The ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural research, Bengaluru celebrated World Soil Day - 2024 with the theme “Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage" on 5th December, 2024. The chief guest Dr. G.B. Brahma Prakash, Former Professor and Head, Dept. of Agric. Microbiology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru delivered a thought provoking lecture on the topic “Biodiversity Beneath Your Feet”. He articulated on the various forms of biodiversity, loss in biodiversity, above ground biodiversity and below ground biodiversity (BGBD) linkages. He dwelt at length on the succession influenced nature of substrate, threats to below ground biodiversity, BGBD and ecosystem functions, BGBD and community dynamics, secondary metabolites - early warning system and resilience of BGBD. He stressed upon the need to conserve biodiversity for posterity for sustenance of all forms of life on the planet. Dr. Prakash Patil, Director i/c, ICAR-IIHR, in his Presidential address lauded the efforts of the Division of Natural Resources in creating awareness on sustainable soil health management and also arranging the function in a befitting manner and stressed on the need for sustaining soil health for the future generations. Dr. T.R. Rupa, Head i/c, Division of Natural Resources presented a brief overview of genesis and importance of the World Soil Day. Dr. S. Ramachandran, Senior Scientist and Dr. G. Chetan Kumar, Scientist, coordinated the preparation and distribution of the soil health cards. The importance of soil health cards was elaborated to save the soil and to curtail excess and indiscriminate use of fertilizers. Soil Health Cards were distributed to farmers on the occasion. The function was attended by the farmers, scientific, technical personnel, students, contractual staff. The programme was arranged by Dr. T.R. Rupa, Head i/c and Staff of the Division of Natural Resources.