Chandigarh, 19 September: Under the aegis of National Green Corps (NGC), the Department of Botany and MCM Eco-Club ‘Parivesh’ of Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women, in collaboration with Mission LiFE, organised a series of activities to commemorate the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.
As part of the celebrations, an Inter-College Poster Making Competition was organised on the theme “Global Action for a Cooler Planet”, providing students a creative platform to express their understanding of ozone-layer protection, climate change and sustainable environmental practices. The competition witnessed participation from 45 students representing various institutions across the tricity, including Panjab University, PGGCG-42, PGGC-46, PGGCG-11, PGGC-11, GGDSD-32, DAV-10, GGSCW-26 and MCM DAV College for Women. Through their posters, the participants highlighted contemporary environmental concerns associated with ozone-layer depletion and presented innovative ideas and potential solutions for its protection. The entries were evaluated on the parameters of creativity, clarity and content. Ms. Khushi Dhiman, BFA, Government College for Arts, Sector 10, Chandigarh, bagged the first prize, while Mr. Arman, BA II, GGDSD, Sector 32, Chandigarh, secured the second prize. Ms. Arshdeep Kaur, MA II, PGGCG-11, Chandigarh, won the third prize. The consolation prizes were awarded to Ms. Mehakmeet Kaur, BCA I, MCM DAV College for Women; Ms. Manpreet Kaur, BCom III, PGGCG-42; and Ms. Akshita Chhajta, BA III, MCM DAV College for Women.
In addition to the poster-making competition, an awareness session on World Ozone Day was organised, with Ms. Smriti Sharma, Information Officer, Department of Environment, Chandigarh Administration, as the resource person. She sensitised the participants to the significance of the day and emphasised the need for sustained efforts to protect the ozone layer. During the interactive session, Ms. Sharma highlighted the interrelationship between ozone-layer protection and climate change and shared practical measures that individuals and communities can adopt to promote ozone protection, sustainable cooling and environmental sustainability. The session encouraged participants to recognise the importance of informed, responsible and collective action in addressing environmental challenges. At the conclusion of the programme, an Ozone Layer Protection Pledge was administered to the participants.
Officiating Principal Ms. Neena Sharma commended the organising teams for their efforts and encouraged students and staff to develop a deeper understanding of the linkages between ozone protection, climate action and sustainable living. She added that the programme reinforced the message that collective and responsible action is essential for protecting the ozone layer and building a healthier, cooler and more sustainable planet.