Jharsuguda, 26/09/2026: With the objective of promoting environmental protection, conservation of biodiversity and creation of a greener environment under the Environment Education Programme of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, a capacity building workshop on ‘Seed Ball Preparation’ was organised at DAV Public School, Jharsuguda. The workshop was conducted under the chairmanship of the Principal of the school, Laxmi kanta Debta. As part of this innovative environmental awareness programme, Dr Radhakanta Gartia, District Education Officer-cum-District Project Officer, Jharsuguda, attended the programme as the Chief Guest. Addressing the participating teacher-trainees, he urged them to develop a close bond with nature and actively contribute towards its protection and care. Sadakar Kumbhar, Tahasildar-cum-Executive Magistrate, Jharsuguda, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour and emphasized the importance of undertaking extensive plantation drives as well as ensuring proper care of the saplings and the surrounding environment. A total of 51 teachers from different schools of the district actively participated in the workshop. Md. Imran Ali, State Coordinator, NCNF Odisha, attended the programme as the Resource Person and elaborated on various aspects of environmental protection, cleanliness, water conservation, biodiversity, seed ball preparation and its implementation.
Experienced teacher Neelima Patel and Ahlad Naik coordinated the workshop. The participants engaged in group discussions on post-training activities and their implementation, along with the functioning and activities of the Eco Clubs in their respective schools. During the valedictory session, Gyanendra Lima, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Jharsuguda Forest Division, attended as the Chief Guest. He shared his views on the conservation of seeds of local plant species through seed ball preparation, promotion of plantation, enhancement of biodiversity and measures for increasing oxygen levels. Himanshu Bag, Block Education Officer, Laikera, attended the session as the Guest of Honour and encouraged the participants. Principal Laxmi kanta Debta, in his welcome address, expressed his views on the importance of environmental protection and awareness. He highlighted the need to nurture a greater sense of responsibility among students towards nature and encouraged everyone to contribute actively towards environmental conservation.
Inspired by the thought “Small Steps, Big Change,” all the participants pledged to make collective efforts towards environmental protection. Teachers Ashis Pujari, Akshay Kumar Pani, Monika Srivastava, Majum Sahu, Smita Sahu, Shubhadatta Pradhan, Nikita Gartia, Uma Singh Chandel and Bijay Dash, along with other teachers, extended active cooperation in organising the workshop. It is hoped that such environment-friendly initiatives by the school will foster love for nature, environmental awareness and a spirit of conservation among students, while also contributing towards the development of a green, healthy and sustainable lifestyle.
