Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University observed “World Water Day” on 22nd March 2021, themed “Valuing Water” at Matrika Auditorium. On this occasion, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Ravindra Kumar Sinha, who is a renowned biologist and environmentalist, delivered a plenary talk on the theme “Valuing Water”.
Prof. Sinha is conferred with the fourth-highest civilian award Padma Shree (2016) by the Govt. of Bharat and the Most Excellent Order of the Golden Ark (1999) by His Royal Highness Prince Bernhard of The Netherlands (1999) for his contributions to nature conservation. In his address to the students and employees of the University, he remarked that a judicious use of water along with a regular water-harvesting is the need of the hour. He said that Bharat has only 4% of the world’s fresh water and with this the country is to cater the requirements of 16% of the world’s population. It is therefore necessary that preservation of water must be part our habit not only for our survival but also for intergenerational equity, Prof. Sinha emphasized.
The recording of a mime on the theme “save water” prepared under the direction of a 2020-batch alumnus Shubham Upadhyaya (16BCS053) was also played to create sensitivity towards economical use of water in our day-to-day business. It is noticeable that 22nd March is celebrated as World Water Day every year since 1993.The celebration was declared by the General Assembly of the United Nations in its 1992 session. This has become even more relevant keeping in line with Sustainable Development Goal number 6 which is aimed at achieving water and sanitation for all by 2030. Prof. Sinha urged the audience to participate in this international movement with all sincerity.
The event was conducted by Mr. Sumanta Sarathi Sharma, President, Board of Cultural Activities. The celebration of World Water Day is part of the calendar of activities planned for Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the 75th Independence Day of Bharat.The dignitaries present in the audience included Prof. Eswaramoorthy M., Registrar and Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Prof. V.K. Bhat, Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prof. A.K. Sharma, Dean, Faculty of Sciences, Dr. Sumeet Gupta, Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr. Balbir Singh, Dean of Students’ Welfare, Dr. Supran Sharma, Dean of Faculty of Management, Dr. Rakesh Jha, Dean, Research and Development, Heads of various Schools/Sections and members of faculty and staff.
The event concluded with an expression of gratitude towards the speaker and the audience along with the facilitators of the event by Dr. Anil Tewari, Head, School of Philosophy & Culture.