Rohtak varsity launches plantation campaign with ‘divyang’ students
In a novel initiative, Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) has launched a special plantation fortnight featuring the confluence of social inclusion and environmental conservation.
The campaign was launched on Tuesday with divyang students of the State Institute of Rehabilitation, Training and Research (SIRTAR) planting saplings on the university campus. divyang students will kickstart the drive by planting saplings on a daily basis as guests of honour.
Rupesh, a student of the first batch of MDU’s Centre for Disability Studies, inaugurated the programme by planting the first sapling as a special guest.
Speaking in sign language, Rupesh said trees and plants are very beautiful. We should maintain and protect these.
“The underlying idea behind the exercise is to connect the divyang students with protection of the environment to promote the values of inclusiveness, respect and awareness,” said MDU Vice-Chancellor Prof Rajbir Singh.
Dr Sharanjit Kaur, Chairperson, Rehabilitation Council of India, who was the chief guest on the occasion, praised the initiative, calling it unique and historic.
“The step taken by the MDU is an inspiration for the entire country. Keeping the divyang students at the centre of the campaign gives a message of inclusive development,” she stated.
The Vice-Chancellor said the divyangjans were an integral part of society and it was our moral duty to give them respect and opportunities.
Director Campus Forestry and Plantation Drive Prof Surendra Yadav welcomed the participants, while Director (Horticulture) Prof Deepak Kaushik proposed the vote of thanks.
SBI DGM Dr Arijit Ghosh Roy and Regional Manager Ram Shankar also planted saplings as special guests. The plantation fortnight dedicated to the divyangjans will continue till July 15.
Thereafter, the second plantation fortnight dedicated to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign will be organised from July 16 to July 30 and then a plantation fortnight dedicated to the ‘Nasha Mukt Ghar’ campaign will be organised from July 31 to August 14.
Haryana Tribune