Pune students celebrate world forest day in Bhutan
Bhutan / Pune, 21st March 2025: Reduction in forest covers is causing many problems that need immediate attention and remedial action. On this backdrop, the students of Sri Balaji University, Pune (SBUP) visited Bhutan to celebrate the international day of forests by making an attempt to understand the cultural and spiritual importance given to the forests in Bhutan, which has over 70% forest cover. The UN has declared March 21st as the international day of forests.
Dr. Preeti Joshi, Principal, School of Liberal Arts at SBUP said, “Students of the Law and Liberal Arts are part of this initiative which is organized with the help of Sherubtse College at Kanglung affiliated to the Royal University of Bhutan. Under this initiative a special international workshop on biodiversity, oriental culture and etiquettes essential for creating a carbon negative environment in Bhutan was conducted. This gave students an idea about the biodiversity of Bhutan and the cultural importance of forests in Bhutan”.
“Bhutan is considered the world’s first carbon-negative country, meaning it absorbs more carbon dioxide than it emits, primarily due to its extensive forests. What does it really mean to be a carbon negative country? This had to be effectively communicated to the young students through an experiential learning process. Thus, an idea to celebrate world forest day in Bhutan was conceived”, she added.
“The objective is to make the young students aware of the importance of forests and inspire them to contribute in conserving forests. Apart from the workshop at the Sherubtse College the students visited nearby Sakteng wildlife sanctuary to experience the biodiversity and interacted with the forest officials and locals to understand various aspects of forests in Bhutan. Students also interacted with villagers from Sheteyma to know the local art and culture”, Dr. Joshi informed.
Minjur Dorji, Former Home & Cultural Affairs Minister of Bhutan addressed the students on the occasion and said, “In our country the focus is on conservation and protection of environment and culture, good governance and socio economic development which has resulted in highest Gross National Happiness. We consider forest clad mountains as deities. There are a lot of unexplored mountains in Bhutan which we intentionally do not open for mountaineering so that the natural habitat and the biodiversity are maintained.”
Minjur Dorji, Former Minister for Home & Cultural Affairs of Bhutan, Tshering Wangdi, President, Sherubtse College, Royal University of Bhutan and Dr. Lhato Jamba, Director General and Former President, Gedu College of Business Studies, Royal University of Bhutan were present for the workshop and addressed the students on the occasion. Faculty members of SBUP including Dr Asha Karbhar and Ashish Kasbe were present for the workshop.
