World Environment Day 2025 Celebrated with Grandeur by Leading Organisations in Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar, June 5, 2025
In an inspiring tribute to World Environment Day 2025, three reputed organisations — Save Environment, Save Globe (Odisha), Kalinga Educational Trust, Bhubaneswar, and Sabitri Devi Charitable Trust, Bhubaneswar — came together to organize a grand event at the Conference Hall of Red Cross Society, Bhubaneswar. The event was held under the dynamic chairmanship of Dr. Susanta Das, a well-known educationist and the founding member of all three organisations, who has consistently championed environmental causes and youth development.
The programme was marked by the presence of several eminent personalities. Dr. Sipra Mallick, former Member of Legislative Assembly (Kendrapara), attended as the Chief Guest, while Dr. Pabitra Mohan Samantaray, a celebrated philanthropist and renowned journalist — known for his insightful editorials in The Kalinga Chronicles and Odia Paryabekhyak — delivered the keynote address as Chief Speaker.
Other dignitaries present included Shri Gopabandhu Mallick, Chairman of “Save Environment, Save Globe”, and Ms. Sugyana Chaudhury, the respected News Editor of The Pioneer, who both addressed the gathering as special guests. Each speaker brought forth valuable insights and impassioned appeals related to the theme of this year’s Environment Day — “Beat Plastic Pollution”.
In her address, Dr. Sipra Mallick emphasized the growing threat of plastic waste and the need for active public participation in curbing the use of single-use plastic. She applauded the efforts of the organisers in promoting environmental awareness.
Dr. Pabitra Mohan Samantaray, in his powerful keynote, highlighted the long-standing goals of India’s National Forest Policy, 1988, which envisioned increasing forest cover to 33% of the geographical area. Referring to the visionary thoughts of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru from the 1952 Forest Policy, he expressed disappointment that the current forest coverage remains at only 25.17%, which is both inadequate and alarming. He advocated for stronger governmental accountability and public involvement to bridge this gap. “Forest protection must not be viewed as charity — it is both a moral and legal responsibility,” he stated, urging every citizen to plant and nurture trees.
Taking a statistical view, Ms. Sugyana Chaudhury revealed that India is currently generating around 9.3 million tonnes of plastic waste per year, contributing to nearly 20% of global plastic emissions. “If this trend continues unchecked, our ecosystem will face irreversible damage, endangering the future of humanity,” she warned. She appealed to people to say ‘No’ to plastic, especially to plastic carry bags and polythene wrappers, and instead embrace eco-friendly alternatives.
Chairperson Dr. Susanta Das, along with Shri Gopabandhu Mallick and writer Rashmi Roul, collectively called upon the people of Odisha to plant neem trees in every corner of the state — dedicating the initiative to Lord Jagannath. They emphasized that such spiritual symbolism would inspire people to connect emotionally with environmental efforts.
The event drew enthusiastic participation from environmentalists, students, educators, and youth leaders. Among the prominent attendees were Sulagna Sucharita, Banashree Mohapatra, Nrusingha Nath Nanda, Dinabandhu Das, and others who shared their thoughts and pledged support for a greener future.
The atmosphere of the event was filled with dedication, knowledge-sharing, and a call to action. It ended with an inspiring vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Susanta Das, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to all dignitaries, guests, volunteers, and participants for making the event a remarkable success.
