Bathinda, February 3, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)
The Central University of Punjab, under the patronage of Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari, organized an Inaugural Session of three days “Digital Content Creation Workshop on Building Environmental Awareness in the Society.” This initiative aims to equip participants with the skills to create impactful digital content, fostering environmental sustainability.
Organized by the Department of Mass Communication and Media Studies in collaboration with the Institution’s Innovation Council, the workshop is funded by the Punjab State Council for Science and Technology and supported by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India.
The inaugural session featured Shri Shankranand B.R., National Organizing Secretary of Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal, as the Chief Guest. Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director of IIT Ropar, and Prof. Kamlesh S. Duggal, Former Dean and Head of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, GNDU Regional Campus, Jalandhar, graced the event as the Special Guest and Guest of Honour, respectively.
In his inaugural address, Shri Shankranand BR (National Organizing Secretary, BSM) stated that nature has always taught us to live life while maintaining a balance between different elements of cosmos and work towards adoption of a sustainable lifestyle and pave the way for nature centric development.
He highlighted that industrialization and urbanization have led to environmental degradation, global warming, and health issues. He emphasized that our actions based on compassion, sensitivity, cooperation, conservation and enrichment towards nature can only help us to revive our ecosystem and our sensitivity towards adoption of sustainable practices can only enable us to ensure healthy environment for our future generations.
He urged youth to contribute to his vision of “Research for Resurgent Punjab” by developing innovative solutions for societal challenges.
Prof. Rajeev Ahuja (Director, IIT Ropar) stressed on the role of AI in Agriculture to enhance agriculture yield while ensuring optimum utilization of resources. He shared insights on IIT Ropar’s initiatives, including the Global Centre of Excellence (GCE) in agritech and water, and the Centre for Excellence in AI for Agriculture, which are working towards AI-driven aggrotech based organic farming.
He underscored the need for disseminating digital agriculture based smart-farming techniques to help farmers make informed decisions and expressed hope that the workshop would contribute to building a digital ecosystem for sustainable agriculture.
Kamlesh S. Duggal (Former Dean and Head, Deptt. of JMC, GNDU Regional Campus, Jalandhar) emphasized the power of digital content in driving societal change.
He stated that storytelling through new media based digital formats encompassing short videos, blogs, and social media campaigns is crucial for impactful communication. He expressed confidence that the workshop would empower participants with the skills needed to create meaningful digital content for environmental awareness.
In his presidential address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari expressed gratitude to the esteemed speakers and highlighted that the workshop’s theme is well-aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE)” initiative. He noted that the workshop would build the capacity of 50 “Eco Warriors” to create digital content encouraging citizens to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives.
The programme commenced with the welcome address and introduction of speakers by Dr. Rubal Kanozia, Associate Professor and Head, Deptt of MCMS, CU Punjab. Dr. Kulbhushan Sharma moderated the stage.
Towards the end, Dr. Vijay Sharma, Registrar, delivered formal vote of thanks. The programme was attended by faculty and students of the Department of MCMS, along with Deans, Heads of Departments (HoDs), faculty members, research scholars, and students from various departments of the university.
The first day featured two technical sessions by experts from Athena Education, Anup Semwal and Sukhcharan. The sessions will continue until Wednesday, and the workshop will conclude with a valedictory ceremony.
