The University Conference Hall at Jagannath Barooah University became a hub of environmental advocacy today as the IQAC, IIC, and Department of Geology collaborated to Jagannath Barooah University, celebrate Earth Day 2026 on April 22, 2026. The event, hosted by Dr. Raghupratim Rakshit, Assistant Professor, Department of Geology and coordinator, Stratup -IIC, began with a formal introduction of this year’s global theme and a warm welcome to the university’s academic leadership. Dr. Raktim Ranjan Saikia, Head of the Geology Department, opened the proceedings with a welcome address, followed by Dr. Kalyan Das, Director IQAC and President, IIC, who elaborated on the cultural and scientific significance of the day. Dr. Surajit Sharma, Academic Registrar, Jagannath Barooah University further inspired the audience by emphasizing the critical need for student-led initiatives in environmental conservation, highlighting that the responsibility for the Earth’s future lies in the hands of the youth.

The celebration moved beyond theory through an Inter-Institutional Green Initiative Competition, which encouraged students to pitch innovative startup proposals. Participants focused on three transformative themes: Our Power, Our Planet, Institutional e-waste management, and the creative concept of Waste to Wealth Creation. These presentations demonstrated a practical approach to modern ecological challenges, bridging the gap between academic research and sustainable entrepreneurship. The competition saw a diverse array of ideas aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of educational institutions while fostering a mindset of resource efficiency and circular economy principles.

The event concluded with a powerful display of solidarity as faculty members from the Geology Department, representatives from the IIC and IQAC viz., Dr. Gitashree Darabdhara, Dr. Anirban Garg and Mr. Digbijoy Das and, students joined together for a formal Earth Day pledge. Each attendee committed to taking active steps toward environmental stewardship and supporting a global transition to a sustainable planet. By blending administrative support with competitive innovation and personal commitment, Jagannath Barooah University successfully marked Earth Day 2026 as a milestone for long-term ecological responsibility within the academic community.