Bhattadev University: A Comprehensive Journey through the Climate Justice 101

Bhattadev University: A Comprehensive Journey through the Climate Justice 101

Debashis Goswami

From June 18th to 24th 2026, the Bhattadev University, Pathsala and Mahabahu Climate Forum hosted a transformative climate justice internship program. This program was organized under the guidance of Sri Anjan Sarma and the Secretary cum convenor of Mahabahu Climate Forum Mr. Rituraj Phukan under coordination of Dr. Debajyoti Dutta from Bhattadev University. Total 100s of interns participated in this program and they were equally divided into 10 subgroups such as Brahmaputra, Barak, Aai, Subansiri, Kaldia, Pagladia etc.

This program combined rigorous sixty hours of academic lectures, practical workshops and field experiences. It featured a diverse roster of guest lecturers, each bringing a unique scientific approach and highly detailed presentation to characterize the multifaceted nature of climate change, disaster management, water quality check, E-waste management and sustainable living.

Day 1 (18th June, 2026)

Vice Chancellor – Prof. Dhanpati Deka: At the very next Prof. Dhanpati Deka started how carbon emission raises the earth temperature after the industrial boom. He also mentioned the mechanism of ethanol production.

Registrar, Dr. Manjit Das – Ethanol Debate : He started his talk about ethanol blended fuel from an economic perspective. How this process can reduce the dependency on fossil fuel at the same time can reduce the efficiency of fossil fuel based vehicle engines. He also mentioned that E20 has reduced a large number of carbon footprint from the environment.

Mr. Rituraj Phukan: At the end of the day Rituraj Phukan gave a brief presentation including the role UN’s UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) on act against global warming or climate change worldwide, Paris agreement, about the sources of greenhouse gases and its dynamics, the science of warming UNCCD COP17(United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification) etc. Students were assigned some assignments too.

Day 2 (19th June, 2026) Day 2 started with disaster management, administrative and public health responses to the environmental crisis.

Bhattadev University-Where Learning Met Purpose : ‘CLIMATE JUSTICE 101’ Internship Ends, A Responsibility Begins

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Mandira Buragohain, ASDMA: Mandira Buragohain delivered a highly structured, policy oriented presentation focused on disaster management. She categorized disaster as(medical, extremist, landslide, floods) and detailed the Disaster Management Act 2005. On her ppt, she outlined the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), first responder (NDRF, SDRF) and financial aid such as 4lakh SDRF, 2lakh ex-gratia provided within 48 hours for flood deaths.

Public Health department, Bajali District:

Pranab Deka: Chief engineer Pranab Deka provided an overview of the Swachh Bharat Mission and Jal Jeevan Mission.

Dr Saurav Haloi, Microbiologist: Then Dr Saurav Haloi emphasized that 80% of disease stem from poor water quality, discussing microplastics, coliform and E coli contamination and how nitrate contamination leads to Blue Baby syndrome.

Bhattadev University and Climate Justice Classroom

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After him Mr Tiken concluded with a practical lecture on rural waste sanitation derailing panchayat-level-solid and liquid waste management.

Day 2 was concluded by T.C Ranjith Ram, DFO North Kamrup division and Kaustav Baruah with a brief overview of regional biodiversity.

Day 3&4- Experience the wild life at Manas National Park(20-21st June, 2026): The theoretical foundation of the first 2days were put into perspective during a two day field trip to Manas National Park. The interns explored the Bansbari and Bhuyanpara ranges. Activities included a jeep safari through Kuribeel and Rupohi and on the second day to Mathanguri.

At Kuribeel and Rupohi, students were able to analyze the ecological mechanics of the grasslands and dense forests ecosystem and their flora and fauna. Also they were able to see the pahu fields which are as important as dense forest to maintain the ecological balance.

Mahabahu Climate Forum Experience: Seven Days of Climate Learning

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Inside the Bhuyanpara and Bansbari ranges interns were guided by the range officer Pranjal Talukdar and Mrinal Daimary; and they were assisted by forest officials Khanjan Nath and Gautam Das.

At Mathanguri, students visited the Beki river viewpoint and the Manas Heritage Museum. Under the guidance of foresters, interns observed the CAMPA Grass Nursery and learned to identify invasive species by using the quadrate method. The rich biodiversity of this region was on full display with sightings of deers, peacocks, elephants, hornbills and squirrels etc.

Day 5 (22nd June,2026):

Nita Ganguly: On returning to the Bhattadev campus, interns were greeted by Nita Ganguly. 10 hours of her session were divided into 3days. On the very first day students were introduced by 17 sustainable development goals. She also highlighted the toxicity of cigarette butts etc. Her session later transitioned into Mission Sunya Waste, a practical workshop where interns learned to upcycle old newspapers into dustbin linings and transform plastic bottles into flower vases.

