Aligarh:  In commemoration of its 100th year, the Department of Geography at Aligarh Muslim University inaugurated a three-day International Conference on ‘Global Climate Change: Resilient Society and Sustainable Development’ at the Kennedy Hall Auditorium. The event marking a major milestone for the department was attended by prominent academics and researchers from across the globe.

The Chief Guest Prof Prithvish Nag, former Director of NATMO and ex-Vice Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith, Varanasi, lauded the AMU Geography Department’s distinguished history.

Recalling his connection with the university, he remarked, "The first book I needed for my research on Zambia in 1972 was only available here at AMU." He highlighted the urgent need for collective action on climate change, calling it "one of humanity’s most complex challenges." Prof Nag stressed that addressing this global crisis requires coordinated efforts from all sectors of society, making events like this conference pivotal.

AMU Vice Chancellor Prof Naima Khatoon presided over the event and praised the conference’s timely focus. She noted, "Climate change has emerged as a mainstream concern for everyone. The academic community must take the lead in promoting global collaborations to address this pressing issue." Prof Khatoon applauded the launch of GPS-aided weather balloons with the support of the National Remote Sensing Centre and the Indian Space Research Organisation. She encouraged the academic community to revisit Sir Syed Ahmed Khan's vision of promoting scientific inquiry and research for the benefit of humanity.

In his keynote address, Prof VC Jha, Advisor at the Central University of Odisha, emphasized the critical importance of shaping resilient societies that promote sustainable development and ensure a high quality of life. He delved into glacial and interglacial theories, geographical science, and technology, and analysed the evolving role of geographers in addressing climate challenges.

Prof Anandita Datta, Vice President of the International Geographical Union and Chairperson of the Department of Geography at Delhi University, was a guest of honour. She congratulated the AMU Geography Department on its centenary and presented key insights into gender, rationalization, adaptation, and mitigation efforts related to climate change.

Another guest of honour Prof M Firuza Begham Mustafa from the University of Malaysia and a visiting researcher at AMU, shared personal anecdotes highlighting the effects of climate change.

Prof Nizamuddin Khan, Chairman of the Department of Geography, presented an overview of the department’s achievements over the last century. He emphasised the role of geography in understanding and addressing the climate's impact on human environments.

Dr Jagbir Singh, Joint Director Ministry of Earth Sciences, remarked that climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature, precipitation and weather patterns, that occur either due to natural or human activities.

Prof Sartaj Tabassum, Dean of the Faculty of Science, underscored the importance of climate change adaptation, economic equality, and sustainability.

Prof Shahab Fazal added a celebratory note by reflecting on the department’s dynamic role in geographical research. He quoted a famous couplet "Jo Abr Se Yahan Uthega, Vo Saare Jahan Pe Barsa."

During the inaugural session, several notable books were released. These included, Dairy Farming for Sustainable Rural Development: A Geographic Approach by Prof Nizamuddin Khan, Dr Ashish Kumar Parashari, Dr Muhammad Awais, and Dr Mostafijur Rehman; Climate Change Vulnerabilities and Adaptation, edited by Saleha Jamal, AAbha Laxmi Singh, and Wani Suhail Ahmad; Sustainable Development Goals and National Education Policy 2020 edited by Ahmad Mujtaba Siddiqui, Syed Mohammad Usman, Rubina Shahnaz, Saba Anees, and Tabassum Qamar; Neighbourhoods and Public Health: The Impact of Place in Urban Areas authored by Uzma Ajmal and Saleha Jamal.

Felicitation of the ‘Souvenir’ was also conducted on the occasion by members of the AMU Geographical Society.

The event was conducted by Prof Ateeque Ahmad, who highlighted the significance of the conference and reflected on the illustrious alumni of the department, such as Butler, EW Dawn, and Moonis Raza. Dr Ahmad Mujtaba facilitated the smooth flow of the event, and Prof Rashid Aziz Afridi concluded the programme with a vote of thanks.