The Central University of Odisha (CUO) organized a Seminar on “Conservation of Biodiversity: Need of the Hour” on 3 April 2023 under the G20 Working Group of Education Programme. The CUO has been selected as an Anchor Institution.
The Programme was inaugurated by Prof. Chakradhar Tripathi, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of the University. He highlighted the importance of traditional knowledge and adhyatmikata in our country. The special lecture was delivered by two eminent scientists Prof. Sudhendu Mandal, Advisor, Academics & Administration, CUO and Prof. Siba Prasad Adhikary, former Vice Chancellor, Fakir Mohan University, Balasore. Prof. Tripathi while delivering the Chairman’s address, said that every species is born on the earth for a special purpose. The conservation of biodiversity is maintained depending on the existence of the species. So conservation of biodiversity is the need of the hour, he said. Our tradition always tries for its conservation but the Western countries spoil it and cry for conservation at the international level.
Prof. Mandal in his talk focused on biodiversity and food security. He said that if biodiversity equivalence is destroyed, it will lead to food shortage. So conservation is essential. Prof. Adhikary, in his talk, said that Koraput is a biodiversity hotspot and we should make more research on finding out new areas of biodiversity development in undivided Koraput. Prof. Sharat Kumar Palita, Dean, of the School of Biodiversity & Conservation of Natural Resources gave a brief introduction to the theme. Dr. Pradosh Kumar Rath, Nodal Officer for CUO G20 Working Group delivered the welcome Note and Dr. Debabrata Panda, Asst. Professor BCNR proposed the Vote of Thanks. Along with the students, research scholars, and faculty members Prof. N.C. Panda, Dean, School of Languages; Dr. Pradosh Kumar Swain, HoD I/c. and Dr. Alok Baral, Asst. Professor, Dept. of Odia Language & Literature, Dr. Sourabh Gupta, HoD I/c, Journalism and Mass Communication and Dr. Phagunath Bhoi, Public Relations Officer were present on the occasion.
