Punjab University Vice-Chancellor Prof R C Sobti on Thursday inaugurated a three-week UGC refresher course on Environmental Studies in the seminar hall of Botany Department. More than 40 teachers of the universities and colleges from across the country are participating in the course. Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal, a well-known environmentalist, was the guest of honour on the occasion.

The course coordinator, Prof AS Ahluwalia, Chairman, Department of Environment and Vocational Studies, Panjab University and Dean, Faculty of Science, introduced the theme of the refresher course. In his inaugural address, Prof Sobti, Vice-Chancellor, stressed on creating more awareness about environment.

He cited many examples from daily life to highlight the importance and necessity to protect our surroundings. Sant Seechewal addressed the participants and projected a film to highlight the extent to which water, air and other resources had been polluted.

He also discussed how one could contribute to overcome such problems taking example of Holy Bein project. A number of eminent resourcepersons from all over the country will be interacting with the participants on a range of topics during the seminar.

In the evening, Prof Rajesh Gill, chairperson, Department of Women Studies, delivered a lecture highlighting the role of women in environment protection.