Shillong, May 21: NEHU, Shillong and Gujarat University today embarked on a new journey of collaboration by e-launching the Gujarat Bhawan in NEHU campus which was followed by the launch of certificate course in “Natural Farming, Agripreneurship and Cooperatives”.
The beginning of this journey started on 8th November 2022 at Rajbhavan, Gujarat, when NEHU signed MoU with Indian Institute of Sustainability, Gujarat University in the presence of Honourable Governor of Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat.
The launching of the Gujarat Bhawan and the certificate course took place today at NEHU Shillong Campus during the National Seminar on “Organic farming in North-East India: A vision toward Sustainable Agriculture, Livelihood and Nutritional Security” organised by the BIRAC’s BioNEST Bio-Incubator Facility, Tura Campus in association with ICAR RC – NEH Region Umiam, IPR Cell, NEHU and Indian Institute of Sustainability, Gujarat University.
The Governor of Gujarat, Shri. Acharya Devvrat graced the occasion as the chief guest of the inaugural function who was accompanied by the First Lady of Gujarat, Smt. Darshana Devi. Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla, the Vice-Chancellor of NEHU was the chairman of the function.
The syndicate members of Gujarat University were also present representing the Gujarat University. which was followed by lightening of the lamp. According to a statement, student and faculty exchange between the two universities is the part of the MoU.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Prabha Shankar first welcomed the Hon’ble Governor to NEHU and the state of Meghalaya. In his speech the VC said that “The Vedas, Puranas and Ramcharitas states that the five elements are responsible for the collection of life in in natureand this has been proved by the modern scientific findings as well.
For example, the studies done in agriculture have proved that the earth supplies all necessary nutrients and water to the trees and plants. It is also established that energy, carbon dioxide from air and water from soil are essential three basic elements for synthesis of light in plants.
Which are responsible for the growth of plants, which provide food to humans and all living beings.It has been concluded that more and more dependency on natural farming should be put to good use for sustainable life on earth.
At the end of his speech, the Vice-Chancellor thanked the Governor of Gujarat for gracing the occasion and also mentioned that similar to the opening of Gujarat Bhawan in NEHU, a Meghalaya Bhawan will also be opened at Gujarat University.
The Governor of Gujarat and Chief Guest of the program addressed the audience by congratulating NEHU and IIS, GU for working together for the benefit of the academic society and the country at large. He said this is the true beginning of the “Amrit Kaal ka Bharat” uniting the country under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
He also appreciated the team of NEHU and IIS, GU for organising the event and launching the certificate course and Gujarat Bhawan within six months of signing the MoU.
While speaking about the seminar, the Governor mentioned that he is a also a farmer and still works in his farms using the natural farming system and not the chemical methods of farming which has ruined and destroyed our soil and environment.
He said that he used to practice organic farming but has since moved to natural farming which is replenishing the soil and environment. He said that although the green revolution has made us self-sufficient, the harmful effect of using the pesticides, chemicals, urea.
Fertilisers are being observed on daily basis with the cancer cases rising and therefore it is high time that the use of these chemicals be replaced by the natural farming which also involves using cow dung and urine as the natural fertilisers.
If we don’t stop the use of the chemicals now, it is going to effect our future generations very badly. He also shared his experience of his childhood mentioning that he has seen the water sources changing from rivers to wells, wells to hand pumps and now to bottles and if we are not careful, the future will be very dangerous.
The vote of thanks was given by Mr. Sudhanshu Jangir, Director of Indian Institute of sustainability, Gujarat University. Mr. Jangir said the MoU signed focuses on mutual cooperation in some significant areas like climate change, cooperation, sustainability, agriculture value chain management and agro processing which could eventually help both the regions to come together towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Goal, 2030.
