Srinagar, Nov 12 Khurshed Peer (Presspact): To commemorate the 19th anniversary of the Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST) and the 4.0 National Industry-Academia Conclave, GR8 Sports India Pvt. Ltd., in collaboration with the CIED-IUST Foundation, introduced an eco-friendly initiative called We Plant a Tree for Every 3 Bats Sold.
A tree-planting initiative was held at the IUST campus, officially launched by Balbir Singh, the Northern Head of SIDBI. The event received assistance from Dr. Parvez Ahmad Mir, Director of the CIED-IUST Foundation, along with Fawzul-Kabiir and Mohammad Niaz ul Kabir, the founders of GR8 Sports India Pvt. Limited.
During this momentous event, GR8 Sports India Pvt. Limited received the prestigious Best Performing Global Startup award. This accolade was bestowed by the Chief Guest, Minister of Education Sakina Itoo, along with the Guest of Honour, Advisor to the Chief Minister Jenab Nasir Aslam Wani. Their recognition highlights the vital role that the cricket bat industry plays in bolstering the local economy.
In a collaborative effort, GR8 Sports and the CIED-IUST Foundation have committed to planting six trees for each six hit during the recent Legends League Cricket tournament held in Kashmir.
These efforts are focused on safeguarding the precious willow trees of Kashmir, essential to the region’s cricket bat production industry. This sector not only fuels the local economy but also provides employment for approximately 150,000 individuals across 400 factories in Jammu & Kashmir. In light of the concerning decline in Kashmir willow tree populations, GR8 Sports is taking action in response to longstanding appeals from the industry to protect this vital resource.
Kabiir Brothers, the founders of GR8 Sports India Pvt. Ltd., stated that their partnership with the CIED-IUST Foundation goes beyond just an environmental effort; it represents a commitment to nurturing and preserving an industry that reflects the essence and economy of Kashmir. This initiative emphasizes our collective duty to preserve our natural resources, which are essential to the cricket bat production industry. By engaging in tree planting, we are fostering environmental health and ensuring a sustainable future for numerous families dependent on this sector.
The accolades and honors garnered by GR8 Sports underscore the startup’s commitment to harmonizing economic development with environmental responsibility. With the cricket bat industry confronting the imminent challenge of dwindling raw materials, GR8 Sports seeks to raise awareness and motivate proactive measures through its tree-planting initiative. Additionally, their initiatives shed light on the cricket bat sector’s dependence on multiple industries throughout India that provide vital components such as cane, rubber, stickers, and thread.
The initiative We Plant a Tree for Every 3 Bats We Sell showcases GR8 Sports India’s dedication to sustainability. This effort not only supports the future of Kashmir’s largest manufacturing industry but also aids in environmental conservation – Presspact.
Community Engagement in Tree Planting
Community engagement in tree planting goes beyond mere participation; it cultivates a sense of stewardship that strengthens local bonds and instills pride. When residents come together to plant trees, they are not just adding greenery to their environment—they are actively shaping the future of their neighborhoods. Engaging community members creates a powerful narrative around environmental responsibility, transforming often reluctant participants into passionate advocates for sustainability.
The collaboration of Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST) and GR8 Sports India Pvt. Ltd ) their outreach strategy, organizers should partner with local schools to engage students in environmental stewardship through hands-on learning experiences. “We believe that involving our youth is crucial. “Not only does it foster a sense of responsibility toward our planet but also helps instill lifelong values of conservation.” With support from local government grants and enthusiastic community should participate as evident at school events, stakeholders are hopeful in future these initiative could serve as a model for similar projects across each and ever town in Kashmir.