Ranchi, February 16, 2024: Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS), Ranchi and SwitchON Foundation in a collaborative effort jointly organised, “Move for Earth Symposium 2024” to address pressing environmental challenges and inspire collective action towards sustainability in the XISS Campus on Friday.
Recognizing the urgent need for action in both rural and urban areas, stakeholders from across the state of Jharkhand convened at the symposium which aimed at fostering collective efforts for positive change. The event saw active participation from multiple sectors including Government, Industries, NGOs, Academia, and others.
The symposium commenced with an inaugural session marked by the watering of plants symbolizing growth and renewal, followed by insightful addresses from esteemed speakers. Dr Joseph Marianus Kujur SJ, Director, XISS in his welcome addressed said, “XISS is committed to enable the cause of sustainability and is proud of this partnership with SwitchON Foundation. With this effort we target three important areas of Economics, Society, and Environment and must become the stewards of change. As a tribal state, we know Environment Conservation methods better as they have been in the practice for several centuries now and must bring in those changes for a better future.”
Reflecting on the event, Mr Vinay Jaju, Managing Director, SwitchON Foundation stated, “Through the Move for Earth Symposium, we want to foster sustainability within communities by engaging diverse stakeholders, including govt, industries, NGOs, students, academia, farmers, SHGs and green entrepreneurs to engage in insightful discussions for a sustainable Jharkhand. The Symposium focuses on some of the very crucial issues of the environment like renewable energy, water conservation, sustainable Agriculture, Circular Economy, and Clean Air which must be tended for a sustainable Jharkhand.”
Meanwhile, Chief Guest, Dr Mahua Maji, MP, Rajya Sabha said, “It is really encouraging to witness the Move for the Earth Symposium jointly organized by XISS and SwitchON Foundation for the sustainable development of Jharkhand. The environment today is in a crisis and it requires commitment to create awareness and promote solutions and actions.”
Around 250 participants and 20 speakers joined the event to discuss and deliberate on pressing environmental issues and sustainable themes. Technical sessions delved into critical topics such as Millet for Sustainability, Waste Management and Behavioral Change, and Decarbonizing Industries and Corporate Sustainability. These sessions provided a platform for in-depth discussions, and workshops facilitated by experts and industry leaders.
Mr Chandra Sekhar, IAS, Secretary, Rural Development, GoJ emphasized on the importance of collaborative efforts across various sectors to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The symposium also featured a Green Pitchathon, where innovative ideas promoting Green Technologies were presented to a distinguished jury panel. An exhibition cum sale was also organized where farmer producer groups and students displayed clean energy, healthy living, and healthy food habits through their display. Organisations named Anjani e-waste recycling, Koru Foundation, Swabhiman Sansthan, Sivika Shilpkari Sahkari Sahyog Samiti Limited, Vaishnavi Engineering, Palash – SHG turned Farmer Producer, Saraipur Mahila Samiti, Torpa Rural Development Society for Women, Kolebira Farmer Producer Company Limited, Arouse Parivar, and Swabhiman Pariyojna displayed their local produces such as electronic waste recycling, eco-friendly products like comb, toothbrush, diary, bamboo products, local made LED street light, millet based snacks, forest honey, packed tamarind, pitha, rice, kitchen garden model, climate smart agriculture, zero budget natural farming among other things in the stall. Meanwhile, students from the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University, Gola Polytechnic, and K K Polytechnic, Dhanbad put up display of Sewage Waste Management Method, Microbial Energy Production, Solar Vendor Light, Kick Scooter, and Gearless Power Transmission.
The Valedictory Session highlighted key insights from the symposium and acknowledged outstanding contributions with awards and recognitions. The symposium was also attended by Dean Academic, Dr Amar E Tigga, Head of the Programme, Dr Anant Kumar, faculty and students of both first and second year of the Rural Management Programme along with other faculty members of XISS, and representatives from the SwitchON Foundation.
Dr Raj Shree Verma, Assistant Professor, XISS, in the vote of thanks expressed gratitude and thanked all for the overwhelming response to the symposium. She mentioned that the event underscored the importance of collective action in driving positive change for our planet.
The Move for Earth Symposium 2024 concluded with a resounding call to action, urging individuals and organizations to actively participate in efforts to mitigate climate change and safeguard the environment for future generations.
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