Awantipora,April 22 (Scoop News)- Islamic University of Science and Technology today organized a series of events to celebrate Earth Day 2026 under the theme “Our Power, Our Planet,” focusing on the importance of sustainability, environmental responsibility and community participation. The celebrations sponsored by the Ministry of Earth Sciences were organized by the Department of Geomatics in collaboration with the Department of Architecture.
On the side-lines of the event, Minister for Education, Health and Medical Education, and Social Welfare, Sakina Masood Itoo laid the foundation stone of the DYOD Classroom Block. She congratulated the university on organizing the programme and appreciated the contributions of the faculty and various stakeholders associated with the initiative.
Distinguished academicians, environmental stakeholders, students, and representatives from partner organizations attended the event. Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice Chancellor presided over the event, while Prof. Mohammad Mobin, Vice Chancellor, Cluster University of Kashmir, attended as Guest of Honour.
In his address, Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo emphasized that the theme “Our Power, Our Planet” strongly resonates with the urgent global need for sustainable development and collective environmental action. He underscored the importance of institutional and community participation in addressing climate challenges and highlighted several initiatives introduced by the university in recent years to strengthen environmental stewardship and sustainable campus development.
Prof. Mohammad Mobin, appreciated IUST’s efforts in promoting environmental consciousness and sustainability-oriented academic engagement. He further stressed the importance of integrating sustainability into academic curricula and research to address emerging environmental challenges.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. A. H. Moon, Dean Academic Affairs, highlighted key green initiatives of the university and announced that the admission process from the current academic session onwards will be completely paperless and fully online, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to sustainability.
Earlier, Ar. Qazi Qamar Iqbal Qari, Dean, School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics, delivered the welcome address and highlighted the significance of Earth Day celebrations in fostering environmental awareness among youth and society. Dr Tariq Abdullah presented vote of thanks.
The event also featured prize distribution for poster and painting competitions organized as part of the celebrations. Around 200 students from across Jammu and Kashmir, including participants from primary schools, specially-abled institutions, and universities, took part in the competitions, reflecting widespread engagement with environmental themes. A poster exhibition showcasing student artworks was also inaugurated during the event.
As part of the celebrations, a cleanliness drive and plantation campaign were conducted on campus to promote environmental responsibility and sustainable practices among students and staff. The programme also included an interactive session with Chetan Singh Solanki, who inspired students through discussions on renewable energy, sustainability, and responsible energy consumption.
A special felicitation ceremony was held to honour partner organizations, including the Jammu & Kashmir Energy Development Agency, J&K Bank under its CSR initiatives, the Soil & Water Conservation Department, and the Social Forestry Division, Pulwama, for their contributions towards strengthening sustainability initiatives at the university, particularly in the areas of renewable energy, green infrastructure, biodiversity promotion, and ecological conservation. The programme concluded with a plantation drive coordinated by Dr Aijaz Ahmad Qureshi.
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