9th Mile, Khanapara, Ri Bhoi, Thursday, June 5, 2025: As the world faces mounting environmental challenges, needing more caretakers of the Earth, on World Environment Day 2025, the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya initiated a plantation-drive, plastic-free pledge to remind people that is not just a responsibility of governments or organizations but it’s the sanctimonious duty of every individual to build a happier, healthier green world.

This year, the USTM spearheaded an engrossing awareness campaign titled “Embracing a Plastic-Free Pledge for a Sustainable Environment,” backing the global theme “Ending Global Plastic Pollution.”

Of note, Dr. R.K. Sharma, the Principal of IA Ayurvedic Medical College, addressed the rally at USTM with the participation of students and faculty members, raising awareness of the detrimental effects of pollution and encouraging planting endeavors.

On the eve of World Environment Day, the Department of Botany organized a plantation drive in the presence of G.D. Sharma, Vice Chancellor of USTM, titled “Ek Ped Maa Ke Nam.”

The School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, in collaboration with the NSS Cell of USTM, organized a plantation drive at Savio Higher Secondary School, rooted for a greener, plastic-free future at the campus of the school in Baridua, Ri Bhoi.

In celebration of World Environment Day 2025, the Department of Computer Science and Department of Physics of the University of Science & Technology Meghalaya (USTM) jointly organized an potent outreach program titled “Green Earth, Clean Future: Sow the Seeds of Sustainability” on 4th June 2025 at Jorbil Village, where student volunteers distributed saplings to the residents of Jorbil Village. They aimed to encourage the villagers to participate actively in tree planting, enlighten them about the dangers of deforestation, and the importance of maintaining the ecological balance. The villagers took on the challenge enthusiastically.

This passionate plantation-driven endeavor got faculty, staff, and workers on the same platform in a spirit of unity, reasserting their commitment to environmental conservation.  This inspired the participants to break free from the cycle of contamination and challenge the suffocating artificiality of a plastic world.

The School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, in collaboration with the NSS Cell of USTM, organized a plantation drive at Savio Higher Secondary School, rooted for a greener, plastic-free future at the campus of the school in Baridua, Ri Bhoi.

On the other hand, the Department of Chemistry, USTM, celebrated the day with an awareness program on “Embracing a Plastic-Free Pledge for a Sustainable Environment.” The event educated village residents on the impact of plastic pollution and promoted sustainable practices.

Pointing out the pitfalls of plastic, this green gesture marked a powerful step toward a cleaner, greener, and more organic future.  From pollution to solution, USTM leads the driveway with trees, not plastic; rooting to plant a sapling, not plastic, celebrating World Environment Day the right way!