Panjab University Hosts Environment Youth Parliament Regional Level Competition focused on Environmental Sustainability

Chandigarh, December 29, 2023: A Regional Level Competition for the National Environment Youth Parliament was organised by Panjab University, Chandigarh in association with Students for Development & Paryavaran Sanrakshan Gatividhi, bringing together 68 shortlisted candidates representatives across the three states (Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand)and 8 universities to debate and discuss critical issue of environmental sustainability with more than 100 people attending the inaugural session.

The chief guest for the event was Professor Renu Vig, Vice Chancellor of Panjab University, along with guest of honour Er. Gopal Arya Ji, Renowned Environmentalist and National Convener, Paryavaran Sanrakshan Gatividhi (PSG).

Prof. Vig highlighted pressing environmental concerns facing the communities, including rising smog levels around the urban areas, the need to reduce vehicle movement and transition to public transit and electric vehicles, the challenges of air conditioning and waste management, and the importance of open markets over malls. She emphasized that global warming remains an overarching threat, especially as energy use continues to climb, and called on youth to lead efforts in environmental protection as climate change threatens health and wellbeing.

Er. Arya discussed the role of youth in identifying solutions, adopting traditional practices, and up skilling themselves through regular skill development. He spoke about different levels of the National Youth Parliament event and the need for a holistic approach.

The 10-member jury included Prof. Devendra S Malik, Gurukul Kangri University, Haridwar; Dr. Kalzang Chodden, National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee; Dr. Anita Singh, DCRUST, Sonipat; Prof. Rajinder Kaur Gill, GNDU, Amritsar, Dr Neetu Singh, IPU, Dr Bhupender Singh, BPSMV, Khanpur among others, Dr Maninder Kaur and Dr Deepak Kumar, Panjab University, Chandigarh. Prof. Ravindra Khaiwal, Department of Community Medicine & School of Public Health, PGIMER, Chandigarh also coordinated in the success of the event. Selected candidates will participate in National Level event to be held in February 24 at Nagpur.

Participants talked on diverse topics including the Role of Indigenous Knowledge in Environmental Conservation, The Role of Vedic Science in Environmental Sustainability and The Role of Youth in Environment Preservation.“Protecting environmental health is essential for the prosperity of our communities,” said Dr.Suman Mor, Professor, Department of Environment Studies, Panjab University, Coordinator of the NEYP 23, regional level competition. She said that “We are thrilled by the enthusiasm and engagement of youth in tackling these issues, and events like this help build a foundation for a sustainable future.” Indigenous knowledge systems hold time-tested solutions aligned with local ecosystems and cultures, that can significantly inform our sustainability efforts. Integrating such nature-centred approaches with modern solutions can impact a community’s environmental health."

Most crucially, Dr. Khaiwal emphasized that today's youth should channelize energy on skill development and advancement with technology to conserve and regenerate environment and society.  Further he also emphasized that there is urgent need to act on local issues by engaging youth and focus on LiFE initiative of Ministry of Environment Forest & Climate Change.