Protect Environment To Ensure Better Health, Minister Tells Students At SOA’s National NSS Camp In Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: Minister for Higher Education Arun Kumar Sahoo on Tuesday called upon the volunteers of the National Service Scheme (NSS) to work for environmental conservation as ecological degradation has emerged as the prime cause of health hazards.

Addressing the valedictory programme of week-long National Integration Camp organised by the NSS in collaboration with SOA here, Sahoo said even as COVID pandemic continues to play havoc, environmental degradation has added to the health problems. The experience the students were gaining at the camp would go a long way in building their character, he added.

Stating that the students should develop interest in sporting activities, Sahoo said the state government has been extending strong support to hockey for its development.

“It has led the Indian hockey team to win medal in the Tokyo Olympics after a gap of four decades,” he said adding that chief minister Naveen Patnaik was an avid hockey follower as he played the game passionately in his younger days.

Over 200 NSS volunteers from 20 states took part in the camp which was inaugurated in the SOA campus on December 15.

SOA pro-vice-chancellor Prof Pradipta Kumar Nanda presided the function which was also addressed by NSS regional director Sarita Patel, SNO of state NSS Cell Dr Ramesh Chandra Behera and SOA’s Dean (Students’ Welfare) Prof Jyoti Ranjan Das.

Prof Nachieketa K. Sharma, NSS Coordinator and SOA’s Director for University Outreach Programme conducted the proceedings.