Back to the roots

KOCHI: As part of Swasraya Bharat 2011, the science and technology expo at the Shiva Temple Ground, a national seminar on 'Greening the forests for safe living' was held at School of Marine Sciences, Cusat on Friday.The seminar which was conducted in collaboration with Swadeshi Science movement and the School of Marine Sciences, Cusat was inaugurated by Dr V N Rajasekharan Pillai, executive vice president of  Kerala state council for science and technology and environment.Speaking on the occasion, Dr Rajasekharan Pillai said the government should promote traditional medicinal practises and tips followed by households. This, he said, would contribute towards the development of the national health scenario. He also focused on the need to understand the wisdom of our ancestors. "They gave priority to forest conservation, and had a general awareness about conserving the greens which was passed on from one generation to another. Now the whole world is having a debate on global warming and carbon emitting. At this critical juncture, we should consider the knowledge that the ancestors left for us." Rajasekharan also added that only through technological self-reliance can India make a mark in the global arena.  Dr A Ramachandran, registrar, Cusat who delivered the felicitations said that the seminar topic had great relevance since 2011 has been considered as the 'International year of forest' by UNO. "The green earth is gradually giving way to a gray earth and an ever-increasing population is proving to be a threat," he said.The welcome address was by Dr S Bijoy Nandan, the associate professor of school of Marine Sciences, Cusat. Presidential address was by V P N Nampoori, president of Swadeshi Science Movement. P Sreekandan Nair, director of Directorate of Environment and Climate Change delivered the keynote address. Felicitations were made by  Dr P Seralathan, Director, School of Marine Sciences, Cusat, R C Sinha, Director, Central institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering training. The event will be on till December 20.