Refresher Course in Environmental Studies inaugurated at GNDU

Amritsar, Nov 28 (Punjab Post Bureau) –    A “Refresher Course in Environmental Studies (ID)” was inaugurated at the UGC-Human Resource Development Centre of Guru Nanak Dev University. As many as 57 University and College teachers pertaining to a wide spectrum of disciplines from various nooks and corners of the country are participating.

Prof. A.S. Brar Vice-Chancellor was the Chief Guest. Prof. Brar in his inaugural address expressed his deep concern over the state of environment in the country. Singling out the pollution as one of the major factors for the health hazards in the country, he said that the Indian citizens need to get their act together to stem the rot of increasing contamination of air, water and soil. This can be done only by inculcating the scientific temper amongst the citizens of the country, he further said. Shedding light on the anomalies in the education system, particularly in the higher education, he opined that the entire teaching community as a whole needs to rise to the occasion to eradicate them as early as possible. The increasing number of young students opting for higher education abroad reflects poorly on the higher education system in the country, he added. The students of today require to be made aware of the significance of the inquisitive, creative, innovative mind as compared to the percentage of marks obtained in the exams, he emphasized. Concluding his thought provoking, enlightening address, he counseled them to willingly accept the changes taking place in the higher education in the entire world and to adapt themselves accordingly.

Prof. A.K Thukral Deptt. of Botanical & Environmental Sciences in his keynote address quoted the various data regarding the standard of the poor quality of the environment in India. He also listed out the various steps undertaken by the University to stem this rot in the campus. Our campus is one of the pollution free campuses in the country, he further said.

Dr. Jatinder Kaur Deptt. of Botanical & Environmental Sciences and the Course Coordinator apprised the participants about the thrust area of the Course. ‘Environmental pollution and Mitigation’, has been selected as the theme of the Course, she said.

Prof. Amarjit Singh Sidhu Director, UGC-Human Resource Development Centre, in his welcome address introduced the Chief Guest and highlighted various achievements of the University in general and of the HRDC in particular. Such courses are meant not only to enrich the knowledge of the participants, but also provide a platform to bring the teachers of various linguistic, geographical, cultural, religious backgrounds together, which is one of the dire need of the hour in the present times, he emphasized. Earlier Prof. A.S. Brar and Prof. A.K. Thukral were accorded a floral welcome by Prof. Amarjit Singh Sidhu, Dr. Mohan Kumar, Dr. Satwinderjeet Kaur and Dr. Jatinder Kaur. Dr. Satwinderjeet Kaur, Head, Deptt. of Botanical & Environment Sciences proposed the vote of thanks.