The inaugural session of CHASSCONG 2023 was held today with dignitaries from diverse disciplines deliberating upon multiple dimensions of Sustainability. Meaningful deliberations on diverse dimensions of ‘Sustainable Development’ marked the inaugural session of the CHASSCONG 2023 today at Panjab University. The session began with Prof. Anju Suri, Dean Faculty of Arts and Coordinator, CHASSCONG 2023 introducing the theme of the two-day conference, i.e. ‘Sustainable Development: Dimensions & Discourse’. Prof. Suri further explained how various sub-themes of the conference will provide an opportunity for a wide range of consideration for various dimensions of sustainability.
Prof. Rumina Sethi, DUI, Panjab University and Director, CHASSCONG 2023 delivered the inaugural address wherein she stressed upon the fact that “Sustainability is not a matter of choice but also a matter of dire need.” She further added that one has to understand the need to be “kind to nature” if we wish that “nature be kind to us”. She cited various personal anecdotes to stress upon the fact that how the landscapes are being changed to meet human needs and are leading to climate disasters. She also quoted various authors and poets to draw a connection between literature and the broad area of sustainability.
Dr. Srikanta K Panigrahi, Director General at the Indian Institute of Sustainable Development, and guest of honor for the session spoke about the three pillars of Sustainability being – Social, economic and Environmental Sustainability. He further delved into the indicators of social sustainability being, inequality, poverty and hunger. Prof. Panigrahi presented statistical data to bring home the point of creating awareness about the theme. He cited figures from the World Inequality Report. Prof. Nalini Ranganathan, Pondicherry University also the guest of honor for the day spoke on the idea of “ leaving no one behind”. She spoke on concepts of the Human Development Index, Poverty Index, disparities between states and the significance of various SDGs.
Prof. V.K. Malhotra, Chairman, Food Commission of Madhya Pradesh and Chief Guest for the session spoke about the ideas of ‘Economy and Society’.