Bhattadev University Hosts Pivotal Discourse on Climate Crisis and Solutions

Bhattadev University Hosts Pivotal Discourse on Climate Crisis and Solutions, Reinforcing Pathsala‘s Educational Leadership

A MAHABAHU Initiative : Resource Person RITURAJ PHUKAN

ARABINDA RABHA

May 16, 2025 – Bhattadev University, formerly the renowned Bajali College and long recognized as the epicenter of education in Assam, hosted a compelling lecture-cum-PowerPoint presentation on May 16, 2025.

The event, held in the Digital Conference Room, delved into the pressing topic of “Climate Crisis and Its Solutions,” captivating students and faculty alike and underscoring the university’s crucial role in shaping the region’s intellectual discourse.

The insightful session was graced by the presence and active participation of the university’s leadership, including Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Dhanpati Deka, a distinguished scientist, and Registrar Prof. Manjit Das.

The Department of Geography meticulously organized the event, with Dr. Dipak Barua, Professor, serving as the dedicated main coordinator. The audience comprised an enthusiastic cohort of university students and numerous faculty members, including Dr. Hirumoni Kalita, Dr. Runima Sarma, Puranjoy Mipun, and Dr. Mouchumi Dutta Khataniar, among others, underscoring the collective interest in environmental sustainability.

Before Mr. Rituraj Phukan‘s main deliberation, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dhanpati Deka, beautifully elucidated fundamental concepts such as the Greenhouse Effect, the Ozone Layer, Ultraviolet rays, and the role of Carbon, laying a strong scientific foundation for the discussion.

Adding another layer of depth to the introductory session, Mr. Anjan Sarma, Editor of Mahabahu, warmly introduced Rituraj Phukan and offered valuable insights into climate change, global warming, the concept of the “third pole,” melting glaciers, and the critical water-related issues facing the Brahmaputra due to global warming.

Rituraj Phukan, a globally recognized environmental writer, TEDx speaker, adventurer, and naturalist from Assam, brought a wealth of firsthand experience and expertise to the forefront. He is also notably the Chief Coordinator of ‘People’s Secretariat For Climate Justice,’ an important wing of the ‘Multicultural Educational Development Trust.’

He highlighted the unprecedented convergence of global crises, including biodiversity loss, food and water insecurity, health challenges, and the overarching threat of climate change. Mr. Phukan presented stark predictions for the Eastern Himalayan region, warning of a potential 95% loss of glaciers if current warming trends persist, and a two-thirds loss even if global warming is contained within the Paris Agreement’s 1.5 degrees Celsius target.

He emphasized Assam’s consistent vulnerability to climate change, ranking among the top affected states in India. Referencing alarming studies, Mr. Phukan pointed out that the Ganges-Brahmaputra basin is identified as one of the five global hotspots where “water wars” are likely to erupt in the future, exacerbated by climate change and population growth.

Mr. Phukan powerfully articulated how declining biodiversity, driven by human activities such as land-use change, overexploitation, and pollution, directly impacts food security, water availability, health, and resilience to climate change.

He passionately spoke about the plight of indigenous people and local communities in Northeast India, who, despite their minimal contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, are the primary and most vulnerable victims of the climate crisis. He underscored their invaluable traditional knowledge and wisdom, honed over centuries, which offers crucial pathways for coping with weather anomalies.

The discussion also touched upon the critical loss of forest cover, the proliferation of invasive vegetation, and the disappearance of native biodiversity, posing direct threats to the food security of millions across the region.

Mr. Phukan stressed the unknown but expected consequences of warming on native biodiversity vital for indigenous communities’ food and medicine. He highlighted how the lives, livelihoods, and food security of communities like the Misings and Karbis across the Eastern Himalayan region are being undermined by these unfolding environmental crises.

Reiterating the prevailing worldview, Mr. Phukan emphasized the interconnectedness of global biodiversity and climate crises and acknowledged the pivotal role of indigenous communities in conserving the Earth’s remaining natural spaces. He asserted that the Eastern Himalayas, blessed with natural abundance and rich indigenous traditions, can significantly contribute to global resilience, capacity enhancement, and the evolution of climate justice jurisprudence.

The event at Bhattadev University served as a powerful reminder of the urgency of climate action and the critical role of education and awareness in fostering a sustainable future. The collaborative effort by the university’s leadership and the Geography department in organizing such a vital discourse is commendable.

These initiatives are truly important for Pathsala, the entire Bajali region, and indeed for Assam as a whole, solidifying Bhattadev University’s leadership in addressing contemporary global challenges.

Such initiatives are invaluable in inspiring the next generation to become proactive agents of change and to recognize the profound impact they can have on their local communities and the world at large. Bhattadev University’s commitment to hosting these significant discussions sets a commendable precedent, encouraging further engagement and collaboration for the benefit of its students, faculty members, and the broader locality.

16-05-2025

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