Bhattadev University Launch Green Campus Programme to Foster Sustainability in NE India: A Mahabahu Initiative

Bhattadev University Launch Green Campus Programme to Foster Sustainability in NE India: A Mahabahu Initiative

Mahabahu Climate Forum and Bhattadev University Launch Green Campus Programme to Foster Sustainability in Northeast India in Association with Climate Reality Project

NILIM KASHYAP BARTHAKUR

Bajali, Assam, September 9, 2025 – In a landmark initiative aimed at combating climate change and fostering sustainable development in higher education, the Mahabahu Climate Forum, in collaboration with The Climate Project Foundation (South Asia) and Bhattadev University, proudly launched the “Green Campus Programme” in Northeast India.

The ambitious program seeks to transform educational institutions into hubs of environmental stewardship, equipping them to address the pressing climate challenges facing Assam and the broader region.

The launch event, held at Bhattadev University’s serene campus, was marked by a Principal’s Conclave that brought together academic leaders, policymakers, and environmental advocates to chart a sustainable future for the region’s higher education institutions. The Mahabahu Climate Forum has previously collaborated with the District Administration of Bajali to promote environmental initiatives. From July 15 to July 20, 2025, the District Administration of Bajali, in partnership with the Mahabahu Climate Forum, organized a comprehensive Climate Action and Environmental Leadership Workshop. This event aimed to foster awareness, encourage sustainable practices, and empower participants to take proactive steps toward environmental conservation and climate resilience in the region.

The day-long conclave, attended by principals, vice-principals, and key stakeholders from colleges across Northeast India, served as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action-oriented planning. The event was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Dr. Dhanapati Deka, Vice Chancellor of Bhattadev University, Mr. Mridul Kumar Das, District Commissioner of Bajali District, and Mr. Aditya Pundir, Director of The Climate Project Foundation, South Asia. Their presence underscored the significance of this initiative in uniting academia, administration, and environmental organisations to drive meaningful climate action.

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The event commenced with an inspiring inaugural address by Dr. Dhanapati Deka, Vice Chancellor of Bhattadev University. Dr. Deka emphasised the urgent need for higher education institutions to lead by example in addressing climate change. He spoke passionately about the role of universities in fostering a culture of sustainability, not only through academic research but also by embedding environmentally conscious practices into campus operations and student life. “Our universities are not just centres of learning; they are incubators of change,” Dr. Deka remarked. “By embracing sustainability, we can inspire the next generation to create a world that thrives in harmony with nature.” His speech outlined a bold vision for integrating climate-focused curricula, promoting green infrastructure, and fostering community-driven environmental initiatives across Assam’s educational institutions.

Following Dr. Deka’s address, Mr. Mridul Kumar Das, District Commissioner of Bajali District, delivered a compelling speech on the role of administrative leadership in climate action. He highlighted ongoing government initiatives to promote sustainable development in Assam, including policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, improving waste management, and protecting the region’s rich biodiversity. Mr. Das emphasised the importance of collaboration between local governance and academic institutions to create actionable, community-centred climate solutions. “Climate change is a shared challenge, and it demands shared responsibility,” he said, urging educational institutions to align their efforts with regional and national climate goals.

A key highlight of the conclave was the presentation by Mr. Aditya Pundir, Director of The Climate Project Foundation, South Asia, titled Climate Science and Scaling Institutional Action: The Green Campus Roadmap. Mr. Pundir provided a comprehensive overview of global and regional climate impacts, underscoring the disproportionate effects of climate change on vulnerable regions like Northeast India. He outlined the critical role of higher education institutions in driving systemic change through research, innovation, and youth engagement. His presentation introduced the Green Campus Programme as a structured framework to help colleges and universities reduce their carbon footprint, adopt renewable energy, and integrate sustainability into their academic and operational frameworks. Mr. Pundir also highlighted the importance of youth-led initiatives, citing successful global models of student-driven climate action as inspiration for the region.

