Uttaranchal University Hosts ICSSR-Sponsored National Seminar on Climate Change and SDGs

Uttaranchal University organized a two-day ICSSR-sponsored National Seminar on “Climate Change and Sustainable Development Goals” on November 13–14, 2025. The event was inaugurated in the presence of Chief Guest Padma Shri Dr. Kalyan Singh Rawat, President Shri Jitendra Joshi, Vice President Ms. Ankita Joshi, and Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Dharam Buddhi.

Shri Jitendra Joshi extended his best wishes and commended the seminar’s objective of bringing together academicians, researchers, policymakers, and students to address climate change challenges and explore strategies for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Indian context.

Dr. Rawat inspired the audience to adopt sustainable practices rooted in ecological conservation and community participation. He emphasized the vital role of “Bhuja”—life-sustaining soil and land resources—in maintaining ecological balance. Highlighting his Meiti Andolan initiative for forest and soil conservation, he also stressed the urgent need to rejuvenate the Ganga through collective efforts, sustainable river basin management, and pollution control. He urged students and researchers to become “green ambassadors” and contribute to environmental restoration through innovation and grassroots action.

Guest of Honour Prof. (Dr.) Dharam Buddhi underscored the importance of integrating traditional environmental wisdom with modern scientific innovations to mitigate climate impacts. Prof. (Dr.) Rajesh Singh, Director of Research and Innovation, highlighted the university’s contributions to SDG-related publications.

Keynote speakers, including Prof. (Dr.) Piyush Kuchhal, Dr. Brij Mohan Sharma, Mr. Ashish Sharma, Dr. D.V. Gadre, Dr. S.S. Suthar, Dr. Hari Raj, Dr. Ajay Singh, and Mr. Rajesh Deorari, delivered sessions on topics such as climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, circular economy, environmental policy, and sustainable urban development. Session chairs concluded presentations by participants, fostering rich academic discussions.

Researchers and academicians from across India presented papers and exchanged ideas on innovative approaches to achieving SDGs amid global climate uncertainties. The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. (Dr.) Anita Gehlot, Joint Director of Research and Innovation, expressing gratitude to ICSSR and all participants for their valuable contributions. The event marked a significant step toward promoting awareness and collective action for a sustainable future.