CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: On the occasion of World Earth Day, a one-day special camp was organized in Char Mandli village by the National Service Scheme (NSS) unit of Rabindranath Tagore University, in collaboration with the C.V. Raman Science Communication Centre, the Department of Science, Gandhi Gram Seva Samiti, and Youth for Seva Bhopal Chapter.
Around 50 volunteers from the university participated in the camp, engaging in physical labor (shramdaan) and intellectual discourse.
The Chief Guest of the event was R.K. Paliwal, former Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, and the Special Guest was Sarvodaya activist Lakshman Gole.
While addressing the youth, Director Paliwal emphasized that in the current era, everyone is involved in a blind race for development, leading to the destruction of nature and the environment. He stated that trees are being cut indiscriminately, rivers are polluted by toxic industrial waste, and underground water is being excessively exploited for chemical farming. As a result, rivers like Betwa are drying up. A river is a lifeline for countless humans, animals, and wildlife — yet they now face extinction.
He urged the younger generation to step forward if we want to save our rivers and the environment. He encouraged youth to move away from the glare of social media and modern distractions, and instead adopt simple living and high thinking.
Special guest Lakshman Gole shared his own inspirational story of transformation and urged the youth to always uphold truth and non-violence.
The event was also addressed by Dr. Poorvi Bhardwaj, Dean of the Science Department, Dr. Preeti from the Science Communication Centre, and Atar Sahu, Director of Youth for Seva.
The intellectual discussion was moderated by Program Officer Gabbar Singh, while the vote of thanks was given by Dr. Rekha Gupta.
After the discourse, the participating youth also visited the origin point of the Betwa River at Jhiri and discussed ways to conserve it.
Key roles in the camp were played by Avinash Kumar, Danish Ashraf, Jamshed Alam, Pratibha Maithil, Satyam Kumar, Nitin Ahirwar, Shubham Michael, and others.
#WorldEarthDay #NSSCamp #EnvironmentAwareness #EarthDay2025 #TreePlantation #SaveEarth #EcoInitiatives #EnvironmentalProtection
