IIIM Srinagar Hosts 1617th Tree Talk; Experts Applaud Former PCCF’s Contribution to Biodiversity Awareness

SRINAGAR: The Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) Srinagar today hosted the 1617th edition of the renowned Tree Talk series, featuring biodiversity expert and former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests J&K, OP Sharma Vidhyarthi. Held in the botanical garden of the IIIM campus at Sanatnagar, the event focused on the medicinal and edible value of indigenous herbs and plants.

Addressing an audience of researchers, scientists, environmentalists, and nature enthusiasts, OP Sharma highlighted the significance of at least a dozen herbs found within the institute’s garden. His talk underlined the need to preserve indigenous knowledge systems and biodiversity through sustained awareness initiatives.

Participants praised Sharma’s long-standing efforts to popularize biodiversity literacy through his Tree Talk series. Several speakers, including noted activist and writer Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat, who delivered the introductory remarks, lauded Sharma’s commitment to public education on taxonomy and indigenous ecological wisdom.

Dr Bhat also urged IIIM Srinagar to organize similar sessions for school students to build environmental consciousness at the grassroots level.

Appreciation was also extended to IIIM Director Dr Zabeer Ahmad and Senior Scientist Dr Parvez Qazi for their ongoing research on medicinal plants. Dr Qazi, who delivered the vote of thanks, assured that such awareness events would now be held three to four times annually.

Among others who spoke at the event were Ghulam Hassan Mir, former Mass Media Officer at the Department of Environment & Ecology, and eco-tourism entrepreneur Jagjit Singh, both of whom praised OP Sharma’s tireless contributions.

Dr Shahid Jibran, CEO of IIIM’s Atal Incubation Centre, also participated in the event. Following the Tree Talk, OP Sharma and other guests toured the incubation centre and commended the innovations being pursued under Dr Jibran’s leadership.