Mr. Rituraj Phukan, a prominent climate advocate representing The Climate Reality Project and Mahabahu Climate Forum, delivered an impassioned presentation titled Perspective and Climate Adaptation: A Call to Action for Green Campuses. Drawing from his personal journey from an ordinary citizen to a dedicated climate activist, Mr. Phukan captivated the audience with stories of resilience and determination. He spoke candidly about Assam’s unique climate vulnerabilities, including recurring floods, deforestation, and shifting agricultural patterns, which threaten the region’s ecological and economic stability. “Higher education institutions have a moral and practical obligation to lead the charge in climate adaptation,” he said. “By transforming our campuses into living laboratories for sustainability, we can empower students and communities to build a resilient future.” His call to action resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom expressed enthusiasm for adopting the Green Campus Programme in their institutions.

A significant moment of the conclave was the launch of the book Climate Justice 101: Empowering Community Leadership, authored by Rituraj Phukan with contributions from co-authors Anjan Sharma, Sanjeev Sarma, . Kakali Das, . Padmaza Talukdar, and . Kaustabh Baruah. The book, inaugurated by the distinguished guests, serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding climate justice and fostering community-led environmental initiatives. It explores themes such as equitable access to resources, the intersection of climate change and social justice, and actionable strategies for grassroots activism. The launch was met with applause, with attendees praising the book’s accessibility and relevance to Assam’s unique environmental challenges.

Anjan Sarma, from Mahabahu Climate Forum, delivered a thought-provoking speech on Climate Change, History, and Demographics: Assam’s Historical Climate Disruptions and Evolving Vulnerabilities. Drawing on historical data, Sarma traced the region’s long-standing struggles with climate-related disruptions, from devastating floods to shifting monsoon patterns. He emphasised the need for localised adaptation strategies that account for Assam’s diverse demographics and socio-economic realities. His speech highlighted the importance of inclusive policies that prioritise marginalised communities disproportionately affected by climate change.

Adding a futuristic perspective, Mr. Sanjeev Sarma presented on AI and Indigenous Wisdom: Building Futures Without Erasing Pasts. He explored how artificial intelligence can complement traditional knowledge systems to address climate challenges. By integrating AI-driven tools with indigenous practices, Mr. Sarma argued, communities can develop innovative solutions that respect cultural heritage while advancing climate justice. His presentation sparked lively discussions among attendees, who were eager to explore how technology could enhance sustainability efforts in their institutions.

The conclave culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Mahabahu Climate Forum and Bhattadev University, formalising their commitment to the Green Campus Programme. This partnership marks a significant step toward building a cooperative framework focused on research, teaching, training, extension activities, publications, policy advocacy, and project funding-all centred around climate change and sustainable development in Assam, Northeast India, and beyond. The MoU aims to create a network of green campuses that serve as models of environmental excellence, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative solutions to local and global climate challenges.

The agreement was hailed as a milestone by both parties. Dr. Dhanapati Deka expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to transform Bhattadev University into a regional leader in sustainability. “This MoU is not just a document; it is a promise to our students, our communities, and our planet,” he said. Representatives from Mahabahu Climate Forum echoed this sentiment, emphasising the importance of collective action in addressing the climate crisis. Dr. Upakul Mahanta, coordinator of this program concluded the meeting with vote of thanks.

The Principal’s Conclave and the launch of the Green Campus Programme represent a pivotal moment for Northeast India’s higher education sector. By uniting academic institutions, environmental organisations, and local governance, the initiative sets the stage for a new era of climate-conscious education. Attendees left the event inspired and equipped with practical tools to implement sustainable practices on their campuses, from energy-efficient infrastructure to climate-focused curricula and student-led initiatives.

As Assam grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, the Green Campus Programme offers a beacon of hope. By empowering educational institutions to lead by example, the initiative aims to create a ripple effect, inspiring communities, policymakers, and future generations to take bold action for a sustainable and equitable future.

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