K Jude Sekar, Director General Forest and special secretary at Union Ministry of Forests and Environment, on Saturday called environment as a main agenda of this century while addressing trainee officers during convocation in Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy at Forest Research Institute (FRI).
Sekar, who graced the event as chief guest, said, “In 21st century, Environment has emerged as a major agenda which is integral part of the forests. To protect the forest, there is need of strong resolution and commitment. The threat to the forest could be decreased with the help of locals and various organisations, including gram panchayats, joint forest committees and locals.”
He further said that sustainable and continuous growth is not possible without eradication of poverty and penury. Congratulating the trainee officers, he drew their attention towards the concept of forest management which could be used for protecting the forests. Congratulating the young officers, Sekar also expressed satisfaction over the role being played by the academy.
He said that the academy is preparing the young officer to deal with the challenges by giving them training. He gave some tips to the trainee officers to deal with the challenges in the field. Director of the academy, RK Goel said that the Institute has been serving the nation for the last 75 years. It has given training to all the officers of Indian Forest Service and 331 officers from 16 neighbouring countries.
He further added that, “Today, 66 officers of IFS batch 2011-13 have completed their training and declared pass. All those who completed training successfully have been given associate diploma by the academy”. He asked all the probationers to work hard and also pay attention towards the issues related to the means of livelihood of the poor. He said that their steps and hard work might set up new milestone in development in remote areas. He advised the officers to win the confidence of the locals that would help them in protection and conservation of the forests. The trainees, who came out with shining colours, were given away awards. Monali Sen topped the training.
Best All-rounder Forester award was conferred on Adarsh Kumar, MS Contractor Deep Jagdeep, Anand S, Yashpal Kisirsagar, Sabba Alam Ansari, Mahesh Kumar, Khumbu Dor Ji, Anurag Kumar, Shivala Rambadu, Debala leprakham, and Divanshu Shekar. Several senior officers, including Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Dr RBS Rawat and several other senior officers from other departments graced the event.