Voices of Bharat: Yuva for Sustainability

Yuva Sustainability Roundtable - Online | Yuva Sustainability Internship Programme 2026
2026-06-04 17:00 - 19:30 (Asia/Kolkata) | Online, at Zoom
4 June 2026 | 5 PM Onwards | Zoom
On the eve of World Environment Day 2026
Theme: Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.
Topic: Solar Energy for Cooler Planet
The Yuva Sustainability Roundtable – Online is being organised on the eve of World Environment Day 2026. The topic of Solar Energy for a Cooler Planet reflects the World Environment Day 2026 vision of Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future. Solar energy offers a sustainable pathway to address climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting cleaner development and creating healthier living environments. As a renewable and abundant resource, it supports energy security and a greener future. However, the growth of solar energy must be guided by ecological responsibility, with attention to challenges such as land degradation, impacts on biodiversity and bird populations and sustainable waste management. Through innovation, responsible planning and collective action, solar energy can drive climate progress while protecting nature.
Keynote Address:

Pratyush Thakur, Country Head (India), Blueleaf Energy

Eminent Speakers:

Alok Pandey, CEO, Atal Incubation Centre IIT Delhi
Amit Manohar, Secretary General, Indian Solar Manufacturers Association (ISMA)
Subrahmanyam Pulipaka, CEO, National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI)
Devki Devi (Solar Didi from BIhar; Mann Ki Baat)

Yuva Sustainability Storytellers:

Kushagra Mishra, pursuing PG Diploma in Environment Law and Policy from NLU, Delhi
Koyna, pursuing BTech Agriculture from LNCTU, Bhopal
Sai Dhinesh S, pursuing B.E Electronics and Communication from Sri Venkateswaraa College of Technology, Chennai
Pratyush Pattnaik, pursuing B.Sc. Environmental Science student from SCS Autonomous College, Puri
Nishant R, pursuing B.Com with specialisiation in accounting and taxation from Chanakya University, Banglore
Diksha Vaid, MA Sociology from IGNOU

4th Yuva Sustainability Conference | Yuva Sustainability Internship Programme 2026
2026-04-22 14:00 - 18:00 | Online, at Zoom
A Sustainability Karma initiative with Lok Samvad Sansthan and Ekta Foundation as the implementation partners
The 4th Yuva Sustainability Conference is being organised on Earth Day (22 April 2026) under the theme “Our Power, Our Planet”.
Topic: Our Power, Our Planet
Date: Time: 22nd April 2026 | 2.00pm – 6.05pm
Register here for the conference
The key highlight of the conference will be the keynote address by Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, who will speak on the power of compassion in advancing sustainable development. His address is expected to inspire participants to link human values with environmental responsibility.
The conference aims to create a platform for dialogue among educators, experts, and youth to explore practical pathways towards sustainability. It seeks to strengthen the role of young people in addressing environmental concerns by connecting academic insights with real-world action, and by fostering collaboration across sectors.
Through its diverse sessions, including academic, career, and youth-led discussions, the conference aims to bridge the gap between awareness and action, encouraging participants to contribute meaningfully towards a more sustainable and equitable future.
Speakers

Agenda

2.00 – 2.30 PM

Introduction & Welcome by Rajiv Tikoo, Senior Journalist & Editor, and Convenor, Yuva for Sustainability

2.30 – 3.00 PM
Special Addresses:
Shaping Universities for a Greener Planet

Moderator: Rajiv Tikoo, Senior Journalist & Editor, and Convenor, Yuva for Sustainability
Special Address: Dr N C Wadhwa, IAS (Retd), Director General, MREI
Special Address: Prof Nupur Prakash, Vice Chancellor, The NorthCap University, Gurugram

3.00 – 4.00 PM
Keynote Address:
Karuna: The Power of Compassion – Translating Compassion into Sustainability

Moderator: Naina Gautam, Editor, Sustainability Karma
Keynote Speaker: Nobel Laureate Sh Kailash Satyarthi
Q/A Session of Youth Sustainability Storytellers; Moderated by Naina Gautam
Closing Remarks

