RTM Nagpur University Alumni Association recently organised a talk by Founder of Matrubhumi Centre for Natural Resources Conservation – Swanand Soni ? on the topic Saving of Nagpur City from choking of Trees by Concretisation of Foot paths, Roads and Public Places.

Swanand in his speech shared his knowledge and experience on how trees that are located on the roads can be saved. He focussed on the need to especially save the bigger trees that are on the roads as they are covered by tiles, concrete or even tar, which restricts the growth of the trees.

He further added, The trees will die soon if we keep staying indifferent towards their preservation. Trees are the universal oxygen suppliers and are the most essential element to survive. So, we should find a solution to protect and preserve our environment. During this on-going discussion, he also explained in detail about the provisions of The Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975, and the latest amendment of same act in 2016. He also deliberated that the role of the municipal bodies should be to protect and nourish the trees.

Chief Guest Kaustav Chatterjee (Founder of NGO Green Vigil Foundation) in his speech said, It’s every citizens duty to protect and save the trees. Concretisation of roads has become a threat for the existence and survival of trees. Concretisation has many detrimental effects on biodiversity. It causes immense damage to the trees, soil, climate, living organisms and habitat of tree dwellers. He also shared many instances when Nagpurians sought help of his NGO – Green Vigil Foundation.

General Secretary of RTM Nagpur University Alumni Association Sudhir Paliwal said that in the name of development, nature couldn’t be compromised. Trees give us oxygen and they’re also home to various species. Nagpur was a much greener city once upon a time with tall and healthy trees all around. Earlier, many roads had beautiful canopies as trees had enough space to grow unlike now, he added.

The President of RTM Nagpur University Alumni Association Dr Shreenivas Khandewale along with retired IAS officers RK Zutshi and his wife Chitkaca Zutshi also attended the programme, which was held at RTM Alumni Association, University Library premises, Maharajbag Road, Ramdaspeth, Nagpur.

Pictures by: Kartik Thakur

At the 5th series of Shri Jal P Gimi Memorial Lecture, organised by Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) on Wednesday, October 5 2016, Bollywood actor Boman Irani motivated the students by narrating the trials and tribulations of his life. The ceremony was attended by the son of late Jal P Gimi – Shiraz Gimi, Pro-Vice Chancellor Nagpur University – Dr Pramod Yeole, Registrar Nagpur University- Puranchandra Meshram and former Nagpur Mayor – Atal Bahadur Singh.

The ceremony commenced with Shiraz Gimis speech, through which he drove the audience back in time, when he met Boman Irani for the first time. Gimi expressed his gratitude towards Irani by thanking him for making it to the ceremony despite his hectic schedule. Irani received accolades for his character in Munna Bhai MBBS and 3 idiots as well as a standing ovation from the audience for his contribution and success in Hindi cinema.

The ceremony was carried forward by Dr Pramod Yeole, who, in his speech, drew inferences from Iranis character in 3 idiots (as Dr Viru Sahastrabuddhe). Yeole advised parents to let students chase their dreams to achieve their goals. He asked the students to transform their failure into their strength.  He even quoted a famous dialogue from 3 idiots by saying, Success ke peeche mat bhago, kabil bano kabil, kamyaabi tumhare peeche aayegi? (Don’t run after success. Be capable. Success will eventually follow).

The audience were glued to their seats in anticipation of Iranis motivational speech. Irani, in his moving speech, spoke about his struggles of being a waiter to a sports photographer. I took my family out on a vacation to Ooty (which was the worst trip ever!), for the first time, by selling my photographs! (Rs 25 each), he said. Puranchandra Meshram concluded the ceremony by giving a vote of thanks to Boman Irani, other guests and the audience.

Photos by: Gursshheen Gahllen