OSAI

The World Forest Day celebrations marking the International Year of Forests 2011 organised by OSAI and NSS unit of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University on 21.03.2011 at Anna Auditorium, TNAU.

Dr. V.T. Kandasamy, Conservator of Forests – Coimbatore circle said that "Forests provided food and water for the human beings and it was essential that they be protected for the well being of future generations too. Human beings that came into existence just 5,000 years ago was posing threat to even earth that came into existence 4 billion years ago.

Failure to conserve the bio-diversity would endanger food, environment and water security. Of the 21 bio-diversity hotspots of the world, three were in India – Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats and Himalayas.

Of the 45,000 species of vegetations, 20 are used for food and four of them were important. He pointed out that non-Governmental organisations, institutions and people coming forward to celebrate Forest Day was a welcome change.

Registrar of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Dr. P. Subbian said that a healthy forest could ensure a wealthy nation.

He asked students to grow trees to enhance the green cover to make living a pleasant experience for human beings.

President of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mr.M. Krishnan took part in the celebrations as Chief Guest.

Shekar Dattatri's “The Truth about Tigers” documentary film was screened for students, which was followed by an interactive session.