During a special programme on the “Role of Forestry in Nation Building” at the College of Forestry, Sirsi, on May 5, 2025, Vice-President of India Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized the critical importance of forests in combating climate change and fostering sustainable development. Addressing faculty and students, he described forests as “our lungs,” vital for human health, climate regulation, disaster mitigation, and livelihoods, particularly for marginalized communities. His remarks underscored India’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable growth.
Forests: The Lungs of the Nation
Vice-President Dhankhar highlighted the indispensable role of forests, stating, “Forests are our lungs. If a country’s forests are in good shape, its people will enjoy good health.” He emphasized their role in regulating climate, buffering natural disasters, and supporting livelihoods, particularly for the poor. With India’s forest cover at 24.62% of its geographical area (as per the India State of Forest Report 2021), he urged collective action to protect these ecosystems amid the “alarmingly cliff-hanging” challenge of climate change.
India’s Civilisational Wisdom
Drawing on India’s Vedic culture, Dhankhar noted, “This land is a confluence of spirituality and sustainability.” He stressed that sustainability, preached for thousands of years, is now a global imperative. He cautioned against reckless exploitation of resources, advocating for minimal consumption to preserve Mother Earth for future generations. This aligns with India’s Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) initiative, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to promote sustainable living.
Ecological Consciousness
Calling for deeper ecological awareness, the Vice-President remarked, “We are trustees, not consumers, of Mother Earth, forests, and ecosystems.” He urged a shift from exploitation to stewardship, emphasizing the need to protect flora, fauna, and the environment for all living beings. This perspective supports India’s commitment to Net Zero by 2070 and global agreements like the Paris Agreement, as discussed in recent posts on X.
Interdisciplinary Education
Dhankhar stressed the importance of interdisciplinary education in addressing environmental challenges, stating, “No institution can function as a standalone entity anymore.” He advocated for integrating forestry, environmental, medical, and engineering education to foster holistic solutions. This approach aligns with the National Education Policy 2020, which emphasizes multidisciplinary learning to prepare students for complex global issues.
Inspiring Young Minds
Encouraging students, the Vice-President said, “Be inquisitive—have a yearning for new knowledge.” He highlighted the potential of forestry studies to drive research and innovation in forest produce, offering solutions for sustainability and economic growth. He urged students to tap into India’s cultural heritage, describing it as a “treasure trove” for academic and practical advancements.
Sirsi: A Biodiversity Haven
Praising the College of Forestry’s location in Sirsi, nestled in the Western Ghats, Dhankhar noted, “This is one of the richest biodiversity regions in the world.” He described the campus as an “open classroom” brimming with life, where nature enhances learning. The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, host over 7,400 plant species and 1,800 animal species, making Sirsi an ideal setting for forestry education.
Dignitaries Present
The event was attended by Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Governor of Karnataka, Shri Basavaraj S. Horatti, Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Council, Shri Mankal S. Vaidya, District-in-Charge Minister (Uttara Kannada), Shri Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri, Member of Parliament, and Dr. P.L. Patil, Vice Chancellor of the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, among other dignitaries, highlighting the event’s significance.
Conclusion
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s address at the College of Forestry, Sirsi, underscores the urgent need to protect forests and embrace sustainability as a way of life. By linking India’s civilisational wisdom with modern education and research, he inspired students to lead the charge against climate change.
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