The Department of Geography, Nagaland University hosted a two-day Earth Day program on the global theme “Our Power, Our Planet: Integrating Science, Society and Policy for Sustainable Futures” under the aegis of Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India. The event brought together students, faculty, and distinguished guests to highlight the urgent need for collective actions in addressing climate change and environmental degradation.
On April 21, registration of Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) school students was done for a drawing competition on the theme of “Renewable Energy and Energy Saviour/ Resource Depletion and Climate Change”. This was followed by a plastic waste removal drive. The collected waste was weighed, documented and disposed off to the corresponding cell.
On April 22, a series of academic and awareness activities, beginning with a rally from Rajiv Gandhi Park to the Department of Geography were held. Prof Sangyu Yaden (HoD I/C) inaugurated the program by welcoming the Resource Person, Dr Rasik Ravindra, former Director of NCPOR, Patron Prof Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor Nagaland University, Special speaker, Prof MS Rawat and the participants.
Earth Day pledge was led by Dr Manasi Debnath, Convenor and Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, Nagaland University.
In the introductory speech, Dr Manasi Debnath emphasized on the importance and celebration of Earth Day. She highlighted that the concept of Earth Day and related concepts commenced in 1970 in Chicago. She said the transition from the first Earth Day to today highlights a sharp escalation in environmental stakes, adding, “We are no longer just fighting smog but we are also fighting systematic shifts like Global warming and rising temperature, Glacial melt, etc.”
She also mentioned that the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) serves as the scientific backbone for environmental policy and climate resilience. She concluded her speech by expressing the need for everyday actions not only reflection.
Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University, Prof Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, in his special address, underscored the importance of universities as catalysts for sustainable development, reminding participants that environmental progress is “sustained by daily actions of communities, educators, workers, and families.”
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The keynote lecture was delivered by Dr Rasik Ravindra, Chairman of SaGAA and former Director of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa. He talked about the increasing rate of environmental degradation due to anthropogenic activities. He also talked about ocean circulations and how these circulations are slowing down due to the warming resulting from global-level climate change. These concerns have led to the ongoing research on Antarctic, Arctic and Himalayan Polar regions, he added.
Prof MS Rawat of Nagaland University presented a special talk on “Recent Impact of Unprecedented Changes in Climate and the Role of Artificial Intelligence.” He talked about the Dharali disaster which serves as a grim reminder of our planet’s fragility, where the collapse of glacial infrastructure did not just destroy roads and bridges but it claimed precious lives.
This tragedy is part of a worsening pattern; 2024 was recorded as India’s hottest year on record, fuelling a surge in environmental catastrophes. The crisis escalated further, with a terrifying rise in forest fires, alongside 36 major floods and 75 catastrophic cloudbursts during the monsoon season alone.
He underscored the pivotal role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in refining climate projections for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). By leveraging AI, researchers can build more sophisticated models that better anticipate environmental shifts and provide critical early warnings for glacial disasters, he said.
The formal program concluded with the announcement of the results of the drawing and slogan competition. This was followed by the plantation drive inaugurated by the Vice-Chancellor, accompanied by faculty, staff, research scholars, and students.
Fazl Ali College:
Fazl Ali College observed Earth Day 2026 on the theme ‘Our Power, Our Planet’ on April 22 through a meaningful Signature Campaign organized by the Eco Club.
As the day coincided with 6th Semester University examinations, practical examinations for some departments, and regular classes for BA 2nd and 4th Semester students, the programme was organized in a simple and flexible manner.
Students, faculty members, and staff enthusiastically participated in the campaign by signing the pledge board and expressing their commitment towards environmental protection, sustainable living, and keeping the surroundings clean and green.
The observance reflected the institution’s continued commitment towards environmental consciousness and proved that even small collective actions can create meaningful impact for a better future.
The objectives were to promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices among students and staff, to encourage Departmental participation through flexible and decentralized activities, to foster responsibility towards nature through practical action, and to strengthen campus commitment to eco-conscious values.
The Eco Club also encouraged all the Departments to observe Earth Day through various eco-friendly activities such as Cleanliness Drives, Awareness Programmes, Plantation, Green Quiz, and Thought for the Day. Departmental initiatives were undertaken accordingly where different Departments conducted various activities, the Ao and Chemistry Department conducted a One Minute Pledge, a pledge to protect nature and also gave motivational talk on nature, and Botany Department organised a pledge programme centered on the theme ‘Our Power, Our Planet’. In English Department. every student wrote a letter under the theme ‘My Promise to Earth’, pledging to be conscious, gentle, and committed to making the earth a better place.
While Functional English faculties conducted “Group Discussion” as practical exam on questions like ‘How do one incorporate climate education into school education system?’, and ‘How can young people make their campuses and towns/cities more sustainable through individual/local actions?’
Geography Department distributed eco-friendly seed pencil to faculties and students appearing practical exams as a symbol of growth and sustainability under the theme ‘Share a Seed, Grow a Future’. While History, Commerce and Maths Department conducted the ‘Thought for the Day’ sharing environmental pledges, essay and slogan writing competition and classroom cleaning, speech relating to Earth Day respectively
Modern Cambridge School:
The World Earth Day was observed on April 22 at Modern Cambridge School, Amahator Town which was organized by 30 Assam Rifles led by Maj KC Babu, Company Commander and Naib Subedar, HD Roy along with jawans.
The jawans sensitized the students and community the causes of soil erosion and its preventive measures. Students were also encouraged to be concentrate in their studies and be better themselves in future.
During the occasion crayons, scale, sharpeners, pencil and note books were distributed to students. Signifying the World Earth Day, plantation of pine trees was done along with students.
T Kirithong Sangtam, Chairman of School Management Committee thanked the Company Commander for choosing their school in conducting such a program and wished to collaborate educative programs in near future.