4.00-4.30 PM
Spotlight Session

Yuva Sustainability Internship Programme – Cohort 2

4.30-5.00 PM
Academic Session:
Nurturing Youth for a Sustainable Future

Moderator: Dr Manisha Pandit, Lead, Yuva for Sustainability
Expert Speakers:
Prof Harpreet Kaur, Principal, Mata Sundri College for Women, University of Delhi
Prof L. Ramesh, Joint Registrar, Dr M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute
Prof Seema Agrawal, Principal, Kanoria PG Mahila Mahavidyalaya

5.00-5.30 PM
Career Session:
Unlocking Green Career Pathways for Youth

Chair: Raj Bhatia, CMD, Bony Polymers
Moderator: Prof Avinash Singh, Former Pro-VC, University of Technology and Management, Shillong, and DG & PVC of Manglayatan University, Aligarh.

Expert Speakers:

Geet Kapur, Founder, QuantumShift Consulting
Dr Vikas Rajput, Director, Parallel Living Research and Consulting

5.30-6.00 PM
Youth Session:
Voices for People & the Planet

Moderator: Dr Manisha Pandit, Lead, Yuva for Sustainability
Chair: Prof Meenakshi Narula, Director, JIMS Vasant Kunj

Expert Speakers

Dr Richa Yadav, Assistant Professor, Haridev Joshi University of Journalism and Mass Communication
Dr Prithvi Sengar, Assistant Professor, IIMT University

Speakers:

Youth Sustainability Interns

6.10-6.15 PM

Vote of Thanks by Kalyan Singh Kothari, Co-Convenor, Yuva for Sustainability

Register here for the conference

3rd Yuva Sustainability Conference
2026-02-20 09:00 - 17:00 | India Habitat Center, Lodhi Road Near Airforce Bal Bharati School, Lodhi Rd, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi, Delhi 110003, New Delhi, Delhi, 110003, India
Building Sustainable Futures:
Turning Vision into Values
India Habitat Centre, New Delhi | 20 February 2026 | 9 am – 5 pm
Organised by Voices of Bharat: Yuva for Sustainability in collaboration with
India Habitat Centre

As the world accelerates toward the SDGs and net-zero targets, this conference serves as a dynamic multi-stakeholder knowledge exchange, designed to move beyond ambition and into impact. Convening educational institutions, industry representatives and media and communication experts in a shared space for dialogue, learning, and celebration of success stories, the conference positions youth at the heart of the sustainability agenda as storytellers and change agents.
Apart from presentation of the Yuva Sustainability Champion Awards, the highlight of the conference will be the launch the inaugural edition of Sustainability Karma Campus Leadership Awards 2026 for institutions and Sustainability Karma Education Ambassador Awards 2026 for individuals, celebrating leadership that advances sustainability within and beyond campuses through impactful and replicable initiatives.
Go to Conference Page

Beyond COP30: Empowering Youth For Climate Action - Online
2025-12-13 14:30 - 18:00 | Online, at Zoom
Yuva Sustainability Internships | 2nd Yuva Sustainability Conference
A Sustainability Karma initiative with Lok Samvad Sansthan and in association with Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Jamia Millia Islamia
Register here for the Conference
COP30 has reaffirmed the global community’s commitment to addressing climate change through frameworks encompassing mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, climate finance, and just transition. While these outcomes provide important policy guidance, the gap between high-level commitments and tangible implementation remains significant. Effective climate action requires bridging this divide, translating international agreements into locally relevant solutions that address diverse social, economic, and environmental contexts.
Youth are uniquely positioned to contribute to this process. As both stakeholders and agents of change, young people bring innovation, creativity, and energy to climate solutions. At COP30, youth voices were prominent, advocating for stronger ambition, intergenerational justice, and accountability. Despite this engagement, meaningful participation remains constrained by limited access to technical knowledge, funding, decision-making platforms, and mentorship opportunities. Without targeted support, the potential of youth to implement climate solutions in line with COP30 commitments risks remaining untapped. Integrating youth perspectives enhances the legitimacy, inclusivity, and sustainability of climate interventions, particularly in local communities disproportionately affected by climate impacts.
Building on the ongoing the discourse, we are organising an online conference on the theme “Beyond COP30: Empowering Youth for Climate Action” under Voices of Bharat: Yuva for Sustainability, an initiative of Sustainability Karma with Lok Samvad Sansthan as the implementation partner.
Topic: Beyond COP30: Empowering Youth for Climate Action
Date: Time: 13th December 2025 | 2.30 pm – 6.30 pm
Register here for the Conference
Agenda

