Dr Manesh Verma, Head of the Zoology Department and president of the Society for Wildlife and Nature, said as in previous years, several activities were organised to spread awareness about the importance of protecting wildlife and maintaining ecological balance. During the programme, various speakers delivered lectures encouraging students to appreciate the role of wildlife and the environment in sustaining life on Earth.

Renowned environmentalist, scientist, mountaineer and retired principal Dr Bipan C Rathore graced the concluding ceremony as the chief guest. He also felicitated the winners of the competitions and delivered an inspiring address, emphasising that forests and wildlife are invaluable gifts of nature upon which human existence, progress, and prosperity depend.

He reminded the audience that humanity’s deep connection with forests and wild creatures dates back to ancient times, when humans themselves lived in harmony with nature. Over time, however, man’s growing intelligence and technological development led to his separation from nature, making him believe he is its master rather than its caretaker.

Dr Rathore said while forests and wild animals can survive without human help, humankind cannot exist without them. He urged everyone to pay attention to the conservation of water, air, trees, plants and wildlife, stressing that nature conservation has always been an integral part of Indian philosophy. He also called upon the youth to cultivate a scientific temper and rational thinking, speaking passionately on the need to replace superstition and unscientific practices with knowledge and reason. His engaging and thought-provoking talk left the students inspired.

As part of the celebration, several competitions such as quiz, speech, poster-making, slogan-writing and essay-writing were held. The students displayed great enthusiasm and creativity in expressing their ideas about wildlife and nature conservation.