JU hosts “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” Plantation Drive, inaugurates “Maa Prithvi Ka Sneh Udyan”

The Department of Home Science, University of Jammu in collaboration with the Arboriculture and Landscaping unit, UoJ organized a unique plantation drive, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, alongside the inauguration of “Maa Prithvi Ka Sneh Udyan” on campus. This meaningful event celebrates the nurturing spirit of mothers and nature, promoting sustainability and ecological awareness within the community. It symbolizes a shared dedication to environmental preservation, enhances campus beauty, and creates a tranquil green space for students and faculty to experience peace, inspiration, and the wonders of nature.

The udyan inauguration ceremony was marked by plantation of saplings by the faculty, scholars, students, and young children and mothers of the Surabhi nursery school and day care center, who came together to dedicate this green space as a tribute to the compassion and selflessness symbolized by both mothers and Mother Earth.

Prof. Monika Chadha, Chairperson Campus Cultural Committee, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. She commended the Department’s efforts to blend environmental consciousness with cultural values, noting that the udyan serves as a tribute to both our planet and the nurturing spirit that sustains us. Prof. Chadha expressed her hope that the lessons in environmental stewardship imparted to the young children would stay with them throughout their lives.

Prof. Piyush Malviya, Convener, GCTF-JU and Head, Department of Environment Science was the guest of honor. He shared his aspiration for the “Maa Prithvi Ka Sneh Udyan” to become a serene, eco-friendly space on campus, providing students a place for reflection and reconnection with nature. He also highlighted that, under the university's green campus initiatives, more than 300 trees have been planted across the campus.

Prof. Sarika Manhas, Head of the Department of Home Science, shared the vision behind the garden and plantation drive. She emphasized that, as an academic institution, the university’s mission is not only to impart knowledge but also to instil respect and responsibility toward the planet. She further remarked that the creation of this udyan is more than just beautifying the campus; it stands as a commitment to a sustainable future and a green legacy for generations to come.

Adding a delightful element to the event, the toddlers from the university’s nursery school performed a lively song and dance routine with an environmental theme, leaving the audience touched and inspired. The children and their mothers eagerly participated in planting saplings on the department’s lawns, promising to nurture both the plants and the garden.

Prominent attendees included Prof. Neeru Sharma, Prof. Shashi Manhas, Prof. Lalit Sen, Prof. Samridhi Arora, Sh. Ajmer Singh, Dr. Sarabjeet Kaur, Dr. Priyanka Arya, Dr. Chinmoye Maharana, Dr. Shelly, Dr. Charu Mohan, and Mr. Pawan Sharma.

The children's performance was beautifully coordinated under the guidance of nursery school teachers Ms. Mamta Singh, Ms. Puja Saraf, and Ms. Seema Sharma, and support staff Ms. Neelam, Ms. Suman and Ms. Anu. The event was skillfully conducted by Ms. Vinish Malik, a research scholar from the department.