Bareilly: Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University has taken two significant decisions aimed at promoting environmental conservation, the Indian knowledge tradition and social responsibility. Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Anil Kumar Rai has directed that books or plants be presented to guests in place of traditional flower bouquets during university functions.
The university will also take effective measures to reduce the use of bottled water and unnecessary plastic on its campus, moving towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly institutional culture.
Prof. Rai said that a bouquet presented during a welcome ceremony often becomes unusable after a short period, whereas a good book represents a gift of knowledge and a plant symbolises a gift of life for future generations. He emphasised that a university is not merely an institution for imparting education but also an organisation that can guide society towards positive change.
He said that presenting books to guests would encourage reading and strengthen the culture of knowledge, while gifting plants would spread the message of environmental conservation.
Step Towards a Plastic-Free Campus
The Vice-Chancellor has directed officials to discourage the use of packaged drinking water on the university campus and implement effective measures to control single-use plastic. In its place, the university will promote safe and sustainable drinking-water facilities along with reusable alternatives.
During university programmes, bottled water kept on the stage will now be replaced with glasses and traditional vessels such as copper or glass tumblers, jugs or water pots.
Prof. Rai said that creating a clean, green and environmentally responsible campus cannot be the sole responsibility of the administration. It requires collective participation from teachers, employees and students.
He called upon students to make reduced plastic consumption, cleanliness and tree plantation part of their daily lives. He said the university’s objective was not merely to become a “plastic-free campus” but to develop an environment where ecological awareness becomes an integral part of everyday life.
According to Prof. Rai, making books and plants a part of the university’s culture of honour and hospitality is a small but meaningful step towards building a more environmentally conscious and socially responsible institution.
Report by Akhilesh Chandra Saxena, Bareilly
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