2.30-3.00 pm: Registration & Introduction
3.00-3.45 pm: Inaugural Session

Welcome Address: Mr Rajiv Tikoo, Convenor, Yuva for Sustainability
Opening Address: Prof (Dr) Rihan Khan Suri, Director, Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Jamia Millia Islamia
Special Address: Prof Seema Agrawal, Principal, Kanoria PG Mahila Mahavidyalaya
Special Address: Prof Bijayalaxmi Nanda, Principal, Miranda House, University of Delhi
Keynote Address: Prof K G Suresh, Director, India Habitat Centre; Former VC, Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University; Former, DG, Indian Institute of Mass Communication

3.45-4.15 pm: Session 1 – COP30 Outcomes and Road Ahead

Moderator: Ms Naina Gautam, Editor, Sustainability Karma
Speaker: Mr Santhosh Jayaram, Adjunct Prof of Practice at the School of Sustainable Futures, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
Special Address: Mr Erik Solheim, Former Executive Director, UNEP
Special Address: Mr Richard Rekhy, Vice Chairman, Grant Thornton Bharat
Release of Mr Santhosh Jayaram’s Sustainability Karma Masterclass by Mr Solheim and Mr Rekhy

4.15-4.30 pm: Session 2: Climate Action Outside COPs

Moderator: Ms Naina Gautam, Editor, Sustainability Karma
Speaker: Ms Snigdha Kala, Deputy General Manager, Investment and Business Development, Blueleaf Energy
Q/A

4.30-4.45 pm: Session 3 A: The Role of Youth in Climate Action

Moderator: Ms Naina Gautam, Editor, Sustainability Karma
Speaker: Mr Sandeep Chandna, Chief Sustainability Officer, Tech Mahindra
Q/A

4.45-5.15 pm: Session 4 A: Youth @COP30 and Beyond

Moderator: Dr Manisha Pandit, Senior Manager, Yuva for Sustainability
Session Chair: Prof (Dr) Shahid Rasool, Dean, School of Media Studies, Central University of Kashmir
Speakers: Yuva Sustainability Champions -Apoorva Mittal (University of Rajasthan), Ishika Bhardwaj (Haridev Joshi University of Mass Communication and Journalism, Rajasthan) Sabyasachi Senapati (Samanta Chandra Sekhar Autonomous College) Teestha Bhawsar (Kanoria PG mahila Mahavidyalaya, Jaipur), Zishan Saifi (Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut)

5.15-5.45 pm: Session 4 B: Youth @COP30 and Beyond

Moderator: Dr Manisha Pandit, Senior Manager, Yuva for Sustainability
Session Chair: Dr Richa Yadav, Acting Dean, Faculty of Mass Communication, Haridev Joshi University of Journalism and Mass communication
Speakers: Yuva Sustainability Champions – Arka Mukhopadhya (West Bengal University Of Animal and Fishery Sciences), Ravi Ranjan Kumar (Team Leader, Grih Swagatam, Real Estate), Rumani Singh (Chitkara University), Shubh Agarwal (CA Finalist, Institute of Chartered Accountants of India), Tanveer Kaur Sachdeva (Journalist, Indian Express)

5.45-6.00 pm: Valedictory Session

Moderator: Mr Rajiv Tikoo, Convenor, Yuva for Sustainability
Special Address: Mr Rajendra Bhanawat (IAS), Trustee, Foundation for Education and Development
Vote of Thanks: Mr Kalyan Singh Kothari, Convenor, Yuva for Sustainability

