The ICMR-CAR, School of Biotechnology, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) Katra in association with the Indian Fertility Society (IFS), New Delhi conducted a Webinar on “Environment Toxins: Where are We Heading?” on 21st August 2021.
Padma Shri Prof. Ravindra Kumar Sinha, Vice-Chancellor Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra presided as Chief Guest for the event and addressed the gathering of young participants. He laid focus on environmental toxins and briefed about his research on the ill effects of chemical toxins, and he assured his support for offline awareness activities once the COVID-19 pandemic ceases. Prof. Sinha emphasised awareness among the common masses regarding the toxins in our environment particularly air, water, and soil and how it is leading to some of the dreaded diseases, and congratulated Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Organising Secretary and Dr. Sharada Potukuchi, Head School of Biotechnology for organising such awareness Webinar which is a need of the hour.
Dr. Sudha Prasad, President, IFS and Dr. Neena Malhotra, Secretary-General, IFS chaired the session. The Keynote speakers for the occasion were Dr. Gauri Devi and Dr. Nymphaea Walecha. Dr. M. Gauri Devi, Director of the Gauri Hospitals and Ridge IVF Centre spoke about the declining fertility rate in humans due to these environmental toxins. Dr. Nymphaea spoke about substance abuse in India and reiterated, how such products damage human health, particularly reproductive organs. She also stressed the need for educating the youth of India to refrain from such substances that can leave lifelong harmful changes. Dr. Sharada, Coordinator of the event, presented a vote of thanks to all the dignitaries, and delegates for making the event successful.