On June 5th, 2024, the Eco Club, in association with Daksha College Union,
outstanding an impactful celebration of World Environment Day at the General
Hall of Government College of Teacher Education (GCTE), Thycaud,
Thiruvananthapuram. This year’s theme, “Land Restoration, Desertification, and
Drought Resilience,” highlighted the urgent need to address land degradation,
which affects up to 40% of the planet’s land and directly impacts half of the
world’s population, according to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification.
Coordinated by Smt. Asha Krishnan (Assistant Professor) and convened by Dr.
A.V. Sujith (Principal), the event was meticulously planned to not only raise
awareness but also to inspire actionable steps towards environmental
sustainability.
The program commenced with a serene prayer led by Daya Baburaj, setting a
reflective and earnest tone for the day’s proceedings. Aslamiya N.S. delivered a
compelling welcome address, underscoring the significance of World
Environment Day. She highlighted the historical context of the event, first
celebrated in 1973 under the slogan “Only One Earth,” and emphasized the
collective efforts required to combat the pressing environmental issues of our
time.
Dr. A.V. Sujith, in his presidential address, stressed the critical role that
educational institutions play in fostering environmental stewardship. He
encouraged students and faculty alike to integrate sustainable practices into their
daily lives and academic pursuits.
His address was a call to action, urging
everyone to contribute to a sustainable future.
The formal inauguration was carried out by Shri. G. Madhavadas, Ward
Counsellor of Thycaud. Dr. Madhavadas spoke passionately about community
initiatives and the pivotal role of local governance in environmental conservation.
He praised the proactive approach of the college and its students, reinforcing the
importance of community involvement in achieving significant environmental
goals.
A major highlight of the event was the resource talk by Dr. Sujith V. Gopalan, a
distinguished conservation biologist and consultant. He focused on the current
environmental challenges, particularly land degradation, desertification, and
drought resilience.
He provided a comprehensive analysis of these issues and
their global impact, aligning his discussion with the 2024 theme. His insights
were not only educational but also inspirational, motivating the attendees to think
critically about their role in mitigating environmental degradation.
Following Dr. Gopalan’s talk, felicitations were offered by Dr. Shiba T.C
(Assistant Professor) and Amal R (College Union Chairman). Both speakers
acknowledged the commendable efforts of the volunteers and emphasized the
importance of ongoing commitment to environmental causes. Their speeches
reinforced the collective responsibility we share in ensuring a sustainable future.
The event also featured a series of engaging activities designed to translate the
day’s discussions into concrete actions.
Volunteers of the Haritha Karma Sena
were honoured for their dedicated efforts in promoting sustainability and green
practices within the community. Students presented well-researched papers on
various environmental topics, showcasing their innovative ideas for addressing
environmental challenges. These presentations highlighted the academic
community’s engagement with and commitment to environmental issues.
The program concluded with a symbolic yet impactful activity: the planting of
seedlings. This act of planting not only symbolized the day’s theme but also
represented a tangible commitment to nurturing the planet. The event’s
conclusion with the planting ceremony encapsulated the essence of World
Environment Day, emphasizing the need for immediate and sustained action.
Ganga B.S. delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all
participants, speakers, and organizers for their contributions to the event’s
success. She highlighted the collaborative effort involved in organizing such a
significant event and reiterated the importance of continuing these efforts beyond
World Environment Day. Throughout the event, Meenu Jose’s seamless
anchoring ensured the program flowed smoothly and kept the audience engaged.
The World Environment Day celebration by the Eco Club, in association with
Daksha College Union, was a resounding success. It effectively raised awareness
about critical environmental issues and inspired participants to take concrete
actions towards sustainability. The event exemplified the power of community
and education in fostering a culture of environmental stewardship, reminding us
all that while World Environment Day is a cause for celebration, it is also a
powerful call to action for the preservation of our planet
