WORLD ENVIORNMENT CONSERVATION ORGANIZED

WORLD ENVIORNMENT CONSERVATION ORGANIZED

2-JULY-ENG 5

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA------------------------On the occasion of the International Environment Fortnight, a one-day seminar on "World Environment Conservation" was organized at Satyanarayan Jeeyarswami International High School, Khajuata, under the joint aegis of the Vishwa Yuvak Kendra (New Delhi) and Antyodaya Chetan Mandal (Bhojpur).

The event was inaugurated through the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by a group of dignitaries: Pradyumna Gaurav (Divisional Forest Officer, Bhojpur), Karpuri Thakur (Block Development Officer, Udwant Nagar), Dr. P.K. Dwivedi (former Senior Scientist and Head, KVK Bhojpur), Umesh Kumar (School Director), Prof. Paras Rai (former DSW, Veer Kunwar Singh University), and Dr. Ambarish Rai (Department of Postgraduate Geography).

The chief guest, the Divisional Forest Officer, noted that Bihar is currently experiencing a rainfall deficit due to the impact of El Niño. He emphasized that the days ahead are fraught with challenges, necessitating the planting of as many trees as possible through social forestry and other forestry methods. He assured that his department is always ready to provide full support for this cause, stressing that "if there are trees, there is water and life."

The Block Development Officer urged the students to make their campus lush and green and to make every possible effort to keep it plastic-free, warning that plastic is poised to cause immense damage to the environment in the future.

Dr. Paras remarked that the concept of the *Panchatattva* (the five elements) has existed in our culture since ancient times, and what we now call "environmental balance" is essentially the balance among these elements. He noted that the current lack of equilibrium among air, water, and land is leading to various environmental challenges.

Dr. Ambarish highlighted the nationwide water crisis, attributing it to environmental changes. He emphasized the need for a holistic approach to tackle these challenges, calling for collective effort from both children and the youth.

Dr. Dwivedi advised that water conservation must begin at home; measures should be taken to conserve water flowing from rooftops and doorways. He also suggested collecting fruit seeds and scattering them in barren areas during the monsoon season to foster the growth of new plants. Rajendra Gupta, a well-known environmentalist from Bhojpur, advised the children to plant as many trees as possible on memorable days of their lives.

Ramnath Thakur, Secretary of Antyodaya Chetna Mandal, emphasized the importance of children's participation in environmental conservation, stating that children are our future; he noted that once awareness is instilled in them, we will succeed in effectively implementing our programs on the ground.

While conducting the program, Mr. Ramnath Thakur took a pledge alongside the gathered community to plant as many saplings as possible. Children welcomed the guests with a song and shared their views on environmental conservation, for which they were honored. The contributions of school teachers Sunil Kumar, Newton Kumar, Satish Rai, Chandan Kumar Singh, Sonali Kumari, and Chanchal Kumari were commendable in making the event a success. On this occasion, Yoga Guru Vikramaditya Pal spoke about the importance of yoga for a healthy body, and all the guests planted approximately 250 saplings—comprising fruit-bearing and large tree species—within the school premises.

Finally, the vote of thanks was delivered by the school's patron, Uday Narayan Ji.