On September 18, 2024, the Bamboo Resource Centre at the College of Forestry in Navsari hosted a valedictory function to mark World Bamboo Day, celebrating a week-long training program on bamboo. The event was graced by the Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Z. P. Patel, as the president of the function. The chief guest was Dr. K. Sasi Kumar (IFS), Chief Conservator of Forests, Surat Circle, alongside esteemed guests including Dr. Lalit Mahatma, Associate Director of Research; Dr. Krupesh A. Chauhan, Regional Coordinator of Unnat Bharat Abhiyan and Professor at SVNIT, Surat; and Mrs. Bhavna B. Desai, Deputy Conservator of Forests for the Social Forestry Division in Navsari. The event was convened by Dr. M. B. Tandel, Dean, College of Forestry, and featured distinguished guest Mr. Girish L. Patel, President of FPO Bharuch, as well as organizing secretary Dr. Jayesh Pathak.

In his presidential address, the Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor congratulated the participants on the successful completion of the training and praised the organizing team for their efforts. He stressed the importance of expanding bamboo plantations both in and around fields to reduce the country's reliance on imported bamboo raw materials. He also highlighted the need to brand bamboo products to align with contemporary market demands.

During the event, dignitaries inaugurated a bamboo gallery and an exhibition of bamboo products created by the training participants. The week-long program engaged students, farmers, FPO members, and staff from the forest department. Dr. M. B. Tandel welcomed all attendees with an opening speech, while Dr. Jayesh Pathak elaborated on the project's activities at the Bamboo Resource Centre and the training program's initiatives. Additionally, distinguished guests from FPOs and progressive farmers shared their experiences and insights with the audience.