BFUHS Celebrates Biodiversity Day 2025 with Focus on Medicinal Plant Conservation
BFUHS Celebrates Biodiversity Day 2025 with Focus on Medicinal Plant Conservation
Faridkot, May 22, 2025 – Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS), Faridkot, celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity–2025 with a special focus on “Nurturing Nature through Medicinal Plants”, underscoring its unique status as India’s first Green Campus Health University. The event was organized by the University Centre of Excellence in Research (UCER) under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Rajeev Sood, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, in collaboration with the Punjab Biodiversity Board, Government of Punjab.
A key highlight of the celebration was the release of an Abstract Book on Biodiversity and Medicinal Plants Production through Hydroponics, showcasing pioneering research and innovations in sustainable herbal agriculture and biodiversity conservation.
The event also marked the inauguration of a two-day training workshop (May 22–23, 2025) on “Medicinal Plants Production through Hydroponics”, organized in partnership with the Regional-cum-Facilitation Centre (RCFC), North-1, National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Ministry of AYUSH. The first day featured a brainstorming session on “The Role of Conservation of Medicinal Plants in Achieving Sustainable Biodiversity Goals”, attended by students, researchers, environmentalists, and policymakers.
Prof. (Dr.) Sanjeev Sood, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Guru Ravidas Ayurved University, Hoshiarpur, graced the occasion as Chief Guest and emphasized the importance of safeguarding biodiversity to tackle climate change and preserve traditional medicine systems.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. (Dr.) Rajeev Sood stressed the need for integrating biodiversity protection with climate resilience strategies, especially through the revival and scientific advancement of indigenous medicinal flora. He called for collaborative actions across communities, researchers, and policymakers to create a robust and sustainable phyto-medicine ecosystem.
Dr. Arun Chandan, Regional Director, RCFC-North-1, NMPB (Ministry of AYUSH), highlighted the strategic importance of medicinal biodiversity and the national-level policy interventions essential for its conservation.
A significant milestone was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between BFUHS and Guru Ravidas Ayurved University to strengthen academic and research collaboration in medicinal plant conservation and integrative health sciences. The MoU was signed by Prof. (Dr.) Rajeev Sood and Prof. (Dr.) Sanjeev Sood, marking a commitment to joint initiatives that bridge modern and traditional knowledge systems.
The program also featured expert lectures and a panel discussion by renowned specialists including:
- Mrs. Reeva Sood, Managing Director, Agriva Naturally – on women-led agro-enterprises and value addition in medicinal plant farming
- Dr. Ashish R. Warghat, Principal Scientist, CSIR-IHBT, Palampur
- Sh. Hardeep Singh Kingra (IFS Retd.), Former Additional Secretary
- Dr. Sairam Reddy Palicherla, Co-founder, Urban Kisaan
- Mr. Himanshu, expert in hydroponic systems
Dr. Arun Chandan further elaborated on biodiversity preservation strategies under the Ministry of AYUSH’s national programs.
The event was attended by key dignitaries including Er. Sukhjeet Singh Dhilwan (Chairman), Shri Arvind Sharma (Registrar), Dr. Rajeev Sharma (CEO), Dr. Sanjeev Goyal, Dr. Rohit Chopra (Additional Registrar), and Dr. Neetu Kukar (Medical Superintendent).
This celebration reaffirmed BFUHS’s leadership in promoting biodiversity, sustainability, and integrative healthcare, setting an inspiring example of how scientific innovation and environmental stewardship can thrive hand in hand.
