Workshops & Seminars

Seminars

World Environmental Day Celebration-2021

To upraise global awareness to take positive environmental action to protect nature and the planet earth, the World Environment Day is celebrated every year on 5^th June. It is a day that reminds every one of the planet to get involved in environment friendly activities. From school children to community groups, companies and government, all come together to pledge towards building a greener planet. Keeping this aim in view, Department of Botany, St. Albert’s College (Autonomous) Ernakulam and Department of Biosciences, MES College, Marampally, in association with SEED, Mathrubhumi, organized a program- “REVIVE, Revival for Survival” on June 5^th ,2021 through Google meet platform, observing the focal theme: “Ecosystem Restoration”.

The program began at 10 am, with a prayer song rendered by Ms. Shara Twinkle (II MSc Botany, St. Albert’s College). The gathering was welcomed by Dr. Siju M.Varghese (HoD, Botany, St. Albert’s College (Autonomous), Ernakulam. The inaugural address was rendered by Dr. Manoj Samuel (Executive Director, CWRDM, Calicut) and the Presidential address by Rev. Fr. Antony Thoppil (Associate Manager, St. Albert’s College, Ernakulam). Thereafter the World Environmental Day message was given by Dr. M A Solomon (Principal, St. Albert’s College) and Dr. Manzur Ali (Principal, MES College, Marampally). Dr. Manoj Samuel in his inaugural address stressed the need to have ecosystem restoration work to done at three levels namely, individual, nature level and climate level.

The next on the schedule was a tribute to late Sri. Padma Vibhushan Sunderlal Bahuguna, which was enacted by Arsha Sebastin, Amal Antony and Sona of II BSc Botany, St. Albert’s College, Autonomous Ernakulam. After the presentation, the results of poster design competition were announced by Dr. Siju. M.Varghese (HoD, Botany, St. Albert’s college) and had congratulated the winners. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. K. Madhusudhanan (Coordinator, REVIVE 2021- Revival for Survival).

The technical session was handled by Mr. Venu Warrier (Renowned Environmentalist). Salwa .V, II MSc Microbiology, MES College Marampally, introduced the speaker. Mr. Venu dealt with the topic- “Save water, Save life”, giving an insight into the importance of conserving water bodies. He made all spectators aware of the need to take immediate action to save water. Vote of thanks for Mr. Venu Warrier was delivered by Merin Varghese (I MSc Biochemistry, MES College, Marampally).

The second session was handled by Dr. V. Balakrishnan (Former Member Secretary, Kerala State Biodiversity Board). Drishya K. Reghuvaran (Assistant professor, St. Albert’sCollege, Autonomous Ernakulam) introduced the speaker. Dr. Balakrishnan dealt with the topic – Ecosystem Restoration: Need of the Hour. He enlightened the audience by mentioning the importance of ecosystem restoration and also the need to have BMC ( Biodiversity Management Committees) at panchayath level for biodiversity conservation and also addressed issues related to Environment. . He requested all to spread the awareness of saving the environment.

The program came to an end at 12.35 pm Dr. K Madhusudhanan delivered the vote of thanks. The master of the ceremony was Ms. Lhea Blue (II MSc Botany St.Alberts College). The coordinators of the program were Dr. K. Madhusudhanan (Department of Botany, St. Albert’s College (Autonomous) Ernakulam) and Dr. Mini .K.Paul, (Department of Biosciences, MES College, Marampally). The event was concluded successfully with whole hearted participation and awareness for a greener world.

As a part of celebration, an inter collegiate, and inter school poster competitions was held. Fifty three participants were there in both category. First, Second, Third position certificates with cash award were instituted.

As an agenda on action plan, all the botany students were given direction to plant a sapling on the house premises of every student and ask them to take care. The students planted the saplings and poster of the same made on class basis. It is also decided to continue this three institutional collaboration for one year by arranging monthly talks on restoration of diverse ecosystems, analyzing the causes of its destruction, suggestion and action for its restoration, student competitions on various aspects and awareness programme. In the prevailing Covid-19 pandemics much of action orientated programmes cannot be designed. After the lockdown withdrawal it is decided to visit nearby ecosystems, find out the problems and suggest restoration activities.