Padmaza Talukdar: This was followed by a culturally resonant presentation on the “Urgency of Sustainability” by Padmaza Talukdar who directly tied SDGs (Goals 2, 6, 12, 13 and 15) to Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK). She described TEK as the backbone of ancient Indian practices and cited Assamese examples such as Bamboo drip irrigation, Jhum cultivation, Pukhuris and the Chang ghar. She cited community-led initiatives like seed banks and Dong water irrigation as concrete examples of climate justice in action.

Bhattadev University and the Mahabahu Climate Forum in Manas National Park

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Day 6 (23rd June, 2026): Nita Ganguly: On the second day of her session, Mrs Ganguly returned to focus on hormonal disruption caused by phthalates and microplastics. She pushes the 6(5+1) Mantra and the #NaRokoRUCOko(reuse cooking oil) initiative, cautioning that oil should be reused a maximum of 3 times to avoid Clostridium Botulinum fungus. Interns participated in the group activities creating seed balls, decomposer bins and bio enzymes (using a 90days process with a 10:1:3 ratio of water, jaggery and peels).

Binbag Recycling Services Pvt Ltd: Utpal Roy: The technical aspects of recycling were covered by Mr. Utpal Roy of Binbag Recycling Services Pvt, who differentiated between thermoset and thermoplastic materials and detailed the 3.2 million metric tonnes of e-waste generated annually.

Kakali Das: Kakali Das started her session by showcasing how sustainability directly affects community development. She talked about the successful alternative livelihood models such as the “Choran Ahem” (Food house) and “Ajon Ukum” (Friends house) in Panbari Mising Gaon,Kaziranga and the Kaziranga Haat managed by Rupjyoti Gogoi.

Day 7 (24th, June, 2026): Nita Ganguly: On day 7th, Nita Ganguly concluded by a hands-on session on terrarium making as a practical work.

Rituraj Phukan: Rituraj Phukan showed the work of young climate leaders like Prasiddhi Singh, Greta Thunberg and Larissa Bice. The session also underscored the critical vulnerability of Arctic and Himalayan regions.

Black Carbon was singled out as a particular scientific focus as a catalyst for environmental degradation: In addition to its direct effects on the accelerating melting of snow and ice, Black Carbon increases ambient heat and therefore threatens the Arctic and the Himalayas. The session cited the example of polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba, affected by such environmental changes.

Local Inspiration: The efforts of Dr. Rajendra Prasad, known as the “Water Man of India,” were acknowledged as a framework for effective environmental conservation.

Claudia Laricchia (SMILY ACADEMY): Claudia Laricchia discussed community entrepreneurship models in various parts of the world.

Vice Chancellor Prof Dhanpati Deka: Dhanpati Deka showed key concepts about Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and importance of biodiversity conservation. He also gave a brief on the significant role of indigenous people, noting that 5% of indigenous people contribute to 85% of biodiversity.

Dr Aswini Sarma, UNESCO Association Guwahati : Aswini Sarma discussed the significance of the UNESCO association, the UNESCO student fellowship program, and the importance of conserving World Heritage sites. Furthermore the “Mission Knowledge Programme” is described, which offers – membership for students, 15- days internship, participation in the UN general assembly.

Climate Justice 101 Internship Programme by Mahabahu Climate Forum Begins at Bhattadev University

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Jadav Payeng, the Forest man of India: During the final session of the “Climate Justice 101” internship at Bhattadev University, Padma Shri Jadav Payeng, known globally as the “Forest Man of India,” spoke from the heart. He didn’t just give a lecture; he shared the quiet courage of a life spent tending the land. Listening to him felt like watching a seed take root: he described how, year after year, he planted trees on a barren sandbar of the Brahmaputra, quietly turning it into the 1,360-acre Molai forest. His story made the big issues — soil erosion, shrinking habitats, and climate vulnerability – feel personal and solvable, a reminder that one committed person can spark lasting change.

Interacting closely with over 100 student participants, he highlighted a core philosophy: while nature will inevitably thrive with or without humanity, human survival hangs entirely on the health of the natural world. His session seamlessly connected local indigenous practices with global climate justice principles, leaving a powerful impression on the young attendees and inspiring them to transition from passive learners into active climate leaders who safeguard ecosystems for generations to come. At the very end he participated in a plantation drive donated by a local activist Ananda Khataniar.

Day 8 (9th July, 2026): After a lengthy break of 2 weeks, we gathered again in Bhattadev University’s campus on 9th July. Rituraj Phukan dedicated the day as “the students day to speak”. Students were equally divided into groups named Brahmaputra, Barak, Subansiri, Aai, Bharalu etc. Each of the teams selected a particular aspect of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK).

It was really a pleasure to see that those tiny fellows focus such distinctive indigenous knowledge in sectors like traditional livelihood, biodiversity conservation, wetlands, bamboo cultivation, species conservation, agriculture practices etc.

