The Suryakheetra Foundation of Educational & Charitable Trust (SKFECT) organised a National Conclave on Climate Change: Challenges & Opportunities in New Delhi, bringing together policymakers, scientists, environmentalists, industry representatives, academicians and social activists to discuss the growing challenges of climate change and ways to accelerate sustainable development.
The day-long conclave focused on climate action, environmental conservation, clean energy, scientific innovation and sustainable growth, with speakers emphasising the need for stronger collaboration between government, industry, researchers and communities.
21 Environmental Champions Honoured
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the 5th Paribesh Ratna Samman 2026, which recognised 21 environmentalists, social leaders and institutions for their contributions to environmental protection, climate awareness and sustainable development.
The award recipients were:
- Ravinder Nath Pradhan
- Kishore Dwibedi
- Dr. Ashutosh Tripathi
- Er. Sushanta Kumar Mohapatra
- Dr. Madhusmita Das
- Richa Pathak
- Deepak Kumar Rath
- Er. Akshay Kumar Samal
- Bandana Sahu
- Biswanath Gurudutta
- Syed Ishaq
- Dr. Srikanta Kumar Panigrahi
- Sanjay Mishra
- KMV Projects Limited
- Jyotsna Rani Routray
- Bijaya Nabami
- Reeta Patra
- Gobardhan Dhal
- Prabir Kumar Mohanty
- Ajaya Kumar Behera
- Mahakankhya Welfare Foundation
The recognition highlighted the role of individuals and organisations working at different levels to promote environmental conservation and strengthen public awareness around climate-related challenges.
Jual Oram Praises Environmental Awareness Efforts
Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, who attended the conclave as chief guest, praised the Suryakheetra Foundation and its founders, Dr. Bipin Bihari Mishra and Dr. Sukanti Mishra, for their efforts to promote environmental awareness across the country.
He emphasised the importance of continued public participation and collective responsibility in addressing environmental challenges.
IMD Chief Highlights Growing Climate Threat
Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), highlighted the increasing risks associated with global warming and climate change.
The discussions at the conclave underlined the growing importance of scientific research, climate monitoring and evidence-based action as extreme weather events and environmental pressures become more significant.
HURL Managing Director Dr. Siba Prasad Mohanty also stressed the need to protect the planet from environmental crises and called for greater commitment towards sustainable development.
Call for Collective Climate Action
Other prominent participants included HPCL Chief General Manager Ramesh Chandra Bagh, Gokul Patnaik and Dr. Sanjeeb Kumar Patjoshi.
Speakers emphasised that climate action cannot be addressed by a single sector alone. They called for coordinated efforts involving:
- Scientific innovation
- Clean-energy adoption
- Environmental conservation
- Sustainable development
- Public participation
- Stronger institutional cooperation
The conclave provided a platform for stakeholders from different sectors to discuss practical approaches to climate resilience and environmental protection.
Shared Responsibility for Protecting Nature
Presiding over the programme, SKFECT Chairman Dr. Bipin Bihari Mishra said that protecting nature is a shared responsibility and requires sustained participation from society.
SKFECT Secretary Dr. Sukanti Mishra urged the award recipients to continue their efforts towards environmental protection and contribute to building a greener and more sustainable India.
The programme was conducted by vocalist Anindita Das and concluded with participants taking a collective pledge to strengthen climate action and protect ecological balance for future generations.
The conclave and the Paribesh Ratna Samman 2026 highlighted the growing importance of recognising grassroots environmental efforts while bringing policymakers, scientists, businesses and civil society together around India’s climate and sustainability priorities.
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