Date: January 2025

Venue: Assam Kaziranga University

Organized by: School of Social Sciences, Assam Kaziranga University, in collaboration with the Jane Goodall Institute’s Roots & Shoots India Chapter and Viksit Bharat.

The School of Social Sciences at Assam Kaziranga University hosted an interactive session with distinguished guests from the Jane Goodall Institute of India on January 10, 2025, at the university premises in its SET Seminar Hall. The event featured prominent guests, including Ms. Katie Bagli, renowned child author and environmentalist, who also serves as the Education Director at the Jane Goodall Institute India; Ms. Nabila Sorathia, an accomplished educator, researcher, and Program Manager for the Roots & Shoots program. The session was also attended by Dr. Archana Bhattacharya, retired Vice Principal of Kakojan College and current Principal of Girijananda Vidya Mandir, Jorhat; Dr. H. Ravishankar Kamath, the respected Registrar of Kaziranga University; as well as deans, faculty members, and students of the university. This event aimed to promote environmental sustainability and foster the spirit of coexistence in the face of the challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation in line with the aims and objectives of Viksit Bharat.

The session commenced with a warm welcome extended to all attendees by Dr. H. Ravishankar Kamath, Registrar of Assam Kaziranga University. In his welcome address, Dr. Kamath highlighted the importance of environmental sustainability and the critical role of education in addressing the challenges of climate change.

As a token of appreciation for their invaluable contributions to environmental education, the distinguished guests were felicitated by members of the Kaziranga University faculty. Dr. Kamath presented Ms. Katie Bagli with a Phulam Gamocha and a memento, recognizing her significant contributions to nature writing and conservation. Ms. Nabila Sorathia was felicitated by Dr. Karthik Kovuri, Dean, School of Engineering and Technology, for her leadership in the Roots & Shoots program, while Dr. Archana Bhattacharya was honored by Bandana Thakur, Assistant Professor, School of Social Sciences, in recognition of her dedication to education and social causes.

Following the felicitation, Ms. Katie Bagli delivered an inspiring session, sharing the journey of Dr. Jane Goodall and providing insight into the Roots & Shoots program. She also highlighted her own work with the Jane Goodall Institute India, inspiring youth to take ownership of the planet through the Roots & Shoots initiative.

Next, Ms. Nabila Sorathia spoke about her work with the Roots & Shoots program, detailing the initiatives she leads to engage young people in environmental education. She shared her experience designing community-based projects that empower youth to advocate for sustainability and create social change.

The session concluded with an interactive discussion, during which students and faculty had the opportunity to ask questions and engage in meaningful conversations with the speakers. Topics discussed included youth involvement in conservation, the importance of environmental education, and the future of sustainability in India.

In her concluding remarks, Ms. Adipriya Baruah, Assistant Professor at the School of Social Sciences, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the guest speakers and attendees for their active participation.

After the event, Dr. P.K. Mishra,  Honorable Vice Chancellor of Assam Kaziranga University, engaged in a meaningful conversation with Ms. Katie Bagli and Ms. Nabila Sorathia. He shared his insights on the urgent need for environmental sustainability in today’s context and expressed his gratitude to them for taking the time to visit Kaziranga University.

The event, coordinated by Dr. Saurabhi Sarmah, Associate Professor, School of Social Sciences, was a significant step toward fostering a deeper understanding of environmental issues and empowering the younger generation to take actionable steps toward sustainability. The School of Social Sciences of Assam Kaziranga University, led by Dr. Aditya Bhatta, Associate Professor and Dean In-Charge, remains committed to facilitating such discussions and collaborations that contribute to the global environmental movement. The event  was well-received by faculty, students, and the broader academic community, reflecting a shared commitment to environmental education.