Journalism department and community radio spearhead climate awareness drive in Ghat village
Meerut: Ganehs Shankar Vidyarthi Subharti Department of Journalism and Mass Communication of Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, in partnership with Azad Hind Radio 90.0 FM, organised a community outreach programme on climate change at Ghat village, Meerut. The initiative, held under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Ritesh Chaudhary, head of the department, aimed to raise public awareness about environmental degradation and to promote local plantation drives.
In his keynote address, Dr. Satyaveer outlined the project’s objectives, saying the campaign sought to educate villagers about the causes and consequences of climate change and to mobilise grassroots action. “Radio remains a powerful medium to reach diverse communities,” he said, adding that the university and Azad Hind Radio had launched a joint effort to protect the local environment and urged sustained community participation to ensure the programme’s success.
Dr. Satyaveer stressed the need to preserve the present climate equilibrium to secure a safer future for coming generations and appealed to students and residents to adopt eco-friendly habits. “Individual choices—how we use water, electricity and transport—have cumulative effects on the environment,” he said.
Ram Prakash, assistant professor, characterised environmental protection as a moral responsibility, calling for both collective and individual measures to confront climate-related challenges. Tarun Jain, assistant professor at the university, underscored prudent resource management and reduced consumption, and recommended expanding renewable energy adoption. “Promotion of solar, wind and hydroelectric options alongside responsible electricity and water use can significantly mitigate climate impact,” Jain said.
The programme combined talks with practical steps, including planning for enhanced sample plantation in and around the village, and outreach through community radio broadcasts to broaden the campaign’s reach.
Dr. Santosh Kumar Gautam, project coordinator, delivered the vote of thanks. Students, notably Tushar Kumar and volunteers were acknowledged for their role in organising and executing the event.
The organisers said the initiative will be followed by periodic radio segments and hands-on plantation activities to sustain momentum and measure local impact.
