The Central University of Karnataka recently hosted a significant one-day seminar, ‘Swachhotsav – Swachhata Hi Seva 2025,’ emphasizing the critical intersection of environmental preservation and sustainable lifestyles.
During the inauguration, Vice-Chancellor Battu Satyanarayana powerfully underscored the pressing necessity for environmental stewardship.
He stated, ‘Failing to protect our natural world puts human existence at risk. It is everyone’s personal responsibility to care for the environment.’ He recalled how the university’s current location was once barren land, now flourishing due to extensive tree planting. ‘Our goal is to cultivate the campus and its surroundings into a beautiful garden,’ he explained, adding that a deep understanding of the intrinsic connection between nature and human well-being is fundamental to achieving this.
Chief guest Shankerappa S. Hatti, a respected social worker, entrepreneur, and former NCC Major, passionately encouraged students to embrace roles as champions for cleanliness and public health.
He urged, ‘Each student should strive to inspire their community towards cleanliness and good health. By sharing your experiences in social service, you can significantly boost collective awareness and responsibility.’
Highlighting the critical importance of waste segregation, he advised individuals to carefully separate wet, dry, and hazardous waste materials before their collection.
He pointed out, ‘Adopting simple habits can help us protect the environment at no cost and effectively prevent pollution. Even natural cleaners like crows, which play a vital role, face threats to their survival from excessive plastic use and improper disposal.’
The seminar saw participation from coordinator Shushma H., faculty members Jayapal Rathod, Pavitra Alur, Jagadish Biradar, Padmashri, B.P. Donur, along with numerous research scholars and students.