CLIMATE JUSTICE 101: Empowering Community Leadership; A Journey Through the Internship

CLIMATE JUSTICE 101: Empowering Community Leadership; A Journey Through the Internship

Astha Bharadwaj

“Nature does not need human beings to thrive; we need nature to survive. Before we speak of ‘saving nature’, we must first understand that nature is capable of saving itself.”

Among the many ideas shared during their first lecture of the Climate Justice 101: Empowering Community Leadership internship on 18 June 2026, these words by Rituraj Phukan, Convener of the Mahabahu Climate Forum and leader of the internship, struck me with extraordinary force. They were not merely a statement about the environment; they were a profound reminder of humanity’s place within it. In a world where we often speak of protecting nature, they quietly reversed the question and compelled me to realise that it is not nature that depends on us it is we who depend entirely on nature.

As I reflected on those words, I felt a deep sense of privilege. I realised that I was not simply attending another academic programme. I had become part of Climate Justice 101: Empowering Community Leadership recognised as the world’s first internship dedicated exclusively to climate justice. Even before the sessions had truly begun, I sensed that the next twenty three days would offer far more than knowledge. They would challenge my assumptions, reshape my perspective and teach me lessons that no textbook alone could ever impart.

Bhattadev University: A Comprehensive Journey through the Climate Justice 101

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 What made this experience even more meaningful was where it began. Pathsala, a historic town in Bajali district, has long been celebrated as Assam‘s ‘Hub of Education’ and is equally known for communities whose lives remain deeply connected to nature and conservation. It was therefore fitting that the world’s first climate justice internship emerged from this very town, reminding us that transformative ideas need not originate in metropolitan cities they can grow from small communities where knowledge, culture and environmental stewardship have flourished for generations.

Looking back today, I realise that intuition was right. Organised by Bhattadev University, Bajali, in collaboration with the Mahabahu Climate Forum, the internship, held from 18 June to 10 July 2026, became one of the most transformative experiences of my life. It was not merely a journey through climate science, biodiversity and sustainability; it was a journey towards understanding climate justice as a question of humanity, equity and shared responsibility. Every lecture, every field visit, every assignment and every conversation added another layer to that understanding, leaving me with a perspective that will continue to shape the way I see nature and my place within it for years to come.

Our Guiding Light Vice Chancellor Prof D. Deka Sir

The internship brought together nearly one hundred interns for twenty three days of immersive learning. The inaugural sessions by our respected Vice Chancellor, Dr. Dhanapati Deka, introduced us to the science behind climate change, greenhouse gases, the Conference of Parties (COP), Panchamrita and India’s Net Zero vision. Dr Manjit Das further explored the environmental and economic dimensions of ethanol blended petrol, reminding us that sustainability demands informed choices.

The sessions led by Rituraj Phukan became the heart of the programme. He explained climate justice as an issue of equity rather than environment alone, discussing fossil fuels, climate negotiations, wildfires, wet bulb temperature, vulnerable communities and the unequal impacts of climate change. His recurring question “Must we change? Can we change? Will we change?” stayed with me throughout the internship. Every intern also recorded wet bulb temperature twice daily, transforming scientific observation into a meaningful habit.

Anjan Sarma, President of the Mahabahu Climate Forum, then shifted our perspective from global climate discussions to the landscape we call home. Through his insightful narration of the Brahmaputra, he reminded us that it is far more than a river flowing across maps it is the lifeline of Assam, shaping its history, culture, biodiversity and the lives of millions who depend upon it. He illustrated how the river’s changing course, increasing floods and ecological instability mirror the broader realities of climate change, making the global climate crisis deeply personal for the communities living along its banks.

Mandira Buragohain introduced us to disaster management, preparedness, mitigation and the roles of NDRF, SDRF and ASDMA, while sessions on water quality by Pranab Deka highlighted the importance of safe drinking water and national initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission.

Bhattadev University and the Mahabahu Climate Forum in Manas National Park

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The two day field visit to Manas National Park marked one of the most immersive phases of the internship, where theory seamlessly merged with practice. Divided into two groups, the interns explored the park through the Bhuyapara and Bansbari ranges, transforming one of India’s richest biodiversity hotspots into a living classroom. Under the guidance of T. C. Ranjith Ram, Divisional Forest Officer, North Kamrup Division and Dr. Kaustabh Baruah, we applied ecological field techniques such as quadrat sampling, species documentation and biodiversity assessment using the iNaturalist platform. Despite intermittent rain, we observed a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna, gaining first hand insight into species richness, abundance, habitat dynamics , invasive species and the complexity of conservation in the wild.

Our journey continued to the Manas Heritage Centre at Mathanguri , where the remarkable story of Manas from years of conflict and ecological decline to its revival as a UNESCO World Heritage Site unfolded before us. Standing on the banks of the pristine Beki River, overlooking the forests of Royal Manas National Park, Bhutan, was an unforgettable reminder that ecosystems transcend political boundaries.

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

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We also visited Assam’s first grassland nursery, where 16 native grass species are being conserved and propagated to restore Manas’s fragile grassland ecosystems habitats that sustain globally significant species such as the Bengal Florican, Elephants, Samber deer , Indian Gaur, Greater one horned Rhinoceros and many significant species. Equally meaningful were our interactions with forest officials, forest guards, naturalists, guides and local community members, whose unwavering commitment reminded us that successful conservation is built not only on scientific knowledge but also on the dedication of those who protect these landscapes every day.

