Waterman of India Rajendra Singh to be Keynote Speaker at First-Ever Youth Sustainability Conference

The First Yuva Sustainability Conference 2025 promises to be a pivotal platform, advancing youth-led climate action and green storytelling across India. The inaugural edition, titled ‘Sustainability Storytelling for Green India: A Movement to Empower Youth’, is scheduled to be held on 21 July 2025 in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

The initiative has earned strong backing from key government leaders, including Shri Sanjay Sharma, State Minister (Independent Charge) for Forest, Environment & Climate Change, and Dr Manju Baghmar, Minister for Public Works and Women and Child Development.

Rajendra Singh, globally recognised as the Waterman of India and known as Jal Purush, will be the keynote speaker. A recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award and the Stockholm Water Prize, he has spent decades reviving traditional water management systems and leading community-driven efforts to restore rivers and water bodies in arid regions. His experience is expected to inspire youth with practical insights on sustainable resource management and the vital connection between water conservation and climate resilience.

This conference is part of the Voices of Bharat: Yuva for Sustainability initiative, which was
launched on World Environment Day, 5 June 2025, by Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma. Sustainability Karma is leading the initiative with Jaipur-based Lok Samvad Sansthan as the implementation partner. The first conference is being organised in association with Kanoria PG Mahila Mahavidyalaya, University of Rajasthan, and is expected to bring together youth to foster a dialogue rooted in tradition and modern climate action.

By blending the wisdom of elders with the passion of young changemakers, the movement aims to inspire storytelling that drives India’s sustainable and green future.