Kargil, Apr 23 : Emphasising the need to translate environmental research into practical action, the University of Ladakh on Wednesday observed World Earth Day 2026 at its Kargil Campus through a series of academic and participatory engagements involving students, scholars and local institutions.
The day-long programme, organised by the Biodiversity Research Centre in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Science and the Department of Botany, brought together participants from the university, Government Degree College Kargil and local schools. The event was structured around three components—an inter-institutional painting competition, an academic and awareness colloquium, and a plantation drive.
The proceedings began with a formal inaugural ceremony marked by the traditional presentation of Khataks to guests, followed by the national anthem. Dr. Jaffar Khan administered the Earth Day Pledge, calling upon participants to adopt sustainable practices and uphold environmental responsibility.
Delivering the welcome address, Dr. Mohd Baqir, Coordinator of the Biodiversity Research Centre, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to biodiversity documentation and conservation in Ladakh’s cold desert ecosystem. He also acknowledged the role of institutional support in sustaining such initiatives.
The academic session centred on a lecture by Dr. Iftikhar Ali titled “Earth Day: A Global Movement,” which traced the evolution of the observance since 1970 into a global civic initiative. Highlighting the role of scientific inquiry, Dr. Ali underscored the importance of analysing long-term ecological data to detect environmental changes and formulate evidence-based responses.
He urged students to move beyond theoretical frameworks and incorporate environmental awareness into everyday practice and future professional pursuits, reinforcing the need for a sustained, research-driven approach to ecological challenges.
The event concluded with a plantation drive on the campus, serving as a tangible extension of the day’s deliberations and reflecting a continued institutional focus on environmental stewardship.
