Call for integrating culture and research at World Summit on Disaster Management at Graphic Era University

Call for integrating culture and research at World Summit on Disaster Management at Graphic Era University

Dehradun, Nov 29

On the second day of the World Summit on Disaster Management, renowned scientists and researchers from around the world, along with public representatives and bureaucrats, held detailed discussions on techniques, knowledge, and experiences to minimize disaster-related risks. Former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and Former Governor of Maharashtra, Bhagat Singh Koshyari emphasized the need for the integrated use of culture and scientific research to reduce disaster risks.

Director General, UCOST, and Main Convener of the World Summit, Dr Durgesh Pant said that along with the Summit, experts highlighted effective solutions in ten technical sessions to minimize different forms and impacts of disasters and reduce the suffering of affected people. These discussions ranged from artificial intelligence and machine learning to traditional approaches. For the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand—scarred repeatedly by disasters—disaster management remains highly significant. After the Silkyara incident showcased the state’s efficiency and sensitivity to the world, the country is closely watching this three-day global dialogue among scientists, experts, researchers, diplomats, bureaucrats, and social workers from over 50 countries.

Addressing a session on securing the Himalayan region from disasters during the World Summit at Graphic Era Deemed University, Former Governor  Bhagat Singh Koshyari said that today there is a need to move forward by combining science and traditional knowledge. Their integration can help create a strong future strategy. He added that solutions become more meaningful when we visit remote Himalayan areas and understand the knowledge rooted in local traditions. Stressing the need for increased cooperation among Himalayan states, he said sages and saints have always supported mutual cooperation since ancient times. All elements of nature must be respected in development activities.

MLA, Tehri, Kishore Upadhyay said that the Himalayan region faces similar problems and therefore requires mutual cooperation. Professor, GB Pant University, Manmohan Chauhan stressed promoting innovation in agriculture and linking farming with new technologies. Participating in the discussion were Former Director, Wildlife Institute of India, and Founding Chairperson, Himalayan Academy of Science & Technology, Dr J. S. Rawat, Professor, Delhi University, B. W. Pandey, and Expert, Manoj Pant. Speakers emphasized strengthening cooperation between Himalayan states and neighbouring countries to prevent disasters.

In the Water Conclave, experts highlighted the need for historical studies along with present-day surveys and conservation efforts. Principal Secretary, Government of Uttarakhand, Dr R. Meenakshi Sundaram spoke about the importance of scientific research related to surface and groundwater. He shared his first experience of disaster during extreme rainfall in Tehri and discussed measures to reduce damage.

Keynote speakers at the Water Conclave included Professor, IIT Kanpur, Rajeev Sinha, Professor, IITM Pune, Raghavan Krishnan, and Professor, Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru, V. K. Kulkarni. A symposium on “Space to Safety” was chaired by Director, ISRO Headquarters, Dr J. B. Thomas. Key speakers included Head, SSAD Assam, Dr S. S. Kundu, Scientist, SAC Ahmedabad, Dr Sreejit K. M., Scientist, Dr Neeru Jaiswal, Scientist, IIRS, Dr H. C. Karnataka, and Scientist, Dr C. M. Bhatt. The symposium mainly highlighted the features and usefulness of the Niger Satellite.

A discussion on the Indian knowledge tradition and its relation to natural disasters included presentations by Secretary, Government of Uttarakhand, Shri Deepak Gairola, Director, Central Sanskrit University Devprayag, Prof Subramaniam, Vice Chancellor, Uttarakhand Sanskrit University, Dr D. C. Shastri, Professor, Vendumati, and Professor, IKS Centre, Mala Kapadia.

In the session on immediate relief through multilateral cooperation, experts from India and abroad discussed increasing community participation in relief and rescue efforts. Co-founder, India Development Review, Devanshi Vaid said media can contribute effectively to disaster management with sensitivity and a long-term approach. National Feature Editor, Indian Express, Devyani Onial said humans are largely responsible for disasters, and media can leave a long-term impact on people for prevention. Co-founder, Lokdhwani, Dr Purnima Venkat discussed the impact of carbon emissions on disasters.

Addressing the session on the role of local communities in disaster management, Representative, Goonj Foundation Uttarakhand, Shiv Prasad Naithani, said disasters in mountainous regions come suddenly and intensely, making local experiences, traditional knowledge, and community cooperation central to disaster management. Representative, Goonj Foundation West Bengal, Prasanta Sarkar, said community participation can play a crucial role in coastal and flood-affected regions and must be included in policies. Representative, Goonj Foundation Odisha, Sanjukta, also stressed the effectiveness of local participation.

In the session on the role of media in disaster risk reduction, senior journalists – Senior Journalist, Raghavesh Pandey, Senior Journalist, Anupam Trivedi, Senior Journalist, Shishir Prashant, UCOST Representative, Amit Pokhriyal, Dr Kanchan Dobhal, Senior Journalist, Pawanlal Chand, Dr Subhash Gupta, Dr Shikha Mishra, and others — suggested practical ways to reduce disaster losses. Several research papers were also presented.

During the Science and Technology Exhibition, institutions from across the country displayed their latest discoveries, products, and technologies. Equipment used in disaster management, drones, medicinal plants, and even space-related instruments were showcased in one place. Thousands of visitors explored the exhibition throughout the day.

During the Summit, more than 180 research papers were presented across ten technical sessions on topics like disaster-risk mapping and space technology, biodiversity and biotechnology, AI and machine learning, technical solutions and innovations, landslides, disaster management in crowded areas, global strategies, climate change forecasting, and wildfire mitigation.

Speakers included Former Vice Chancellor, Garhwal University, Dr S. P. Singh, and eminent scientists and experts Professor, Arun Kumar Tyagi, Dr Sushma Gaerola, Shri Shashank Lingwal, Dr Prakasham, Dr Sumanlata, Ms Asha Thapliyal, Dr Priyadarshi Upadhyay, Dr Amit Aggarwal, Dr Abadin, and Dr Gajendra Singh.

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Pauri Team First, Champawat Second in Premier League

Dehradun, Nov 29

The final match of the Science and Technology Premier League was also held today during the World Summit. The team of children from four different schools in Pauri secured first place.

This Premier League was organized to connect children in Uttarakhand’s villages with global research, science, and technology. Competitions were held among village schools across the state, and one team from each of the 95 development blocks was selected. After further competitions, 13 district teams were chosen. In today’s six rounds — based on disaster management, science, and technology, including multiple choice, visual, speech, video, and rapid fire — Pauri district’s team won first prize. Team members: Student, Ashish Kumar, Student, Ganesh Singh, Student, Mohit Bisht, and Student, Aditya Devrani. The team from Champawat district secured second place, and Rudraprayag district came third.