AMU marks ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ with tree plantations

Aligarh : In a massive tree plantation drive to observe the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ at the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), saplings of various trees were planted across the breadth of university campus.

“Tree planting is one of the most enjoyable and environmentally friendly activities to engage people for Independence Day celebrations. Trees help minimise the risk of floods, enhance air quality, and lessen the urban heat effect by reflecting sunlight and giving shade”, said AMU Vice Chancellor, Prof Tariq Mansoor while inaugurating the drive at the Faculty of Arts.

Prof S Imtiaz Hasnain (Dean, Faculty of Arts) pressed for more tree plantation drives.

He said: “Since the impact of climate change is global and unprecedented in scale, only trees can improve our air quality by filtering harmful dust and pollutants.

“The university has included the tree plantation drive on the theme, ‘Plant a tree, save the planet’ in the Independence Day celebrations”, said Prof Zaki Anwar Siddiqui (Member-in-Charge, Department of Land and Gardens).

Similarly at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Prof Rais Ahmad (Dean) with chairmen of various departments, students and non-teaching staff planted tree saplings to mark the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ and the week-long Independence celebrations.

“After several decades of deforestation, quantities of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere have risen to record levels and it is imperative that we combat the problem of climate change by planting trees”, said Prof Rais.

At the residential hostel, Aftab Hall, Prof Mohd Mohsin Khan (University Finance Officer) joined Dr Salman Khalil (Provost) and hostel staff to plant the tree saplings.

“Independence Day is one of the proudest occasions for every Indian and planting trees to mark the National festival will reflect our dedication to make the Country green and free from pollution”, said Prof Mohsin Khan.

Dr Salman Khalil called for wholehearted participation of students and teachers to make the university-wide tree plantation drive a huge success.

Dr Arhsad Husain (NSS Coordinator) also planted trees with the Finance Officer and Hall Provost.

In the Independence Day celebrations at the Abdullah Hall, Dr Ghazala Naheed (Provost) with hall wardens and staff planted trees.

In a motivating speech, she also encouraged students and all stakeholders to plant trees for a cleaner environment.

Dr Ghazala informed that saplings of various trees were planted across the residential hostel to mark the occasion.

After the Flag hoisting and other events to observe the Independence Day, students and teachers of the AMU City Girls’ High School joined the university-wide plantation drive by planting tree saplings in the school premises.

“Many species of wildlife depend on trees for habitat. Trees provide food, protection, and homes for many birds and mammals”, said the Chief Guest, Prof Abid Ali Khan (Deputy Director, Directorate of School Education).

He motivated students to take inspiration from the great freedom fighters.

Dr MD Alamgir (School, Principal) encouraged students to work for Nation’s unity.

“School students delivered speeches and sang patriotic songs in a programme conducted by school teachers Urooja Khan and Saima Nadeem. Farzana Nazeer (Cultural Coordinator) organised the function”, he added.

Students and teachers of the Saiyyid Hamid Senior Secondary School (Boys) also planted tree saplings to observe the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

“They were joined by Prof Asfar Ali Khan (Director, Directorate of School Education-DoSE), Prof Zaki Anwar Siddiqui (Member-in-Charge, Department of Land and Gardens), Prof Abid A Khan (Deputy Director, DoSE), Prof Anwar Shahzad and Dr Ali Jafar Abedi (University Health Officer)”, informed Dr Sabiha A Salam (Officiating Principal).

On the occasion, Prof Asfar Ali Khan emphasised the importance of plants in daily life and exhorted students to plant more and more trees.

At the Department of Arabic, Prof S Imtiaz Hasnain (Dean, Faculty of Arts) and Prof Mohd Sami Akhter (Chairman, Department of Arabic) with the faculty members and students planted trees to mark ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

“Trees are an essential livestock. They have unconditionally provided us with food, oxygen, and a variety of other necessities for survival”, remarked Prof Sami Akhter.

Functionaries of the Geographical Society, Department of Geography planted trees in the department premises to observe Independence Day.

Prof Jabir Hasan Khan (Acting Chairman) spoke on the importance of planting trees for preserving biodiversity.

Dr Ahmad Mujtaba Siddiqui (Co-Coordinator) conducted the programme.