The Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal welcomed 160 students from 23 states and union territories of the country in its flagship programs- Post Graduate Diploma in Forestry Management (PGDFM) and Post Graduate Diploma in Sustainability Management (PGDSM) for the academic session 2023-25 on Monday.
The chief guest for the inaugural ceremony was Prof. (Dr.) S. Surya Prakash, Vice-Chancellor, NLIU, Bhopal, while Dr. R. Srinivasan, Professor of Strategy at IIM Bangalore; Nikesh Sinha, MD and CEO of Ashv Finance; and Vineet Rai, Founder of the Aavishkaar Group, graced the occasion by marking their presence as distinguished alumni.
In his address to the students, Prof. Surya Prakash emphasized the significance of environmental law. He expressed, "IIFM students are the guardians of the environment and the creators of a green and sustainable future." He shed light on important aspects such as the Right to Green and Safe Environment and the Fundamental Right to Sanitization.
The Director of IIFM, Dr. K. Ravichandran, congratulated the 2023-25 batch students as they embarked on their new academic journey. He stated, "Students of PGDFM and PGDSM programs at IIFM contribute across various sectors, from the corporate world to banking, FMCGs to manufacturing industries."
Additionally, speaking about the "Mission LiFE" initiative of GoI, he mentioned that the institute is also doing various activities under the "Mission Life" as per the government's directives, aiming to tackle global problems.
The institute also organized a range of sports activities, including outdoor sports such as basketball and volleyball.
The program will also include an exposure visit to Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve and PRADAN (Professional Assistance for Development Action), a civil society organization working in the field of livelihood, food security, and natural resource management since 1983.