DUSF'24

ONE-DAY YOUTH CONFERENCE

RESILIENT INDIA FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE: REDISCOVERING INDIGENOUS WISDOM AND EMBRACING HOLISTIC PRACTICES

There is immense power when a group of people with similar interests gets together to work toward the same goals.

- Idowu Koyenikan

In 2024, amidst global concerns over climate change, urbanization, and resource depletion, India finds itself at a critical juncture in its pursuit of sustainable development. The rapid urbanization propelling the nation’s economic advancement necessitates a revaluation of urban planning, development strategies and a pan-India growth graph. Additionally, the incorporation of indigenous knowledge and principles of circular economy present an exciting opportunity to address these challenges with innovation and efficacy.

The Delhi University Sustainability Forum (DUSF), organised by Harithkram, is set to host its 6th edition on October 25, 2024. The theme “Resilient India for a Sustainable Future: Rediscovering Indigenous Wisdom and Embracing Holistic Practices” aims to explore how smart technologies, sustainable (urban) planning, Indigenous wisdom and circular economy practices can come together to create resilient infrastructure that caters to the well being of all citizens while minimising environmental impact and fostering sustainable tourism.

We are pleased to announce that under the auspices of the 6th Delhi University Sustainability Forum (DUSF), we will be hosting the School Students Competition (SSC), Harithkram Youth Summit (HYS) and the National Photography Competition (NPC) to guide the future of our planet towards environmental sustainability, environmental conservation, and adoption of indigenous practices towards the achievement of the former goals. These events are designed to offer participants an exceptional platform to observe as well as take part in high yielding discussions of an eco-conference and engage in meaningful interactions with esteemed scholars and stakeholders from different fields.

The mitigation of climate change entails the promotion of disaster preparedness, climate-smart agriculture and resilient infrastructure to ensure food security, sustainable livelihoods and sustainable development. Sustainable urban development emphasizes intelligent infrastructure, green spaces, and participatory governance to enhance urban sustainability and quality of life. Integral to environmental stewardship is the adoption of the circular economy principles, which aim to minimize environmental impact through waste-to-resource initiatives, sustainable packaging, and community recycling programs, fostering innovation.

Furthermore, the incorporation of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) is essential for biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Collectively, these approaches align with the theme Resilient India for a Sustainable Future: Rediscovering Indigenous Wisdom and Embracing Holistic Practices thereby foregrounding the significance of comprehensive environmental stewardship and sustainable development.

First Circular

Concept Note

REGISTRATIONS OPEN

COMPETITIONS

Harithkram Youth Summit

A platform for undergraduate participants to develop innovative business models that integrate traditional knowledge with contemporary sustainability techniques

National Photography Competition

Aimed at capturing the essence of “Resilient India for a Sustainable Future: Rediscovering Indigenous Wisdom and Embracing Holistic Practices”

School Students Competition

An essay competition for school students (secondary and higher secondary) on the focal theme

25 OCTOBER

2024

Delhi University Sustainability Forum is the brainchild of Harithkram’s initiative to spread awareness adhering to the motto “Beyond the Boundaries.” This innovative platform brings together students to address pressing environmental issues by combining traditional wisdom with modern innovation. It connects experts from governments, industries, academia and civil society with a focus on leveraging indigenous knowledge and holistic practices for sustainable development. With an emphasis on the theme “Resilient India for a Sustainable Future: Rediscovering Indigenous Wisdom and Embracing Holistic Practices” the platform aims to integrate ancient ecological consciousness and environment-friendly insights with contemporary strategies to create practical solutions that support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promote a more resilient and sustainable future.

The Sixth Edition of the Delhi University Sustainability Forum will comprise three events in addition to the DUSF Plenary Session on the focal theme.

School Students Competition (SSC): The School Students Competition (SSC) will be an essay competition for school students (secondary and senior secondary) on the essence of the focal theme Resilient India for a Sustainable Future: Rediscovering Indigenous Wisdom and Embracing Holistic Practices. School students are expected to choose a topic based on the focal theme, in consultation with a faculty mentor from their school, and submit an essay based on primary/secondary research, with proper citations by the due date. We encourage topics and essays rooted in the local ethos of the place where the school is based/students hail from. The idea behind this event is to orient school students early-on to the wisdom inherent in indigenous and sustainable practices to ensure a greener future.
Harithkram Youth Summit (HYS): The Harithkram Youth Summit (HYS) on the theme Green Entrepreneurship: Harnessing Indigenous Wisdom for a Sustainable Future is a platform for undergraduate participants to develop innovative business models that integrate traditional knowledge with contemporary sustainability techniques. This competition, comprises three stages and culminates in live presentations, encouraging participants to devise environmentally mindful solutions rooted in ecological wisdom and in-line with sustainable development. HYS aims to empower young entrepreneurs to lead positive change, promoting green entrepreneurship and exemplifying the harmonious blend of indigenous methodologies and modern approaches for a resilient future.
National Photography Competition (NPC): Aimed at capturing the essence of Resilient India for a Sustainable Future: Rediscovering Indigenous Wisdom and Embracing Holistic Practices this competition invites participants to creatively document themes of sustainability, environmental conservation, and indigenous practices. The NPC provides a platform for young, environmentally conscious photographers to creatively highlight India’s journey towards sustainability through the medium of their lens. The competition is open to all undergraduate students, postgraduate students and research scholars affiliated to any educational institution or university in India.