The Student Development Centre and the Institutions’ Innovation Cell of Swami Premanand Mahavidyalaya, Mukerian jointly organized a Nature Camp under the Environment Education Programme. The event was sponsored by the State Nodal Agency, Punjab State Council for Science and Technology, and supported by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.

The Nature Camp was held on November 8, 2024, at the Takhani Rehmanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, Hoshiarpur. The primary objective of the camp was to enhance environmental awareness and to provide students with a practical understanding of ecological balance, biodiversity, and sustainability.

Principal Dr. Sameer Sharma appreciated the efforts of the organizing committees and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the sponsoring agency for their valuable support. He emphasized that, along with academic knowledge, it is equally important for students to experience and observe the natural habitats of plants and animals. Such experiential learning, he added, plays a vital role in strengthening students’ understanding of environmental sustainability and conservation practices.

The Nature Camp was meticulously planned and executed by Dr. Gurpreet Kaur, In-Charge Student Development Centre; Dr. Deepika Sharma, In-Charge Institutions’ Innovation Cell; and Prof. Dalwinder Kumar, Department of Economics. The faculty coordinated with forest officials to ensure a productive and enriching experience for the students.

During the event, S. Charanjit Singh, Block Forest Officer; S. Bikramjit Singh, Range Officer; and Sh. Ravi Sher Singh, Forest Guard, were felicitated for their invaluable guidance and support at the sanctuary. The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Gurpreet Kaur, who introduced the objectives and schedule of the camp.

Following this, S. Charanjit Singh briefed the participants about the diverse flora and fauna inhabiting the sanctuary. Through informative videos, he showcased rare animal and bird activities recorded via hidden cameras installed across the sanctuary. This interactive session provided the students with a deeper understanding of the ecosystem and wildlife behavior.

Later, a guided tour of the sanctuary was conducted under the supervision of the forest officials. Students explored the scenic trails, observed plant and animal species closely, and interacted with the experts to learn about their ecological significance. The faculty members from the Department of Biology, Dr. Gurpreet Kaur, Prof. Meenu, and Prof. Isha and Laboratory Assistant Ms. Parmjit Kaur accompanied the students, discussing the unique characteristics of the species observed. The opportunity to witness biodiversity so closely was both educational and awe-inspiring.

To further promote environmental creativity and awareness, poster making and slogan writing competitions were organized during the camp. Students also compiled a database of the flora and fauna they documented during their exploration. A lively interaction and discussion session followed, where students shared their observations and raised queries, which were insightfully answered by S. Charanjit Singh. Participants also climbed the watchtower to enjoy a panoramic view of the entire sanctuary, offering a breathtaking perspective of nature’s abundance.

The event concluded with a felicitation ceremony, where students were acknowledged for their enthusiastic participation and contribution to the success of the camp. More than 50 students from various academic streams took part in this experiential learning initiative.

Swami Premanand Mahavidyalaya, Mukerian extended heartfelt thanks to the officials of the Takhani Rehmanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, Hoshiarpur for their support and hospitality, which greatly contributed to the success of the camp. The organizing team also expressed gratitude to the College Management Committee and Principal Dr. Sameer Sharma for their constant encouragement and guidance.

The Nature Camp proved to be a successful, insightful, and inspiring educational experience, enriching students with firsthand exposure to environmental conservation and reaffirming the college’s commitment to promoting ecological awareness and sustainable living.