Bathinda, December 2, 2025: The Central University of Punjab (CU Punjab), in collaboration with the Global Educational Research Association (GERA), inaugurated the International Conference EDUCON 2025 on Tuesday. Scheduled for December 2–3, 2025, the conference is being held under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra Prasad Tiwari and centres on the theme “Education for Sustaining Climate and Resilience: Humanistic Perspectives.” The initiative aims to strengthen global dialogue on weaving climate sustainability, resilience and human values into mainstream education.
Climate Action as a Human Responsibility
Chief Guest Prof. Pankaj Arora, Chairperson of NCTE, stressed that climate responsibility extends beyond science and technology and is deeply rooted in empathy, ethics and compassion. He highlighted the alignment of NEP 2020 with humanistic and ecological values and urged universities to combine Indian Knowledge Systems with global frameworks to prepare climate-sensitive, socially responsible citizens. Prof. Arora commended CU Punjab for emerging as an institution “with vision, collective purpose and global commitment.”
Reimagining Classrooms for Climate Resilience
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Vasudha Kamat, Former Vice-Chancellor of SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai, spoke on “Classrooms to Climate Action: Reimagining Education.” She underscored the urgency of addressing global warming and described the UN Sustainable Development Goals as essential survival tools. She emphasised innovation, scientific literacy, critical thinking and community involvement, presenting inspiring examples of youth-led environmental initiatives such as wetland restoration, waste management drives and water conservation campaigns.
Integrating Education, Science & Community Responsibility
In his inaugural remarks, Prof. R.K. Wusirika, Dean Incharge Academics, reiterated the crucial role of climate education in shaping responsible citizens. He appreciated the dialogue-based structure of EDUCON 2025 as an effective model for integrating academic thought, environmental science and societal responsibility. Prof. S.P. Malhotra, President of GERA, and Prof. S.K. Bawa, President of GERA Headquarters, also shared insights on strengthening global academic collaboration through collective wisdom.
Lifetime Achievement Award Presented
A key highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Prof. Jagtar Singh Dhiman, Pro-Vice Chancellor of GKU, for his distinguished academic contributions. The award was presented by Prof. Arora, alongside Dr. Bhupender Singh, CEO of Infotech’N’tainment Inc., who also addressed attendees.
CU Punjab Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainability
Delivering the vote of thanks, Dr. Vijay Sharma, Registrar of CU Punjab, reaffirmed the university’s dedication to campus sustainability through resource optimisation, recycling, green practices and environmentally responsible habits.
Global Participation and Academic Deliberations
The two-day hybrid conference brings together leading scholars, educators, researchers, policymakers and young innovators from across India and nations including Canada, Nepal, Bhutan, the UK, Thailand, the US, Bangladesh and Switzerland. EDUCON 2025 aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) and features expert lectures, technical sessions, panel discussions, e-dialogues and student-led activities.
The event is coordinated by a dynamic team comprising Organising Secretary Dr. Shamshir Singh Dhillon, Organising Secretary Prof. Deepak Chauhan, Joint Organising Secretary Prof. Vipan Pal Singh, and Joint Organising Secretary Dr. Sanjeev Kumar.
The conference will conclude with the valedictory session on December 3, 2025.
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