Students urged to play role in conservation

Wednesday, Dec 02, 2009

KOLLAM: The Department of Zoology of Fatima Mata National College on Tuesday celebrated the 30th anniversary of the ‘Save Silent Valley movement’ launched by the department in 1979. Students of the college had conducted district and State-wide campaigns aimed at conservation of the unique rainforests as part of the movement.

The 30th anniversary coincides with the silver jubilee of the declaration of Silent Valley as a National Park in 1984 by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Minister for Water Resources N.K. Premachandran inaugurated the celebrations. He said the movement launched by the college had highlighted the importance of contemporary environment issues.

Mr. Premachandran, who was a student of Fatima College at that time, said it was the duty of every citizen to protect the environment. He recollected that the zoology students of the college led by the present chairman of National Biodiversity Forum S. Faizi had brought out a pamphlet highlighting the importance of saving the rainforests.

Actor Suresh Gopi, who was also actively involved in the movement while studying zoology at the college, said the function commemorated the history of the commencement of a new trend in the country towards environment protection.

“Even if we do not make the land more green, maintain status quo and hand it over to posterity.” He called upon the student community to channelise the power of unity into a movement for the conservation of environment.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Faizi said it was the people’s movement that had served to protect the Silent Valley. In addition to the role of conservation of environment, the people should be given a role in the management of environment.

He said Advasis were the traditional custodians of the forest. When they were marginalised, the forests began to be destroyed. For sustainable management of forests, it was important to ensure that Advasis got back the role of traditional custodians of the forests, Mr. Faizi said.

Delivering the presidential address, college Principal Soosamma Kavumpurath said the save Silent Valley movement had emerged as symbol of environment movement at the national and international levels. It also made people aware of the importance of protecting the forests.

District Collector A. Shajahan, senior programme coordinator of Kerala State Biodiversity Board F. George D’cruz and leaders of the Save Silent Valley Movement V.V. Jose, Ignatius J. and Innocent Chooravila spoke. Head of the Zoology Department Charles D’cruz welcomed the gathering and Reader of the department Mary Teresa Miranda proposed the vote of thanks.

http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/02/stories/2009120253130300.htm