CHANDIGARH, 14.09.24-On the occasion of National Forest Martyrs Day, the Department of Botany and the Add-On Course in Floriculture and Landscaping at Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women, Chandigarh, organised a Plantation-cum-Plant Distribution Drive, in collaboration with Jai Madhusudan Jayashri Krishna Foundation. The event began with a two-minute silence in remembrance of the martyrs of Amar Van, with a special homage paid to Mata Amritadevi for her remarkable contribution to the conservation of trees. The Chief Guest of the program was Mr. Rajeev Gupta, Co-Convenor of Hariyawal Punjab Chandigarh Metropolitan.
Dr. Nisha Bhargava, Principal of the college, emphasised the vital role of women in environmental conservation. She motivated the youth to contribute towards the protection and improvement of the environment, and also inspire others to do the same. Dr. Bhargava presented medicinal plants to all participants and awarded appreciation certificates to the Foundation for its commendable work.
In his address, Prabhunath Shahi, the founder of the Foundation, recounted the historical sacrifice of Mata Amritadevi and 363 villagers of Khejarli, Rajasthan in 1730 AD, who gave their lives to protect the trees. Dr. Ritu Gupta, Head of the Environment Wing of the Foundation; Dr. Ruby Singh, Dr. Jasleen Kaur, Pratap Singh Kaushal, Sanjay Kumar, Rajinder Singh, and Rajneesh Rana were also present on this occasion.