Science, technology must drive sustainable future, says HPU VC

Prof Mahavir Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), inaugurated a two-day National Conference on “Scientific Interventions and Green Research for Sustainable Future and Resilient Earth” at the Department of Biosciences, emphasising the need to integrate science, technology and ecological responsibility to ensure a sustainable planet.

Commending the department for organising a conference of such academic and environmental significance, Prof Singh urged young researchers to develop innovative scientific solutions to emerging ecological challenges.

The conference, organised in collaboration with the Centre for Green Energy & Nanotechnology and sponsored by the Prime Minister’s ‘Uchhtar Shiksha Abhiyan’ (PM-USHA), aims to foster dialogue and collaboration among scientists, academicians and researchers dedicated to advancing sustainable and eco-friendly scientific innovations.

Prof RC Sobti from Panjab University, Chandigarh and Prof RP Tandon from Delhi University delivered keynote addresses, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and green technological interventions in addressing global problems such as climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation.

The inaugural session was also attended by Prof BK Shivram (dean of studies), Prof NS Negi (director research) and Prof DR Thakur (dean, faculty of life sciences) as guests of honour. They emphasised the critical role of universities and research institutions in promoting sustainable scientific practices and fostering environmental consciousness within the academic community.

Eminent speakers including Dr Gaurang Sindhav (Gujarat University), Dr Rakesh Soni (Regional Forensic Laboratory, Dharamshala), Dr Arvind Sakhya (IGNOU, New Delhi), Dr Manorama Patri (Central University, Himachal Pradesh), Dr Salim Reshi (Baba Ghulam Shah University, Rajouri), Dr Jitender Singh (Rayat Bahra University, Ropar) and Dr Devapriya Grabadu (Central University, Panjab) presented their research on diverse aspects of sustainable and green science.

The event drew participation from over 300 faculty members, research scholars and students from eight states.