Manipur University, 21/03/2025: The International Day of Forests was observed with great enthusiasm and participation from special invitees, faculty members, staff, and students of the department under the theme “Forest and Food.” The event aimed to raise awareness about the close association between forests and food. A series of events were organized to mark this important occasion.
Theme: Forest and Food
Venue: Department of Forestry, School of Agricultural Sciences, Manipur University
The first session began with a welcome speech by Brahmacharimayum Amrita Sharma (student), followed by an introductory speech by the Head of the Department, Dr. Vivek Vaishnav. He highlighted the importance of forests and their close relationship with food, with a special focus on endemic tree species and forest products of Manipur. He also emphasized the role of forests in sustaining livelihoods and their economic significance for the state.
The session continued with a talk by Dr. Dilip Chetry on the conservation work of Aaranyak in forests and wildlife. He provided insights into various divisions of Aaranyak, including the Rhino Conservation Division, Tiger Conservation Division, and Wildlife Genetic Division.
Following this, an extempore speech competition was conducted, chaired by Dr. Salam Dilip, Dr. Robert Panmei, and Dr. Romesh Khwairakpam. A total of 16 students participated with great enthusiasm.
After the conclusion of the first session, there was a short break.
The second session commenced with a poster presentation competition, which saw the enthusiastic participation of 27 students. The competition was chaired by Dr. Dilip Chetry, and students presented informative posters depicting diverse endemic tree species and Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) and their significance. The active participation of students reflected their collective commitment to conservation efforts and forest sustainability.
With the arrival of the Chief Guest, Prof. N. Lokendra Singh (Vice-Chancellor, Manipur University); Special Guest, Shri Rajkumar Amarjit, IFS (CF & Special Secretary, Government of Manipur); and Guest of Honour, Dr. Dilip Chetry (Vice President, Aaranyak), the Uningthou Hall was inaugurated by the Vice-Chancellor at 3:30 PM, followed by a sapling plantation at the new Herbal Garden.
The afternoon session continued with the felicitation of the guests by faculty members and students.
The welcome address and presentation of the annual report were delivered by Dr. Vivek Vaishnav, Head (i/c), Department of Forestry. He expressed his gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for his unwavering financial and moral support. He also thanked Dr. Dilip Chetry for gracing the occasion and expressed hope for future collaborations. Furthermore, he welcomed all the special invitees, whose presence made the program a successful and memorable one.
The special guest, alongside the president, released the department's annual journal and report. In his address, Dr. Dilip Chetry expressed his gratitude and anticipation for future collaborations. He also highlighted opportunities within the forest department and the challenges faced by the state’s forest sector, particularly in land cover and land use. He stressed the urgent need to eradicate poppy plantations and the challenges in reclaiming barren land. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of hydrogeological interventions for river and stream restoration.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the remarkable growth of the Department of Forestry in recent years under Dr. Vivek Vaishnav’s leadership. He also appreciated the translation of a book into Manipuri and expressed hope for its full-volume release soon. Furthermore, he shared his vision of establishing a new laboratory for students.
The program concluded with the announcement of the results of the extempore speech and poster presentation competitions. Awards were distributed to the winners by the special invitees and distinguished guests.
The event ended with a group photograph as a cherished memory of the collective commitment to forest conservation.
