Early Times Report
JAMMU, July 18: Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary, Department of Culture, today asserted that "trees are an inseparable component of our culture and heritage" while speaking at a plantation campaign themed "Bhulle Bisre Rukh-Boote" held at Abhinav Theatre Complex, Jammu. The event was organized by the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages in collaboration with the J&K Forest Research Institute.
The campaign was aimed at promoting and preserving plant species intrinsically linked to the cultural and ecological heritage of the region. Harvinder Kour, Secretary, JKAACL, highlighted that the drive intends to reconnect people with forgotten yet culturally significant tree species. The initiative was conceptualized and launched by Brij Mohan Sharma and held in the esteemed presence of Dr. O.P. Sharma "Vidyarthi", renowned environmentalist, Dogri litterateur, and retired Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, known for his acclaimed "Tree Talk" initiative.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from senior officers and officials of the Department of Culture, JKAACL, and Forest Research Institute. Among the key participants were Malikzada Sheeraz Ul Haq, Special Secretary, Department of Culture; Sonali Arun Gupta, Additional Secretary, JKAACL; Dr. Javaid Rahi, Secretary, Kala Kendra; Vishwajeet, Additional Secretary, Department of Culture; Ajay Singh, Accounts Officer, JKAACL; Reehana Tabasum, Under Secretary, Department of Culture; Rakesh Abrol and Harpreet Kour, Divisional Forest Officers, FRI; and Amar Singh, Under Secretary, Department of Culture.
Other officials who joined the campaign included Dr. Shahnawaz, ECCO(G); Sanjeev Gupta, SOCA; Anil Tickoo, ACO; and Dr. Ajeet Singh Rana, OSD, JKAACL.
As part of the campaign, several trees holding cultural significance were planted by the dignitaries. The participants unanimously emphasized the urgent need to revive and conserve the region's traditional plant species, many of which are on the brink of being forgotten despite their historic and ecological importance. The plantation of such trees is not only a step toward environmental conservation but also an initiative to revive the region's living traditions and natural heritage. |
