Earth Day celebrated annually on April 22nd, is a global event aimed at promoting environmental awareness and inspiring actions to protect the planet. In line with this mission, the School of Tribal Resource Management (STRM), Program of Geography, Economics and Commerce of KISS-DU organized a full-day event on Earth Day 2024 on 22nd April 2024, engaging Research Scholars in various activities to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. The theme for Earth Day 2024 was “Planet Vs. Plastic”. It emphasized the importance of individual and collective efforts in addressing environmental challenges and achieving sustainable development.
At the outset, Hon’ble Chancellor Shri Satya Sundar Tripathi, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Professor Deepak Kumar Behera, Esteemed Registrar Dr. Prashanta Kumar Routray, Chairman Council of Deans Dr. Snigdharani Panda, Geography Head Dr. Arpana Premi Lina Oraon, Economics Head, Dr. Sanjeeta Devi, Commerce Head Dr. Liji Panda, Deans of different Schools, Heads of Different Programs, Faculty members graced the occasion along with Research Scholars of KISS-DU.
In a series of day-long activities, the university organized multifarious activities on various themes of the topic in order to meet the objectives of the events:
Signature Campaign:
The day commenced with a signature campaign aimed at mobilizing support for environmental conservation efforts. Authorities, Faculties and Research Scholars, were encouraged to sign a pledge committing to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives. The campaign focused on SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), urging individuals to reduce waste, conserve resources, and mitigate climate change.
Painting Competition:
Painting competition was organized on theme “Vision of Earth in 2047” to provide students with a creative platform to express their thoughts and ideas on environmental conservation. Participants were entrusted with the task creating artwork that depicted the impact of human activities on the environment, or visions of Earth in 2047. Through their paintings, students highlighted the importance of SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), advocating for the protection of ecosystems and biodiversity. Sanjib Mallick of Botany Programme bagged the 1st position, Surendra Majhi and Kusha Maniyaka claimed 2nd position and Gourimani Nayak received Chancellor’s Choice Award in Painting Competition.
Selfie Zone:
A selfie zone was set up with vibrant backdrops featuring messages for environmental protection and sustainability. Students were encouraged to take selfies or group photos at the zone and share them on social media using hashtags Promoting Earth Day and SDGs. This activity aimed to leverage social media platforms to raise awareness and inspire others to take action towards achieving SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), fostering a sense of global solidarity in addressing environmental challenges.
Role Play: The highlight of the day was a series of role play performances conducted by STRM Research Scholars Gyan Dharua and group. Performance addressed specific environmental issues, such as deforestation, pollution, or climate change, and portrayed the consequences of inaction as well as potential solutions. By embodying different perspectives and scenarios, students effectively communicated the urgency of addressing environmental challenges and the need for collective action in line with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
Reels and Poetry: Nakul and Rajkumar Sabar of STRM canvassed their creativity by making reels and reciting their poetry on the theme of protecting nature and sustainable resources
In conclusion participants were inspired to take meaningful actions towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The event contributed to building a more sustainable and resilient future for our planet. Overall program was done by research scholars and faculty members under the coordination of Dr. Arpana Premi Lina Oraon, Associate Professor Geography Program, KISS-DU and a formal vote of thanks was proposed by her.
