Herbal Garden marks centenary year

Aligarh: As Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) buildings and landmarks are being illuminated with projections of creative lights and design and online webinars and lecture series are being conducted to mark the centenary year celebrations; the provost, wardens, staff members and residents of the Begum Azeezun Nisa Hall, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) came up with a novel idea for the commemoration.

They took tree plantation to another level with the launch of Herbal Garden in the hall premises to celebrate 100 years of the university. The green space with plant species possessing various medicinal properties, fruit-bearing trees, flower plants, medicinal herbs and decorative plants is a yard providing visitors with the delight of sights, smells and tastes of a wide flora variety.

Inaugurating the Herbal Garden, the Chief Guest, Dr Hameeda Tariq (renowned paediatrician) said that everywhere people are scouting for land to create a green space in their efforts to act consciously towards environment conservation.

“This garden will not only provide clean, green and eco-friendly atmosphere to the residents, but it will also make them learn how herbs are a chockfull of cancer-fighting antioxidants, valuable nutrients, fat-free flavor, and more,” she pointed out.

Prof Subuhi Khan (Provost, Begum Azeezun Nisa Hall) shared the journey of planting more than a 1000 trees in the hall premises and the many plantation drives that were inaugurated by the AMU Vice Chancellor, Registrar and other university officials in the hall.

She added that rampant deforestation has left perilous impact over the environment and it is imperative to do something productive before it is too late.

The herb garden is not only a green cover, but it will yield organic products and natural nutrients for curative treatment methods hugely beneficial for the human body, said Prof Subuhi.

The Guests of Honor, Prof Shahid Siddiqui (Principal, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College), Prof Shujauddin, Prof Azarmi Dukhta Safavi, Prof Zaki Anwar Siddiqui and Prof Asif Shuja spoke on the duties of common citizens towards the environment.

Dr Fauzia Naushin and Dr Sumbul Rehman of the Environment Protection Committee, AMU Women’s Club gave description of plants in the Herbal Garden.

Alisha Ibkar (Literary and Cultural Warden of the Hall) recited poetry on nature, while Rabab Khan, (Accommodation Warden) extended the vote of thanks.