Register here for the Conference

4th Yuva Sustainability Webinar | Yuva Sustainability Internship Programme 2025
2025-10-09 17:00 - 18:30 | Online, at Zoom
Topic: Mental Health in Climate Crisis: A Call to Speak Up
9 October 2025 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (IST)
Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/p4In3mAKTUC1O40JG06qJA
We are excited to bring to you the 4th Yuva Sustainability Webinar under Voices of Bharat: Yuva for Sustainability, an initiative of Sustainability Karma with Lok Samvad Sansthan as the implementation partner. While Special Address will be delivered by Prof (Dr) Subhash Dhuliya – Former Vice Chancellor, Uttarakhand Open University, the Welcome Address will be by Kalyan Singh Kothari, Co-Convenor, Voices of Bharat: Yuva for Sustainability. The webinar will be hosted by Naina Gautam, Editor & Podcaster, Sustainability Karma, and moderated by Rajiv Tikoo, Consulting Editor, Sustainability Karma.
Expert Speakers:
▪ Prof (Dr) Subhash Dhuliya – Former Vice Chancellor, Uttarakhand Open University
▪ Dr Anjali Nagpal, Eminent Psychiatrist & Founder, Serenity Clinic
▪ Prof (Dr) Prerna Puri – Head, Department of Psychology, University of Rajasthan
▪ Prof Sanjeev Bhanawat – Former Head, Centre for Mass Communication, University of Rajasthan
▪ Dr Chiranjeev Bhattacharjya, Programme Analyst – Health, UNDP India
Join us on the eve of World Mental Health Day 2025 to explore how trauma can turn into resilience when we choose to speak up and act.
Extreme weather events like heatwaves, floods and displacement can cause trauma, anxiety, and long-term stress are not just about the planet, but also about people. Let’s talk about what we often overlook: the mental health toll of climate change. Through lived experiences, data insights, and solution-focused dialogue, this webinar will spotlight how mental well-being is integral to sustainability (SDG3: Good Health and Well-being).

3rd Yuva Sustainability Webinar | Yuva Sustainability Internship
2025-09-16 17:00 - 18:30 | Online, at Zoom
Topic: Rewriting the Story of Waste: Circular Solutions Made Simple
Date: 16 September 2025 | 5 pm – 6.30 pm
We are excited to announce the 3rd Yuva Sustainability Webinar under Voices of Bharat: Yuva for Sustainability, an initiative of Sustainability Karma with Lok Samvad Sansthan as the implementation partner and in association with IIMT University.
The Special Address will be delivered by Prof (Dr) Deepa Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, IIMT University. While the webinar presented by Kalyan Singh Kothari, Co-Convenor, Voices of Bharat: Yuva for Sustainability, the Welcome Address will be delivered by Naina Gautam, Editor & Podcaster, Sustainability Karma
Expert Speakers
▪ Prof (Dr) Simmi Gurwara (Chair), Dean, School of Humanities & Mass Com, IIMT University
▪ Prashant Singh, Co-Founder & CEO, Blue Planet Environmental Solutions
▪ Abhishek Agashe, Co-Founder & CEO, Elima
▪ Neeru Dhawan, Head, Global Communication, UFlex
▪ Dr Prithvi Sengar, HoD, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, School of Humanities and Mass Communication, IIMT University
▪ Rajiv Tikoo (Moderator), Co-Convenor, Voices of Bharat: Yuva for Sustainability
Rewriting the Story of Waste: Circular Solutions Made Simple focuses on how very piece of waste carries a story, but too often it ends in landfills. This webinar is designed to equip storytellers with the knowledge to change that future of waste – and the narrative. Participants will explore how the circular economy transforms waste into resources, sparks innovation, and inspires sustainable living. Through practical insights on recycling, upcycling, and eco-design, students will learn not only the principles of circularity but also how to communicate them in compelling ways. By blending creativity with sustainability, this session empowers youth to become changemakers who can rewrite waste stories for a greener tomorrow.

