Impactful ways to keep Earth clean, green discussed
The Department of Education at Himachal Pradesh University celebrated World Earth Day on Tuesday with a series of engaging activities aimed at raising environmental awareness among students and promoting sustainable living.
The event was chaired by Dr Chaman Lal Banga, Head of the Department and coordinated by Dr Yudhveer, Associate Professor. Students were introduced to practical and impactful ways to keep the Earth clean, green and safe, with an emphasis on personal responsibility and community action.
A major highlight of the celebration was the “Best Out of Waste” competition, where students displayed their creativity by transforming discarded materials into innovative and useful items. The competition not only showcased their talent but also reinforced the message of reducing waste and embracing reuse.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Chaman Lal Banga stressed the importance of recycling and minimising the use of plastic in daily life. He encouraged students to act as ambassadors of change and reminded them that even small actions can collectively make a big difference in protecting the planet.
Adding a cultural dimension to the event, students created colourful charts and posters reflecting the diverse traditions of Himachal Pradesh. These displays featured local attire, folk dances, customs, festivals, and the region’s natural beauty. Through these visual presentations, the students also shared simple yet effective ways to preserve the unique environment of the state.
Earth Day observed with insightful lecture at HPU
The Department of Environmental Science at Himachal Pradesh University observed Earth Day with an enlightening lecture session that brought together students, research scholars and faculty members in a collective celebration of environmental awareness and responsibility.
The event was inaugurated by Dr Mahender Singh Thakur, Chairperson of the Department, who emphasised the significance of Earth Day as a powerful reminder of humanity’s shared duty to protect and preserve the planet. He urged everyone present to reflect on their role in safeguarding the environment for future generations.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr Vikas Bhardwaj, Director and Environmental Scientist with the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Chandigarh. Speaking on the topic “Pollution and the Impact of Heavy Metals,” Dr Bhardwaj presented a compelling overview of the dangers posed by heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury. He discussed their impact on both ecosystems and human health and highlighted the urgent need for pollution control measures, public awareness campaigns and a commitment to sustainable development.
Following the keynote, faculty members shared their insights on the importance of Earth Day and environmental stewardship. Dr Sunil Jaswal stressed the urgency of collective action in addressing environmental challenges and encouraged students to take an active role in promoting awareness.
Other faculty members, including Dr Pushpa Thakur, Dr Kuldeep Singh, Dr Nisha Rani and Dr Kalyani Supriya, also addressed the gathering, inspiring students to adopt sustainable lifestyles and commit themselves to the cause of environmental conservation.
