Early Times Report
KATHUA, Feb 19: The Department of Environmental Sciences in collaboration with the Raavi Eco Club of Government Degree College, Kathua organized an educational study visit for students to Village Fafal of Sahar, Kathua, with the objective of understanding environmental conservation practices and traditional knowledge systems preserved by local communities.
The visit aimed to provide experiential learning opportunities to students by engaging directly with nomadic community members and understanding their sustainable lifestyle practices. During the interaction, students gained valuable insights into traditional knowledge related to medicinal plants, indigenous living techniques, seed-saving practices, farming methods, sustainable resource management, and traditional healing systems. The community members also shared the religious and cultural significance of various plants and animals, highlighting the deep-rooted ecological wisdom embedded in their traditions.
The visit was organized under the guidance of Dr. Manohar Lal, Principal of Government Degree College, Kathua, whose constant encouragement promotes field-based environmental learning. The programme was coordinated by Prof. Arvind Kumar, Head of the Department of Environmental Sciences. Dr. Anuradha, Faculty member of the EVS Department, also accompanied the students and facilitated academic discussions during the visit.
Local support was extended by Sh. Raj Kumar, Ex-Sarpanch of Sahar, who played a key role in coordinating with the community. He, along with members of the nomadic community, actively interacted with students and shared their knowledge and experiences. The study visit proved to be an enriching experience, bridging classroom learning with ground realities and reinforcing the importance of preserving traditional ecological knowledge for sustainable development. |
