Jalandhar June 1 (Jaswinder Singh Azad)- The Eco Club of Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar, in collaboration with the Punjab Biodiversity Board and sponsored by the National Biodiversity Authority, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, organized a week-long celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity 2026 under the global theme “Acting Locally for Global Impact.” The activities commenced on 22 May 2026 and culminated on 30 May 2026 with a prize distribution ceremony honouring winners of various competitions.
The programme was graced by Mrs. Amninder Kaur, ADC (G), Jalandhar, who served as the Chief Guest. In her address, she stressed the importance of environmental consciousness and urged students to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives. Mr. Surjit Lal, Secretary, Red Cross Society, highlighted the significance of tree plantation and appealed to students to contribute towards increasing green cover. Officials from the Punjab Biodiversity Board, including Ms. Kuldeep Kaur, Forest Guard, also motivated participants to become active protectors of biodiversity.
Dr. Gurharminder, Principal Scientific Officer, delivered an inspiring and heart-touching lecture on biodiversity conservation, emphasizing that protecting nature is essential for the survival and well-being of future generations. Mrs. Manpreet further elaborated on the theme “Acting Locally for Global Impact,” explaining how individual and community-level actions can collectively bring about global environmental change.
Principal Dr. Ekta Khosla lauded the efforts of the Eco Club
Principal Dr. Ekta Khosla lauded the efforts of the Eco Club and participants for organizing meaningful activities that promoted ecological awareness. She emphasized that biodiversity forms the foundation of a healthy planet and encouraged students to become responsible citizens committed to environmental sustainability.
A major highlight of the celebrations was an educational visit to Kanjli Wetland, where students explored the rich biodiversity of the area. The visit began with an enlightening lecture by resource person Mr. Bobinder, who sensitized students to the importance of wetlands and biodiversity conservation. Students actively participated in biodiversity observation, nature documentation, ecosystem studies, and creative learning exercises. One of the most engaging activities was the preparation of Leaf Zoos, where students creatively designed animal forms using naturally fallen leaves, fostering both environmental awareness and artistic expression.
The celebrations also featured a variety of events
The celebrations also featured a variety of events including expert talks by biodiversity specialists, poster-making competitions, slogan-writing competitions, biodiversity quiz contests, exhibitions showcasing local flora and fauna, awareness campaigns, and nature-based learning activities. Students enthusiastically participated in all events, demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship. Dr. Seema Marwaha, School Advisor, HMV Collegiate Senior Secondary School, and Mrs. Arvinder, School Coordinator, spoke at length on the need to conserve biodiversity and preserve natural resources for future generations.
Dr. Anjana Bhatia, Coordinator, Eco Club, highlighted that the principles of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) have always emphasized respect for nature, sustainable living, and biodiversity conservation. She encouraged students to draw inspiration from traditional ecological wisdom while addressing contemporary environmental challenges. The successful conduct of the programme was made possible through the dedicated efforts of Ms. Simran and Ms. Anju, who worked tirelessly throughout the celebrations.
The stage proceedings were conducted efficiently by Ms. Sukriti, who kept the audience engaged throughout the programme. The week-long celebrations concluded with the distribution of prizes and certificates to winners of various competitions. The event successfully inspired students to appreciate biodiversity, understand their environmental responsibilities, and reaffirm their commitment to creating a sustainable future through local action with global impact.