Jalandhar: The PG Department of Zoology, DAV College, Jalandhar, celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity 2026 with great enthusiasm on 6th June 2026 under the aegis of the Darwin Zoological Society, in collaboration with the Punjab Biodiversity Board, sponsored by the Punjab State Council for Science and Technology. The event was organized in accordance withthe global theme, “Acting Locally for Global Impact,” emphasizing the importance of biodiversityconservation and encouraging students to actively contribute towards environmental sustainability.

The programme was conducted under the patronage of Dr. Anoop Kumar, Principal, DAV College, Jalandhar. Dr. Punit Puri, Head, PG Department of Zoology, provided overall guidance and academicleadership for the event. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Abhinay Thakur and Dr. Pankaj Bagga, who served as the Organizing Secretaries. The event commenced with the formal welcome and introduction of the resource person by Dr. Abhinay Thakur. The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Kunwer Rajeev, Senior Vice Principal, who highlighted the urgent need for sustainable development and underscored the crucial role of youth in preserving biodiversity. In his address, he motivated students to become active ambassadors of biodiversity conservation within their communities.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Ashutosh Sharma, Associate Professor, Department of Agriculture, DAV University, Jalandhar, an expert in Agriculture and Biodiversity Conservation. Dr. Sharma delivered an insightful and engaging lecture focusing on sustainable development and biodiversity conservation. He emphasized the growing challenges posed by rapid urbanization, habitat degradation, climate change, and increasing anthropogenic pressures on natural ecosystems.

Highlighting the ecological significance of species diversity, he stressed the importance of scientific research, environmental education, and community participation in conserving biological resources. Through several real-life examples and case studies, he encouraged students to adopt sustainable practices and actively contribute to environmental protection. His thought-provoking presentation inspired participants to recognize their responsibility toward safeguarding the planet’s rich biological heritage for future generations.

Adding a vibrant and creative dimension to the celebration, several student competitions were organized, including:

• Poster Making Competition on Biodiversity Conservation

• Biodiversity Photography Competition featuring wildlife, birds, insects, and natural habitats

• Best Out of Waste Competition

• Biodiversity Exhibition

The competitions witnessed enthusiastic participation from students across various departments, reflecting their creativity, environmental awareness, and commitment to biodiversity conservation.  Winners were honoured with certificates, mementoes, and eco-friendly gifts such as plant saplings. The event saw the active participation of faculty members, staff, and students, making it a meaningful platform for promoting awareness and action towards biodiversity conservation.
Distinguished dignitaries present on the occasion included Prof. Sonika Dania (Vice Principal), Prof. Sharad Manocha, and Dr. Renuka Malhotra (In-charge, Collegiate School). The organizing committee members, namely Dr. Deepak Wadhawan, Dr. Rishi Kumar, Dr. Kapila Mahajan, and Dr. Pankaj Bagga, along with members of the non-teaching staff, also contributed significantly to the successful conduct of the programme.

The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Pooja Sharma, President, Darwin Zoological Society, who expressed sincere gratitude to the keynote speaker, the  organizing team, the Punjab Biodiversity Board, and the National Biodiversity Authority, Government of India, for their valuable support and financial assistance in making the event a grand success.