SMVDU Katra: In the ongoing induction of newly admitted students of B. Tech program at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Shri Om Parkash Sharma aka Vidyarthi, Director, Department of Ecology, Environment& Remote Sensing J&K, was invited to deliver a talk on the value of ecosystem and environment. His talk was organized in the Matrika Auditorium of SMVDU. Shri Sharma elaborated upon the widespread network of the soil life, which not only supports the ecosystem on the earth but also functions as natural educator to human beings for all innovations and researches. By taking examples from different plants, mountains, rivers and microorganisms, Vidyarthi pointed out that how mindless exploitation of nature has created existential challenge before several forms of life. But unfortunately we tend to notice it only when it becomes a threat to human existence, Shri Sharma remarked. He calls himself a ‘student of woods’ and bears a penname “Vidyarthi” meaning ‘student’. In a very compelling way, he explained the interrelationship of the life above and below the soil and advised the students to be mindful about every activity influencing the biodiversity. He said, we human beings care for ourselves and therefore we must know that a negligible loss of biodiversity today would create an issue of sustenance for our generation. Dr. Anil Tewari, Head, School of Philosophy & Culture, presented a vote of thanks.