National Seminar on the Role of Pillars of Democracy in Wildlife Conservation in India
Aligarh : On the occasion of National Wild life week. A national seminar on “The Role of Pillars of Democracy in Wildlife Conservation in India” was organized today at the auditorium of UGC- Malaviya Mission Teachers Training Centre, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). The event brought together key figures from academia, journalism, and public service to discuss the integral roles of legislative, executive, judicial, and media bodies in wildlife conservation.
The Governor of Uttar Pradesh and rector of Aligarh Muslim University, Her Excellency Anandiben Patel in her written message expressed her pleasure on the organisation of the seminar. She conveyed that wildlife conservation is integral to environmental protection. She hoped that the seminar would go a long way in increasing awareness and sensitisation about the role of society in wildlife conservation.
The event’s Chief Guest, Professor Tariq Mansoor, former Vice Chancellor of AMU and Member of the UP Legislative Council, talked about the critical role of legislative bodies in promoting wildlife conservation. He cited examples like the Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur and Jim Corbett National Park in Ramnagar to illustrate the essential partnership between governments and conservation initiatives. He further noted that the current government has prioritized conservation, as demonstrated by efforts such as the reintroduction of cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa to India, marking their return after long extinction in the country.
A key highlight of the event was the special recognition and honor bestowed upon senior journalist Tariq Hasan for his dedicated reporting on wildlife conservation. In his remarks, Mr. Hasan stressed on the growing challenges posed by deforestation and shrinking wildlife habitats. He called for urgent and collective action from all stakeholders and lauded the contributions of AMU’s Department of Wildlife Sciences in promoting conservation efforts.
Renowned botanist, Professor Wajahat Hussain, drew attention to the critical role of plant conservation in maintaining wildlife ecosystems. “Trees and plants are as essential to our existence as family members,” Prof. Hussain said, adding that plants not only support wildlife but also provide vital oxygen for human survival and contribute to a balanced ecosystem.
Professor Nafees Ahmad Khan, Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences at AMU, spoke on the global importance of wildlife conservation, stressing the urgent need for robust and sustained efforts to protect endangered species.
Presiding over the seminar, former Principal of Engineering College (ZHCET) , AMU and Honorary Secretary of AIMEC, Professor Raza Ullah Khan, provided a unique perspective by comparing the roles of civil engineering and wildlife conservation in India. Quoting verses from the Holy Quran, he reinforced the importance of protecting ecosystems and maintaining ecological balance as outlined in Islamic teachings.
Chief Organizer of the seminar, Professor Jamal A. Khan from the Department of Wildlife Science, highlighted the spiritual and religious dimensions of conservation. He pointed out that references to nature preservation are found in various Holy Scriptures, making it a universal obligation for all to protect the environment for future generations. Dr. Faiza Abbasi, Director of UGC-MMTTC, delivered a welcome address and also shared her insights as biologist, on the occasion.
In the online segment of the event, Dr. Rakesh K. Singh, an independent EIA consultant, presented on the role of All India Services in wildlife conservation, while renowned wildlife journalist Mrs. Malini V. Shankar discussed the role of media in promoting conservation efforts. Additionally, Mr. Arjun Dev Bharti, Joint Secretary of the Department of Planetary Affairs, Uttar Pradesh, highlighted the role of the Home Department in wildlife conservation, and Supreme Court advocate Mr. Sanjay Upadhyay addressed legal frameworks, challenges, and solutions concerning wildlife protection.
The distribution of prizes to the winners of the “Capture It” contest, celebrating participants’ efforts in capturing the beauty of wildlife through photography was also held.
The program was conducted by Dr. Nazreen Zehra, Organizing Secretary of the seminar, while Mr. Nabeel delivered the vote of thanks.