New Delhi, 19 October (H.S.): Environmentalist and author Sundaram Tiwari on Monday emphasised the need for practical action to protect the environment, stating that meaningful and lasting change would be possible only when ideas were translated into concrete initiatives on the ground.

Tiwari made the remarks during a lecture series and fruit-bearing tree plantation programme organised jointly by JNU TF and the Nature Green Future Trust at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).

On the occasion, Dr Deep Narayan Pandey, Associate Professor of Disaster Management; Professor Sapna Ratan Shah, president of JNU TF; and Professor Ravi Ramesh Chandra Shukla, general secretary of JNU TF, participated in discussions on environmental conservation and planted fruit-bearing trees on the university campus.

The programme aimed to raise environmental awareness among the younger generation, particularly research scholars and students, and encourage them to move beyond discussions and contribute to tangible conservation efforts.

“Numerous seminars, discussions and speeches on environmental issues are held today, but meaningful change will remain elusive unless these ideas are translated into action on the ground,” Tiwari said.

He urged students to plant trees in their surroundings, conserve water and energy, and adopt a balanced lifestyle that respects nature.

Dr Deep Narayan Pandey observed that environmental imbalance was a major factor contributing to the growing risks associated with disasters such as floods, droughts, landslides and climate change. He emphasised that disaster management begins with the protection of nature, adding that tree plantation, water conservation and the participation of local communities could provide a strong foundation for mitigating future risks.

Pandey also urged research scholars to align their academic work with practical solutions to real-world societal problems.

Professor Sapna Ratan Shah said university campuses were not merely centres of learning but also platforms capable of guiding society. Describing students as the future of the country, she emphasised that the responsibility of protecting the environment rested significantly on their shoulders.

She called upon students to make environmental conservation an integral part of their lifestyles and pledged that the saplings planted during the programme would be nurtured and cared for.

Professor Ravi Ramesh Chandra Shukla stressed that environmental protection was a collective responsibility requiring the active participation of teachers, research scholars and students alike. He noted that fruit-bearing trees not only make the environment greener but also provide food and shelter for birds and other wildlife.

He added that such initiatives inspire people to strengthen their connection with nature and recognise the importance of conservation.

During the programme, research scholars and students also shared their views and raised questions on various environmental issues with the speakers.

A large number of research scholars, students and professors attended the event.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar