JMI's Department of Environmental Science celebrates World Environment Day; The theme 'Ending Plastic Pollution Globally' resonates across JMI campus
The Department of Environmental Science, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), organized a two-day event on 4th and 5th June 2025 to mark World Environment Day. The event aimed to raise awareness and disseminate knowledge about pressing environmental issues, in alignment with this year’s global theme: "Ending Plastic Pollution." Students from Jamia Millia Islamia and other institutions, including the University of Delhi and Aligarh Muslim University, actively participated in the event, contributing valuable insights and demonstrating their commitment to environmental sustainability.
World Environment Day (WED) was established in 1972 during the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held in Stockholm. Later that year, the UN General Assembly designated June 5th as World Environment Day. The first celebration took place in 1973 with the theme "Only One Earth," marking the beginning of what has since evolved into the world’s largest platform for environmental awareness.
Jamia Millia Islamia, one of India’s premier central universities, has consistently played an active role in this mission. The university is deeply committed to promoting environmental consciousness, reducing plastic usage, and supporting cleanliness initiatives across the country. Through its academic, research, and outreach activities, Jamia Millia Islamia significantly contributes to raising awareness about plastic pollution, biodiversity loss, and the broader environmental challenges facing our planet.
On day 1, student competitions—including quiz, photography, and poster-making—were held on 4th June 2025 under the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally.” Participants from JMI and other institutions actively engaged in the events, demonstrating creativity and environmental awareness.
On 5th June 2025, a special program was held at Mir Taqi Mir Hall, Jamia Millia Islamia, to conclude the World Environment Day celebrations. Distinguished guests and environmental experts delivered insightful talks on the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution,” emphasizing sustainable practices and traditional eco-friendly values. The event was duly inaugurated by the welcome speech of the Head of the Department, Dr. Rajeev Singh, who briefly highlighted the existing problem, followed by a welcome note by the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Prof. Dr. Mini Shaji Thomas. Further, the Officiating Registrar of the university, Prof. Abuzar Khairi, also highlighted the larger issues surrounding our environment and specifically the steps taken by the university to curb the problem of plastic pollution. He discussed the various administrative and other measures that were taken in this direction.
The Chief Guest of the event Prof. Dr. Pramod Kumar, Sri Aurobindo College, Delhi University and former Registrar, Jawaharlal Nehru University explained the concept in detail: how the plastic pollution starts, followed by the bioaccumulation and biomagnification, then its toxic effects, which then lead to the micro and nano levels of the pollution; hence, the effect of the pollution at this stage is devastating. Dr. Pramod Kumar also explained the possible solutions, like the HARIT scheme, and highlighted various steps taken by their organization to curb this problem. He further asked students to focus more on reuse and recycle than on buying a new product. The valuable insights given by the chief guest regarding land pollution and waste landfills provided a logical explanation as to why we all must stop using plastics immediately.
In his highly philosophical and heartfelt welcome address, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Professor Mazhar Asif began by offering an emotional tribute to the divine and emphasized the transformative power of pure thoughts and positive intentions. He remarked that inner clarity and goodwill can manifest in outward environmental improvements, highlighting the deep interconnection between personal conduct and ecological well-being.
The event ended with a formal award ceremony recognizing the achievements of the winners of the competitions. The commemoration therefore went a long way toward promoting meaningful engagement in environmental sustainability efforts and providing students with practical knowledge on the pertinent issue. The event concluded with a series of community engagement activities, including a tree plantation drive, a cleanliness drive, and an environmental awareness march.
On the awareness call of the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, all university departments actively participated in the World Environment Day event, contributing to its successful execution. The strong support of the honorable Vice Chancellor, Registrar, and Dean was instrumental in making the event a grand success.
Themed “Ending Plastic Pollution,” the event focused on promoting environmental conservation and reducing plastic use. It proved to enlightening and impactful, raising awareness and inspiring participants to commit themselves to sustainable, plastic-free practices.