World Environment Day 2026
The Department of Gunapadam, Faculty of Siddha Medicine, University of Jaffna, in collaboration with the Department of Indigenous Medicine, Northern Province, successfully celebrated World Environment Day 2026 on 18th June 2026.The programme commenced at 7.30 a.m. with a road show titled “Poomithayin Kanneer” (G+kpj;jhapd; fz;zPu;), organized by the Department of Gunapadam with the permission of the Chavakachcheri Police. The road show was performed by the 41st Batch BSMS students to create public awareness regarding the adverse effects of plastic usage, environmental pollution, and the importance of tree planting. The performances were conducted at Navatkuli Junction and Kaithady Junction and received positive responses from the public.
Following the road show, a rally highlighting the importance of environmental conservation was conducted from Kaithady Junction to the Faculty of Siddha Medicine.
The main programme was subsequently held at the Siddha Auditorium with the participation of approximately 180 attendees, including school students, teachers, members of the public approximately 30 members, community medical officers, faculty staff, and university students.
The participating schools were:
- J/Navatkuli Maha Vidyalayam – 10 students and accompanying teachers
- J/Kaithady Muthukumarasamy Vidyalayam – 40 students and accompanying teachers
- J/Kaithady Navatkuli G.T.M. School – 10 students and accompanying teachers
- J/Kaithady Vigneshwara Vidyalayam – 20 students and accompanying teachers
- J/Kaithady Nunavil G.T.M. School – 10 students and accompanying teachers
As part of the environmental conservation initiative, medicinal plants were distributed to the participating schools to establish and strengthen their herbal gardens. Twenty medicinal plants were donated to J/Kaithady Vigneshwara Vidyalayam, while ten medicinal plants were provided to each of the other schools. Medicinal plants were also distributed to members of the public. Furthermore, 100 medicinal plants were donated to the Department of Forest Conservation, Jaffna.
The 41st BSMS students were trained for the road show, and medicinal plant nurseries were arranged under the guidance of Miss N. Luxsika, Temporary Demonstrator.
The Chief Guest and other invitees were welcomed with natural bouquets and eco-friendly badges prepared by the 41st BSMS students under the guidance of Miss. A.R. Rushdha, Temporary Demonstrator. The programme commenced with Siddhar Vanakkam, followed by the traditional lighting of the oil lamp.
Welcome address was delivered by Mr. J. Dilaxan, Temporary Demonstrator. The Chief Guest of the event was Mr. L. C. Ananth, Assistant Director, Central Environmental Authority, Jaffna. The Special Guests were Dr. T. Sarvananthan, Provincial Commissioner of Indigenous Medicine, Northern Province, and Dr. B. Prabakaran, Medical Officer In-Charge, Siddha Teaching Hospital, Kaithady.
The Dean of the Faculty of Siddha Medicine, Dr. (Mrs.) V. Sathiyaseelan, delivered the Dean’s Address. During her speech, she acknowledged the contributions of Mr. V. Jeyakumar, Laboratory Attendant, who prepared the script and trained the students for the road show, and Mr. S. Sukirtharuban, Technical Officer, who provided invaluable support for the successful organization of the event. The distinguished guests addressed the gathering and emphasized the importance of environmental protection, sustainable practices, and collective responsibility in conserving natural resources for future generations.
The 41st BSMS students presented several educational and cultural performances that effectively conveyed environmental messages while entertaining the audience. The programme was compered by Mr. N. Arivalakan and Miss A.F. Izzath, Temporary Demonstrators. The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Miss K. Sharvangi, Temporary Demonstrator. The overall coordination of the programme and arrangements for refreshments for all participants were efficiently managed by Mr. M. Subaskar, Temporary Demonstrator.
Following the conclusion of the formal programme, an educational exhibition was organized for the school students. The exhibition featured PowerPoint presentations and displays highlighting the medicinal uses of fruits, the importance of conserving a green environment, and other environmental and health-related themes. Natural fruits, educational banners, and informative displays were exhibited to enhance awareness among the participants. Dr.R.Ajanthan, consultant physician, Shri Varma Clinic, Maruthanarmadam sponsored for the banners. This exhibition was organized under the guidance of Mr. J. Dilaxan and Mr. V. Atheethan, Temporary Demonstrators.
The entire event was conducted under the supervision of Dr. (Mrs.) V. Sathiyaseelan, Senior Lecturer /Department of Gunapadam and Dean, Faculty of Siddha Medicine, University of Jaffna. Dr. (Mrs.) V.M.Prasad, Head/ Department of Gunapadam coordinated the whole event.
The World Environment Day 2026 celebration concluded successfully, fostering environmental awareness among students, schools, and the wider community while encouraging active participation in environmental conservation and sustainable living practices.
