SMVDU: School of Energy Management, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, a leading educational institution and promoter of sustainability and environmental conservation, organized a one-day awareness program focused on “Empowering Climate Action: Strategies for a Sustainable Future” in collaboration with J&K Science Technology and Innovation Council, Udhampur. The primary objective of this initiative was to equip participants with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration needed to drive meaningful climate action. Through insightful discussions, expert presentations, and interactive sessions, attendees explored strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change and adapt to an evolving world.
In his keynote address, Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor of SMVDU, highlighted the steps taken by the university in organizing high-quality awareness programs, workshops, and conferences. He stressed that such events help broaden the knowledge base of participants and emphasized various aspects of strategies for sustainable development. Prof. Kumar noted that raising awareness among participants and the public is crucial for pursuing sustainable growth and empowering climate action for a sustainable future.
Shruti Khanna, District Coordinator of JKSTIC, highlighted the event’s objective to encourage young minds and hoped they would become role models, particularly in promoting climate change mitigation. Prof. Deepak Pathania, Professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences at Central University of Jammu, emphasized different strategies for waste collection and energy production, urging young minds to take a lead in combating climate change. Dr. Rakesh Kumar Attri, Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Jammu, discussed how renewable resources can assist the environment and presented various protocols for addressing climate change.
Dr. Sanjeev Anand, Associate Dean of R&D and Coordinator of the program, explained the schedule of the awareness program and stressed the need for such initiatives. He highlighted the unprecedented challenges facing our planet, including rising temperatures, extreme weather events, diminishing natural resources, and ecosystem degradation. Dr. Anand emphasized the importance of promoting knowledge and understanding of climate change action to expedite the shift toward a sustainable future.
Dr. Yatheshth Anand, Assistant Professor and organizing secretary of the awareness program, added, “It is crucial to promote knowledge and understanding of climate change action in order to expedite the shift towards a sustainable future.” The inaugural function, co-coordinated by Dr. Vineet Tyagi, Dean of R&D, was attended by Deans and Heads of different schools. The formal vote of thanks was given by Dr. Yatheshth Anand, Assistant Professor in the School of Mechanical Engineering, SMVD University.