JAMMU, Jul 22: The Department of Botany, PSPS Government College for Women (GCW), Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, celebrated International Mango Day by organising an interaction-cum-PowerPoint presentation as part of the 1704th Tree Talk Deliberations.
The programme was organised in collaboration with the Cluster University of Jammu under the patronage of the Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Kulvinder Kour, and the supervision of Prof. Shivani Sharma, Head of the Department of Botany, who also delivered the welcome address.
The keynote speaker, Om Parkash Sharma ‘Vidhyarthi’ (IFS), former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, highlighted the importance of mango (Mangifera indica L.), popularly known as the “King of Fruits.” He spoke on its nutritional value, biodiversity, economic importance, cultural heritage, medicinal properties and contribution to India’s horticultural economy.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from Ashok Gupta, former Director of Floriculture; Kalpana Vinay, retired banker and social worker; Pooja Suri, herbal innovator; Ritu Gupta, Aari artist; faculty members; and students of Cluster University of Jammu.
Students created a herbal rangoli to mark the occasion, while Pooja Suri showcased a variety of traditional and innovative mango-based recipes, including salsa, soups, dips, pickles, aam panna and curries.
The interactive session focused on sustainable mango cultivation, conservation of indigenous mango germplasm and the role of fruit-bearing trees in promoting environmental sustainability.
The event concluded with the 1704th Tree Talk Deliberations and the plantation of an indigenous mango variety, Spondias pinnata, in the college premises, symbolising the Department of Botany’s commitment to environmental conservation and preserving traditional values for future generations.
The proceedings were conducted by Dr. Anu Sharma. Among those present were Dr. Meenakshi Bandral, Director, IQAC; Prof. Sugandha Mahajan; Dr. Monika Hans, Head, Department of Food Science; faculty members from the Departments of Home Science and Environmental Science, along with teaching and non-teaching staff of the Department of Botany.
The organisers acknowledged the contributions of Prof. Swarn Singh, Prof. Nisha Bhagat, Prof. Rupali Nanda, Dr. Vinod Verma and Dr. Anu Sharma in making the event a success.