Returning from Manas, the internship shifted from understanding environmental challenges to exploring practical solutions. Nita Ganguly inspired us to see sustainability as a way of life rather than a slogan. Through the Sustainable Development Goals , discussions on microplastics, e waste, endocrine disruptors, Repurposed Usable Cooking Oil (RUCO) and the 6 (5+1) Mantra for wet waste management, she showed that meaningful climate action begins with everyday choices. Practical activities such as preparing seed balls, bio enzymes, decomposer bins and terrariums reminded us that environmental stewardship is best learnt by doing.

Bhattadev University and Climate Justice Classroom

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Utpal Roy from Binbag Recycling Services Pvt Ltd, introduced us to the growing challenge of electronic waste and responsible recycling, while Kakali Das demonstrated how community led initiatives can strengthen both livelihoods and conservation. 

Equally inspiring were the sessions by Padmaza Talukdar, who introduced us to Traditional Ecological Knowledge and its relevance in conserving biodiversity through indigenous wisdom. Rituraj Phukan broadened our perspective through discussions on geoengineering, black carbon, glacier retreat and the ethics of climate intervention. His session became even more inspiring when he introduced us to young climate leaders across the world, especially Severn Cullis Suzuki’s iconic speech at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, which ignited in us a renewed sense of responsibility towards climate action.

Through an online interaction, Joining us virtually from Milan, Italy, Claudia Laricchia introduced us to the work of Smiley Academy, demonstrating how indigenous knowledge, entrepreneurship and community-led innovation can create sustainable livelihoods and Dr. Aswini Sarma, Secretary General of the UNESCO Association, Guwahati, highlighted UNESCO’s efforts in promoting environmental conservation awareness among young people while introducing us to opportunities offered through the UNESCO Student Fellowship Programme.

Listening to Forest Man of India Padmashri Jadav Payeng describe how he transformed a barren sandbar into a thriving Molai forest of 550 hectors with patience and perseverance was perhaps the most powerful lesson of all it proved that lasting change begins with a single determined individual. Planting saplings alongside him made that lesson deeply personal. We also met Ananda Khataniar, Neem Man and founder of the Green Bajali Mission, whose lifelong afforestation efforts inspired us to believe that lasting environmental change begins with individual action.

From 25 June to 8 July, the internship transformed into an intensive journey of collaboration, inquiry and purpose. Nearly one hundred interns from diverse academic backgrounds including science, arts, economics, commerce and the humanities worked together in teams of ten, each named after a river of Assam. The diversity within our teams became one of the programme’s greatest strengths, bringing together different perspectives to understand a common challenge. Through assignments on Traditional Ecological Knowledge, wet bulb temperature monitoring, invasive species documentation, self reflections and Climate Inequality Mapping, we stepped beyond the classroom to engage directly with nature and communities.

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

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We travelled through our localities, interacted with elders, farmers and residents, listened to their experiences and documented how climate change was quietly reshaping their lives and livelihoods. Our days were filled with field visits, surveys and data collection, while our nights were spent discussing ideas, analysing observations, preparing reports and refining presentations.

Every presentation represented far more than slides and speeches; it embodied days of collective effort, countless hours of discussion, shared learning and an unwavering commitment to understanding climate justice. In those moments, we realised that we were not merely fulfilling internship assignments we were learning to think critically, work collectively and transform knowledge into meaningful climate action 

The final phase of the internship was devoted to research, documentation and presentations. On 9 July, celebrated as “The Interns’ Day to Speak” each team presented its work on different aspects of Traditional Ecological Knowledge. Representing Team Aai River, we presented on the Traditional Ecological Knowledge of Bamboo Cultivation in Assam, highlighting bamboo’s ecological, cultural and economic importance and proposing a Bamboo Green Campus at Bhattadev University. The encouragement we received from Rituraj Phukan and Anjan Sarma, Dr. A. K. Haloi  and all the distinguished guests strengthened our confidence and made every hour of preparation worthwhile.

The valedictory session on 10 July brought together inspiring voices, including Dr. Sateyendra Singh, CEO of Assam Climate Change Management Society, emphasised carbon sequestration and ecosystem restoration and Dr. Arup Kumar Mishra, chairman of Assam Pollution Control Board, whose reflections on Chief Seattle, Aldo Leopold and Rachel Carson beautifully connected environmental ethics with climate justice. Ramnish Geer, an environmentalist and the Joint Director, CBI, reminded us that biodiversity conservation begins within our own communities, encouraging us to protect ecologically significant landscapes such as wetlands and Ramsar Sites.

 Receiving my certificate was memorable but the true reward was the perspective I had gained. As I look back on this remarkable journey, I realise that the greatest lesson I carry forward cannot be framed within a certificate or measured through an evaluation.

“It will continue every time I look at a river and see more than flowing water. It will continue every time I walk through a forest and recognise that every tree, every bird, every blade of grass is part of a larger story of life. It will continue every time I witness the wisdom of indigenous communities, the resilience of vulnerable people, and remember the inspiring words of the mentors who taught us that climate justice is not merely about protecting nature it is about protecting humanity itself.”

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

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If these twenty three days have taught me one enduring lesson, it is this: if we are truly selfish about our own future and the future of generations yet to come, then we must act today. We must protect our ecosystems, reduce our environmental footprint, embrace sustainable ways of living, and become active participants in the fight against climate change. A healthy climate cannot be secured by policies alone, nor can it be preserved by science alone. It will be built when knowledge inspires action, when development respects nature rather than exploits it .As the curtains fell on this remarkable journey it began within me will continue for a lifetime.

MAHABAHU MIRROR

Astha Bharadwaj: UG 4th Semester, department of Zoology, Bhattadev University

Mahabahu.com is an Online Magazine with collection of premium Assamese and English articles and posts with cultural base and modern thinking.  You can send your articles to editor@mahabahu.com / editor@mahabahoo.com (For Assamese article, Unicode font is necessary) Images from different sources.