2nd Yuva Sustainability Webinar | Yuva Sustainability Internship 2025
2025-08-28 17:00 - 18:30 | Online, at Zoom
The recent disasters in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh have once again brought climate and disaster events under spotlight. These events underscore the importance of how effective storytelling plays an important role in shaping public understanding and responses to climate change and disasters.
Topic: Telling Climate and Disaster Stories Right
Date: Time: 28th August 2025 | 5.00 pm – 6.30 pm
The webinar “Telling Climate and Disaster Stories Right” explores how to communicate these complex issues with accuracy, nuance, and responsibility, while remembering that not every disaster is caused by human-induced climate change and that evidence-based reporting is essential.
Bringing together experts, academics, and communicators, the session offers insights on professional storytelling, avoiding sensationalism, and highlighting underrepresented perspectives. It will address how to use data and personal accounts to create factual stories that resonate with audiences, while steering clear of graphic images and dramatic language that may desensitise the public. Participants will learn to craft narratives that inform while upholding the dignity of affected communities.
This session aims to strengthen the capacity for responsible communication that fosters greater climate awareness across diverse audiences.
Agenda

Welcome Address: Dr Seema Agrawal, Principal, Kanoria PG Mahila Mahavidyalaya
Special Address: Dr Dev Swarup, Vice-Chancellor, Vishvakarma Skills University
Presented by: Kalyan Singh Kothari, Co-Convenor, Voices of Bharat: Yuva for Sustainability
Message for Interns: Naina Gautam, Editor & Podcaster, Sustainability Karma

Speakers
1. Chair: Prof Govind Singh, Media Advisor to Uttarakhand CM, & Chairman, Media Advisory Committee, Government of Uttarakhand
2. Prof Kanchan K Malik, Dept of Communication, and Faculty Fellow, UNESCO Chair on Community Media, University of Hyderabad
3. Prof Ramesh Menon, Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune
4. Meenakshi Gupta, Co-Founder, Goonj
5. Sarbjit Singh Sahota, Disaster Risk Reduction Specialist, UNICEF
6. Moderator: Rajiv Tikoo, Convenor, Voices of Bharat: Yuva for Sustainability

Yuva Sustainability Internships | 1st Yuva Sustainability Webinar
2025-08-08 17:00 - 18:30 | Online, at Zoom
We are excited to launch a series of Yuva Sustainability Webinars under the Voices of Bharat: Yuva for Sustainability initiative.
Topic: Climate Change and Health: Communication Matters
Date: Time: 8th August 2025 | 5 pm – 6.30 pm
While the Special Address will be delivered by Prof. Sudhi Rajiv, Vice Chancellor of Haridev Joshi University of Journalism and Mass Communication Jaipur, the webinar will be chaired by Dr Mohsin Wali, a Padma Shri awardee, and Honorary Physician to three former Presidents of India.
The eminent panel of speakers includes Urvashi Prasad, Former Director, NITI Aayog; Prof Kishore Malviya, TV Anchor & Podcaster; Dr Rajiv Chhibber, VP, Sahajanand Medical Technologies, and Zerin Osho, Director, India Program, Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development. Rajiv Tikoo, Consulting Editor, Sustainability Karma, will be the Moderator.
As climate change increasingly threatens human health—contributing to heat-related illnesses, respiratory problems, and the spread of infectious diseases—experts will emphasise the importance of clear, effective communication.
Exploring the vital intersection of climate change, public health, and media, speakers will share insights and real-world examples to help participants connect global challenges with everyday experiences. This will equip students with the knowledge to create compelling digital content—such as reels, short videos, podcasts, and digital stories—designed to raise awareness, drive behaviour change and inspire climate action.
The creative outputs of the participants will be evaluated by a jury for their impact, with awards presented at the conclusion of the internship.
Contact: info@yuvaforsustainability.com

Yuva Sustainability Conference 2025: Sustainability Storytelling for Green India
2025-07-21 | Kanoria PG Mahila Mahavidyalaya,, Gandhi Circle, J.L.N Marg, Jaipur, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 302004, India
Voices of Bharat: Yuva for Sustainability is a nationwide initiative to build capacity of students in storytelling to create mass awareness and inspire climate action, and equip future sustainability champions with eco-mindfulness and build a sustainable India. The initiative was launched by the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, on World Environment Day (5 June 2025) and covered extensively by The Hindu, The Times of India, Dainik Bhaskar, Rajasthan Patrika and others.
The initiative’s flagship event Yuva Sustainability Conference 2025 (Edition 1) seeks to equip students through thematic and technical sessions with the knowledge and skills to create digital communication products that not only create mass environmental and climate awareness but also inspire action. Speakers from academia, government, industry, media and NGOs are expected to make value addition through knowledge-sharing.
Yuva Sustainability Conference 2025 (Edition 1) will serve as a launchpad for Yuva Sustainability Internship Programme and Yuva Sustainability Champion Awards 2025.
Chief Guest: Sh Rajendra Singh, Founder Chairman, Tarun Bharat Sangh
Guest of Honour: Dr Manju Baghmar, Minister of State, Women & Child Development Department, Govt of Rajasthan (TBC)
Contact: info@yuvaforsustainability.com

