Patna: The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Regional Office, Patna, and Bapu Tower jointly organised a World Environment Day programme titled “Jab Nadi Jagi Tatha Saaj-e-Fizaan” at Bapu Tower on Thursday.
The event focused on environmental conservation, water resources and the revival of rivers, with speakers sharing experiences and perspectives on sustainable environmental practices.
Experts discuss Lakhandei river revival
Among the participants were historian and Lakhandei River Struggle Committee president Ramsharan Agrawal, author Asha Prabhat, social activist Prof Anand Kishor, Kilkari Bal Bhavan director Jyoti Parihar and classical dancer Neelam Choudhary.
ICCR Regional Director Swadha Rizvi welcomed the guests and felicitated them with mementoes and traditional honours.
In his address, Ramsharan Agrawal spoke about efforts to revive the Lakhandei river and highlighted the challenges associated with water scarcity. He outlined the role of community participation and collective action in the river conservation campaign.
Author Asha Prabhat shared her experiences related to the Lakhandei revival initiative and discussed how cooperation between society and government contributed to restoring the river.
Focus on environmental awareness
Prof Anand Kishor discussed the cultural and social connections between Bihar and Nepal through shared river systems, while Jyoti Parihar reflected on the relationship between communities and rivers in her concluding remarks.
Earlier, Bapu Tower Deputy Director Lalit Kumar Singh emphasised the growing environmental challenges facing society and underlined the importance of public awareness programmes.
Documentary and cultural performances
A 25-minute documentary on the Lakhandei river in Sitamarhi, produced and directed by Dipesh Chandra, was screened during the event.
The programme concluded with a classical music performance by Rajiv Sinha.
Officials from Bapu Tower, including Deputy Secretary Kiran Kumari and Under Secretary Ajay Kumar Singh, were present along with a large number of attendees. The event was moderated by Pratyush Chandra Mishra, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Arun Kumar Pathak.
