Srinagar, Apr 24: Under the patronage of Principal Prof (Dr) Shabeena Iqbal Shawl, the Department of Botany at Government Degree College, Sumbal, celebrated Arbor Day on Wednesday in the college’s conference hall. The event featured a special lecture by renowned environmentalist and leading industrialist Abdul Rahim, owner of Rahim Greens.
The inaugural address was delivered by Dr Nikhat Nabi from the Department of Zoology, who emphasized the importance of individual responsibility towards the environment and how one can become an asset to it. Dr. Nabi felicitated the guest speaker by presenting him with a memento.
Dr Fahima Gul, the organizing secretary, briefed the audience about Abdul Rahim’s background, and a three-minute documentary aired by NDTV, highlighting the speaker’s contributions, was played.
Industrialist Abdul Rahim shared his inspiring journey from being a school dropout to becoming a leading entrepreneur and environmentalist in the Kashmir Valley. His enlightening presentation showcased his efforts in restoring barren landscapes, especially in Suthro village, Budgam district, through relentless afforestation initiatives under the Rahim Green banner.
Principal Prof (Dr) Shabeena Iqbal Shawl expressed the relevance of the lecture to Arbor Day and stressed the motivational learning experiences shared by the speaker. She encouraged students to be active in academics and sensitive toward their environmental responsibilities, congratulating the Department of Botany for organising a fruitful and successful event.
Dr Shaista Ahmad from the Department of Kashmiri encouraged students to develop a conscious attitude toward the environment.
Dr Fayaz Ahmad Najar from the Department of Physics proposed a sincere vote of thanks, and Dr. Syed Shafiya from the Department of Clinical Biochemistry acted as the rapporteur. The event was moderated by Dr. Fahima Gul from the Department of Botany, with over 50 students from various streams participating. Feedback was collected at the end of the program.