Click here to watch the Inaugural Session of the 1st Yuva for Sustainability Conference on 21st July 2025.

Agenda for the Conference

09.30-10.30 am
Registration

10.30-12.15 pm
Inaugural Session: Mainstreaming Green Thinking and Living

Tree Plantation Ceremony: Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam
Lamp Lighting
Welcome Address: Dr Seema Agrawal, Principal, Kanoria PG Mahila Mahavidyalay
Context Setting: Sh Rajiv Tikoo & Sh Kalyan Singh Kothari, Convenor & Co-Convenor, Voices of Bharat, Yuva for Sustainability
Dr Rashmi Chaturvedi, Director, Kanodia PG Mahila Mahavidyalaya
Prof Sudhi Rajiv, Vice-Chancellor, Haridev Joshi University of Journalism and Mass Communication
Prof Dev Swarup, Vice-Chancellor, Vishvakarma Skills University, and Baba Amte Divyang University
Prof Alpana Kateja, Vice-Chancellor, University of Rajasthan
Keynote Address by Sh Rajendra Singh, Founder Chairman, Tarun Bharat Sangh
Special Address by Dr Manju Baghmar, State Minister, Public Works, and Women & Child Development & Child Empowerment, Govt of Rajasthan
Inaugural Address by Sh Sanjay Sharma, State Minister (Independent Charge), Forest, Environment & Climate Change, and Science & Technology, Govt of Rajasthan
Vote of Thanks by Ms Naina Gautam, Editor & Podcaster, Sustainability Karma

12.15-1-00 pm
Building Youth-Industry Synergy for Green Growth

Moderator: Sh Rajiv Tikoo, Consulting Editor, Sustainability Karma
Chair: Dr K L Jain, President, Rajasthan Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Sh Pratyush Thakur, India Country Head, Blueleaf Energy
Sh K Ganesh, Director, Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International
Ms Neeru Dhawan, Head of Global Communication, UFlex
Ms Priyanka Sharma, Head of Operations – Nand Ghar, Vedanta
Students’ Interaction

1.00-2.00 pm
Lunch

2.00-2.30 pm
Harnessing Communication for Sustainable Future

Ms Naina Gautam, Editor & Podcaster, Sustainability Karma

2.30-3.00 pm
Creating Digital Narratives for a Greener Tomorrow

Moderator: Sh Manish K Sharma, Associate Director, Adglobal360
Chair: Dr Arvind Kalia, National Head, Mentoring, Rajasthan Patrika
Amit Sharma, State Video Head, Dainik Bhaskar
Purushottam Divakar, Photo Journalist, India Today Group
Shalini Agrawal, City In-Charge, Rajasthan Patrika
Special Address by veteran storyteller, Ms Neetaji Raisurana

3.00-3.30 pm
Yuva Sustainability Survey 2025 & Feedback

Students to fill up the survey and feedback form

3.30-4.00 pm
Valedictory Session & Way Forward

Chair: Kalyan Singh Kothari, Secretary, Lok Samvad Sansthan
Announcement of setting up of Yuva Sustainability Club of Kanoria PG Mahila Mahavidyalaya and an oath taking ceremony
Way Forward by Sh Rajiv Tikoo, Consulting Editor, Sustainability Karma
Valedictory Address by Prof Rajeev Jain, Former Vice Chancellor, University of Rajasthan
Vote of Thanks: Dr Mohita Chaturvedi Sharma, Head, Department of Sociology, Kanoria PG Mahila Mahavidyalaya
