Kolkata – The Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management (IISWBM), in collaboration with Earth Day Network and SwitchON Foundation, marked Earth Day 2025 with a dynamic series of activities on the theme of “Our Power, Our Planet,” emphasizing the critical role of education, community, and youth in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development in Kolkata.
The event opened with an inaugural session graced by eminent personalities, including Prof. (Dr.) K.M. Agrawal, Director of IISWBM; Prof. (Dr.) Pradip K. Sikdar, Head of MBA–Public Systems at IISWBM; Ms. Karuna Singh, Country Director, Earth Day Network India; and Dr. Biswajit Ghosh, Vice Chancellor of The Neotia University and former Professor of Energy Science at Jadavpur University.
The event featured a range of engaging activities, beginning with a panel discussion that brought together environmental experts, student representatives, and policymakers to explore individual and collective actions toward ecological change, particularly through renewable energy, sustainable consumption, and community mobilization. The panel discussion focused on the theme “Our Power, Our Planet”, moderated by Mr. Prasun K. Chakrabarty, Former Director, West Bengal Power Development Corporation. Esteemed panelists included, Dr. Biswajit Ghosh, Vice Chancellor, The Neotia University, Onkar Bhattacharya, Deputy General Manager, Corporate Strategy, CESC Ltd., Sandipa Lahiri Anand, Deputy General Manager, EHS and Sustainability, Vikram Solar, Surajit Chakraborty, General Manager, SwitchON Foundation and Saunak Saha, Partner, Climate Change & Sustainability Services, EY Associates LLP.
Prof. (Dr.) K.M. Agrawal, Director of IISWBM added, “Earth Day is more than an annual observance—it’s a call to action. Through these events, we aim to equip students with both the knowledge and the motivation to become environmental leaders of tomorrow.”
Prof. (Dr.) Pradip K Sikdar, Head, Department of Public Systems, IISWBM added, “It’s the collective voice of concerned citizens that pushes governments and corporations to make bold commitments and take decisive action.”
Following the insightful panel discussion, around 80 students engaged in a range of activities aimed at raising awareness and promoting sustainable practices keeping the theme of Earth Day in mind. A poster presentation followed, showcasing creative visual expressions focused on pressing environmental issues and potential solutions. Participants also took part in a model-making competition, which encouraged innovative thinking and practical sustainability ideas, while a quiz competition provided a fun and engaging way to deepen environmental knowledge.
Mr. Surajit Chakraborty, General Manager of SwitchON Foundation, added, “Today’s youth bring powerful ideas and energy. It’s inspiring to see them take the lead in building a sustainable future.”
Ms. Karuna Singh, Country Director of Earth Day Network India, remarked, “Empowering youth is key to driving real climate action. When youth lead, sustainability follows.”
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