New Delhi, March 5, 2026: Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) observed National Science Day by organizing a range of events across different faculties and departments to honour this occasion. National Science Day, celebrated annually on February 28 to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by Sir C.V. Raman, serves as a reminder of India’s rich scientific heritage and the importance of nurturing scientific temper in society.
The Faculty of Life Sciences of the university successfully organized a National Science Day Lecture on the theme “Authentic & Credible Science Communication – A National Responsibility” at the Srinivasa Ramanujan Block, where more than 200 science enthusiasts attended it with great enthusiasm.
The keynote lecture was delivered by Dr Hasan Jawaid Khan, Former Editor of Science Reporter, CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR). In his insightful address, he emphasized the urgent need for responsible science communication in an era marked by rapid information exchange and the widespread circulation of misinformation. He highlighted the role of scientists, media professionals, and academic institutions in fostering public trust through accurate, evidence-based communication and ethical reporting.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from Directors of Centres, Heads of Departments, faculty members, research scholars, and students across the university. The lecture was followed by an engaging interaction session where participants discussed challenges and strategies for strengthening science communication in India.
As part of the celebrations, a documentary viewing session was organized to highlight milestones in Indian scientific achievements. An engaging quiz competition further energized the audience and encouraged active participation among students. In alignment with this year’s National Science Day theme “Women in Science: Catalyzing Viksit Bharat” students also delivered brief presentations on the contributions of pioneering women scientists highlighting their role in advancing scientific research and inspiring the next generation, particularly young women, to pursue careers in science and innovation.
Through this event, Prof. Zahid Ashraf, Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences reaffirmed faculty’s commitment to promoting scientific awareness and responsible dissemination of knowledge. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by the organizing committee.
In a separate event, the Department of Geography, Faculty of Sciences, under the umbrella of Viksit Bharat initiative of Government of India, organised a lecture on “Global Changes and Sustainability of Farmers Adaptation Practices in South Asia” by Prof. Suresh Chand Rai, Sr. Professor and Former HoD, Department of Geography, Delhi School of Economics (DSE), University of Delhi on 26th February, 2026. The lecture proved to be a significant learning opportunity for research scholars and students. The event was attended by distinguished guests, faculty members, researchers, UG & PG students all of whom gathered to honour the institution’s enduring commitment to education, research and community service.
Prof. Atiqur Rahman, Head of the Department of Geography welcomed the guest speaker, faculty members and all the students. Prof. S. C. Rai began with introducing the concepts and interrelationship between Global Change which may lead to increase in global consumption pattern. The functional limit of economic growth was assessed in his talk. Unsustainable patterns of production and consumption lead to economic growth and quality of life, also it poses a heavy impact on nature. Prof Rai stated that if current patterns of production and consumption are maintained, then we might need two planets by 2050 for survival. He said that for achieving sustainable development, the society, economy and environment need to follow an integrated approach. Prof. Rai further discussed the progression of sustainable development discourse from Brundtland Commission (1987) to Sustainable Development Goals (2015-2030). He stated that Global Environmental Challenges such as waste generation, air pollution, climate change, global warming, ozone layer depletion, electronic waste generation, deforestation, land degradation and soil loss are on the rise.
Prof. Rai highlighted the regional vulnerability in South Asia. Climate change is seriously affecting trans-Himalayas, putting the livelihoods of small landholder farmers under serious threat. In India, yields could drop by over a quarter by 2070. In Nepal, 90 percent of crops are at a risk. He shared some of his experiences of research through case studies in Bangladesh and Nepal. Farmers are facing hailstorms in Pokhara and a lack of winter rain in Bangladesh. Farmers in India, Nepal and Bangladesh are employing various adaptation strategies to cope with these changes. Technological shifts using weather information, modern seed varieties and new harvesting implements have been experienced. Crop adjustments are observed through a shift in planting times and changing crop varieties. Prof. Rai cited a specific example of Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh where farmers are shifting to deep-water rice. In Bangladesh, there is an increased reliance on deep tube-well irrigation for rice. He explained the importance of collective responsibility where gender roles are highly significant. For instance, recognizing specific roles in decision-making for vegetable and cereal crop cultivation, he added. While concluding his lecture, he emphasized upon the need for regional collaboration by sharing information on micro-agro climates and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).
The lecture was followed by an interactive discussion wherein Prof. S.C. Rai interacted with Ph.D. scholars and students of Geography. The enriching event was attended by Prof. Masood Ahsan Siddiqui, Prof. Mary Tahir, Prof. Haroon Sajjad, Prof. Lubna Siddiqui, Dr. Aruna Paarcha, Dr. Mohd. Afsar Alam, Dr. Asif, Dr. Ghazal Salahuddin, Dr. Ismail Haque, Contractual and Guest Faculty Members and researchers and students of the department of Geography. Dr. Aruna Paarcha, Incharge – extension lectures and webinars conducted the programme and Prof. Lubna Siddiqui proposed a formal vote of thanks.
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