Baramulla, June 5: Aarifeen School of Excellence celebrated Environment Day with great enthusiasm, demonstrating a strong commitment to promoting environmental awareness.
The event was graced by Satyendra Maurya, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer of Jhelum Valley Forest Division Baramulla, who attended as the chief guest.
The celebrations began with a heartfelt welcome from Coordinator ASE, who highlighted the importance of Environment Day and the school’s dedication to fostering environmental consciousness among its students.
She praised the efforts of both staff and students in organizing such a meaningful event and expressed her gratitude to Satyendra Maurya for his esteemed presence.
In his keynote address, DFO Maurya captivated the audience with his insights into the critical environmental issues facing the region. He discussed the importance of forest conservation, the challenges posed by climate change, and the necessity of sustainable practices.
Satyendra Maurya emphasized the role of young people in leading the charge for a greener future and encouraged students to become proactive in their efforts to protect the environment.
A tree-planting ceremony followed, with Maurya, students, and faculty members planting several saplings on the school grounds. This act of planting trees served as a practical demonstration of the school’s commitment to environmental sustainability and was met with enthusiasm and participation from the students.
The event featured various activities designed to engage and educate students about environmental issues. In his concluding remarks, Maurya commended Aarifeen School of Excellence for its outstanding efforts in promoting environmental education.
He expressed hope that the initiatives taken by the school would inspire similar actions in other educational institutions throughout the region.
The Environment Day celebrations at Aarifeen School of Excellence concluded with a collective pledge by all participants to continue their efforts in protecting and preserving the environment.
The event provided valuable knowledge and inspiration, reinforcing the community’s commitment to a sustainable and eco-friendly future.
DFO JV Baramulla, Satyendra Maurya IFS, expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am highly thankful to Aarifeen School of Excellence and the school authorities for inviting me on World Environment Day.”
He said that meeting the students, enjoying their skits and programs, and participating in the plantation drive were truly wonderful experiences. The programs were valuable, with students sharing insightful messages on how we can make our environment green, clean, and sustainable while enjoying nature.
“I hope these students stay engaged with the forest department and actively participate in mass movements, awareness programs, and foster environmental consciousness,” he said.
Addressing the students, DFO Baramulla said, “Every day, we see the effects of global warming. We hear about soaring temperatures in Delhi or witness the lack of snowfall in Gulmarg during winters. We must understand the consequences and causes behind these changes. That’s why we’re celebrating World Environment Day.”
“You, the students, are our future. You are tomorrow’s doctors, engineers, forest officers, and leaders. The future of this world depends on your shoulders. To save our environment and our planet, you have a crucial role to play,” he added.
On this occasion, Coordinator ASE, Miss Asma Sadiq, highlighted the week-long environmental program at ASE.
“As we all know, the situation is worsening day by day, as we witness climate change. Making students aware of these changes and encouraging them to be responsible citizens is essential, as they are the future.”
She said that this awareness program, with various activities and a plantation drive, was conducted to address these issues.
Asma Sadiq emphasized that such programs are not just celebrated on June 5 but are an ongoing part of ASE’s curriculum.
“Environmental consciousness, awareness, and making this world a better place to live are integral to our educational mission,” she said.
