Medan – The Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FK USU), conducted a Marigold (Tagetes spp.) planting activity in the faculty's garden as part of its commitment to creating a greener, healthier, and more sustainable campus environment. The initiative followed the presentation of Marigold seedlings by the Consul General of India in Medan, Ravi Shanker Goel, to the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Internationalization of FK USU, Prof. Dr. dr. Dina Keumala Sari, M.Gizi., Sp.GK., Subsp.PK.
The planting activity was led by Prof. Dina Keumala Sari, together with Dr. rer. medic. dr. M. Ichwan, M.Sc., Sp.KKLP., Subsp.FOMC, dr. O.K. Ilham Abdullah Irsyam, Sp.OT., CF-FA., AIFO-K, and Dewi Sri Handayani, S.E., M.M., Head of the General Affairs and Facilities Subdivision of FK USU. The Marigold flowers symbolize friendship and reinforce the growing partnership between the Faculty of Medicine USU and the Consulate General of India in Medan.
Marigold is widely recognized for its bright yellow, orange, and red flowers. In addition to beautifying landscapes, the plant offers several ecological benefits. Its distinctive scent helps repel certain agricultural pests, while its flowers provide nectar for bees and butterflies, which play an essential role in pollination. The presence of Marigold also contributes to the development of greener open spaces and enhances the overall quality of the campus environment.
Through this initiative, FK USU continues to promote environmental stewardship and strengthen international collaboration to support sustainable development. The planting of Marigold flowers represents a simple yet meaningful step toward preserving the environment and inspiring members of the academic community to actively contribute to the creation of a greener and healthier campus.
The activity supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15: Life on Land by promoting green spaces and biodiversity conservation, SDG 13: Climate Action by contributing to campus greening initiatives as part of climate action efforts, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by strengthening cooperation between the Faculty of Medicine USU and the Consulate General of India in Medan in advancing sustainable development.