Swachhata Pakhwada-related programmes conclude at AMU
ALIGARH : The Swachhata Pakhwada-related programmes held at the Aligarh Muslim University for over the last month concluded with various departments of studies and schools organizing several events to mark the occasion, which coincided with the celebration of Gandhi Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
The Department of Botany organized various competitions including essay writing on “Swachhata Hi Seva Hai”, poster-making on “Say no to plastic” and a speech on “Waste Disposal: Challenges and Solution”. These competitions were followed by the Swachhata Pledge and plantation drive under the campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’.
The Chairman of the department, Prof. M. Badruzzaman Siddiqui informed that more than 125 saplings of medicinal plants, including Hemidesmus indicus, Withania somnifera, Costus speciosus, Tribulus terrestris, Ocimum species, Aloe vera, Asparagus recemosus, Vernonia amygdalina etc. were planted by the faculty members and students in the Botanical Garden of the Department of Botany. He emphasized the need for creating a separate section for medicinal plants as it would be of great help to acquaint the students with the medicinal uses of these plants and their conservation.
Prof. Anwar Shahzad, Coordinator of the programme, said that about 75 students participated in the competitive events and prizes and certificates were distributed to the winners during a prize distribution ceremony.
The Department of Linguistics organized a Swatchchta drive engaging students, faculty members and office staff in cleaning of their workspace and offices.
Later, the Chairman, Prof M.J. Warsi conducted a Swatchta Pledge and Cyber Security Pledge with the distribution of uploaded Jingles amongst students.
He sensitized the students on how to keep their homes and surroundings clean and green for the general health and well-being of society.
The AMU Girls’ School organized a series of events over the last fortnight, including Pledge Ceremony, Hand Washing Day, Slogan writing-cum-Poster making competition, Plantation Drive, Essay writing competition on “Cleanliness and Mindset”, Water tank cleaning, Best Out of Waste Competition, Removal of Weeds, Jingle QR Code Sharing and Swachhata Jagrukta rally, under the nationwide cleanliness drive, “Swachhata Hi Sewa”.
The Principal, Mrs. Amna Malik said that the programme aimed at raising awareness about cleanliness and promoting responsible behaviour in students towards environmental conservation, cleanliness consciousness and hygiene.
She emphasized the importance of cleanliness and sustainable practices, encouraging the school community to continue these efforts beyond the campaign period.
Ms Zeba Nawaz, Dr Waseem Raza Khan and Mr Javed Alam were the incharge of the programme.
The concluding programme of the Swachhata Pakhwada at AMU was organized by the National Service Scheme (NSS), in collaboration with the University Health Office on October 2.
The NSS volunteers participated in a cleaning event near Indira Gandhi Hall of residence under the leadership of the NSS Coordinator, Dr Arshad Hussain, who emphasized the importance of cleanliness and hygiene.
The event also marked the birth anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri.
The guest of honour, the Principal, University Polytechnic, Prof. Arshad Umar highlighted the importance of maintaining a high degree of cleanliness in life to keep healthy.
Prof. Izharul Haq Farooqi, Chairperson, Department of Civil Engineering and University Engineer also attended the programme as a guest of honour.