Each of them demonstrated their power point presentation very well researched by the help of photos and videos documentation. Every group was given 10 minutes of time to display their presentation on TEK. Dr Akshay kr Haloi, the Hod of Department of Zoology, Bhattadev University and Mr Ananda Khataniar, a renowned nature activist seated as an appraiser of this session. I was delighted to see the students present their presentations with such excellence and dedication.

Day 9 (10th July, 2026): On 10th July the last day of this internship programme, a series of lectures was delivered by distinguished academicians and environmental experts, focusing on key issues related to environmental conservation, biodiversity, climate change, ecological sustainability, and climate innovation.

Together, the sessions offered a broad understanding of environmental science by connecting ecological principles, important environmental literature, regional biodiversity, and emerging approaches to sustainability. The discussions highlighted the importance of protecting natural ecosystems while encouraging scientific research and innovative solutions to address global environmental challenges.

The programme began with Anjan Sarma welcomed everyone and appreciated each amd every participants for their effort and dedication.

Dr Satyendranath Singh, IFS, CEO of Assam Climate Change Management Society: Then there was a lecture by Dr. Satyendranath Singh, he described how factors such as greenhouse gases, human activities influence long-term climate patterns. Climate science relies on observations, satellite data, computer models, and historical climate records to understand past, present, and future climate conditions. He also mentioned  about Climate Change Mitigation where we must put efforts to reduce or prevent emission of greenhouse gases, or to enhance the sinks that absorb these gases.

Prof. Arup Misra, Chairman Assam Pollution Control Board: Prof. Misra a renowned academic, Chemical engineer from IIT Kanpur, former director of Assam Science, Technology & Environment Council, current chairperson of Assam Pollution Control Board. He discussed TDSF, a facility designed to safely manage the hazardous waste generated by industries, hospitals and other sources. He gave us a glimpse of Chief Seattle’s Speech by telling “how you can buy or sell the sky and this land?”

By his words people could feel that every single particle and component of this planet doesn’t belong to us, we are the people who belong to them. He also mentioned about the Butterfly Effect. This is a classic metaphor that says a butterfly flapping its wings in Brazil could set off a tornado in texas.

This metaphor simplifies that how things are interrelated or interconnected to each other that a minute change in nature can create a huge phenomenon. These topics highlighted environmental ethics, ecological awareness, conservation principles, and the influence of environmental literature while maintaining the original content.

Ramnish Geer, Joint director CBI: The next session, presented by Mr. Ramnesh Gin Sin, focused on mangroves, wetlands, grasslands, oceans, Northeast India as a Global Biodiversity Hotspot, the impacts of climate change in Northeast India, the Coconut Groundwater Prediction Technique, and Northeast India as a Global Carbon Sink. The lecture highlighted the ecological significance of these ecosystems, biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, and the environmental importance of the region.

Mr Kalyanjit Hatibaruah: The final lecture was delivered by Mr. Kalyanjit Hatibaruah, who explained the role of Climate Incubators and Accelerators in India in promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable climate solutions. Overall, the lectures provided a comprehensive understanding of environmental science, biodiversity conservation, ecological sustainability, climate change, and climate-focused innovation while preserving all the information presented in the original notes.

Mr. Rituraj Phukan, Convenor of the Mahabahu Climate Forum, who warmly appreciated every resource person, mentor, faculty member for their invaluable contributions in making the Climate Justice 101 Internship 2026 a meaningful and successful learning journey.  He acknowledged the dedication of the experts who generously shared their knowledge and inspired the interns to understand climate change from scientific, social, and practical perspectives.  He also congratulated all the participants for their enthusiasm, commitment, and active involvement throughout the internship.

Following this, Sri Anjan Sarma, President of the Mahabahu Climate Forum, delivered the vote of thanks.  He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all the distinguished resource persons, mentors, university authorities, organizing members, volunteers, and every participant whose collective efforts ensured the grand success of the programme.  He appreciated the cooperation of Bhattadev University and every individual who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the internship memorable and impactful.

As the program came to an end, I found myself overwhelmed with emotions. Looking back on this incredible journey, I realized that this internship was much more than a series of lectures and field visits. It was a life-changing experience. It broadened my understanding of climate justice, strengthened my scientific perspective, and inspired me to become more responsible towards nature and society.

Witnessing the dedication of the mentors, the passion of the resource persons, and the enthusiasm of the interns filled me with gratitude and hope. This internship has left a lasting impression on me and has motivated me to contribute, in my own way, towards building a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.

Debashis Goswami: M.A in journalism and communication / writer/ Media and PR / marketing/ content writing/ journalism/SEO/ social media management / Newspaper Layout designer/ communicator / DTP/ Content Analyzer

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