Kohima, June 29 (MExN): Government Polytechnic Kohima hosted two days awareness programme on the topic ‘Deforestation and its effects on climate change’ under the theme, ‘You breathe because I live.’
In the opening ceremony, Er Vipulhou Lhoungu, Principal, GPK, exhorted the gathering and extended his gratefulness to the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India for sponsoring the two days awareness event at GPK. He stressed that apart from the regular courses, he is delighted to keep the institute engaged in this kind of educational extracurricular activities. He also said that it is important to keep our self aware of such events and take necessary measures before it is too late as climate change has become alarming.
On the second day, A Tiawati Jamir presented a lecture and said deforestation has been an issue for decades, leading to massive loss of species and bio diversity. Almost 20 percent of the global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are caused by deforestation. Tiawati said, “This planet Earth does not belong only to humans but to all life forms we see today. If we cannot yet synthesize a singled celled microbe, how can we still bear to be bystanders just looking, keeping mum, and doing nothing when all around ecosystems are being devastated? How are we going to account to our children of the very near future these actions of ours? As we all know environmental problems knows no boundaries, we must research ways to abolish jhum cultivation and illegal logging. As our forests are tropical rain forests, we have more responsibility than others in its protection. We must change our hearts towards sustainability if we are to control climate change. We must think globally and act locally. ”
Guest of honour, Keyiekhru Rhutso, Controller of Exams, Technical Education, appreciated the initiatives taken up by Government Polytechnic Kohima in various fields. In his speech, he mentioned the policy adopted by the Kingdom of Bhutan in their endeavor to combat climate change where the King has pronounced that 60 percent of their land shall be reserved as Green Forests.
A press note stated that the opening ceremony was chaired by A. Chubamenla, Co-ordinator of the event, welcome address by K. Kapfo, Lecturer, CSE Department and special song by Topeni. While the Valedictory ceremony was chaired by Er Zhapulhoulie Rüpreo, Lecturer, CE Department and vote of thanks by Vichosunuo Kintso, Lecturer, MOP Department.
The event witnessed competition from students in essay writing, extempore speech and drawing under the topic deforestation and its effects on climate change.
