TERI School of Advanced Studies is the only University in India that focuses on sustainability studies and creating a niche cadre of professionals who will be change agents in the country and the world. SkillOutlook team discusses on various aspects of sustainability studies and career prospects with Dr. Leena Srivastava, VC, TERI School of Advanced Studies. Here, find the email-based interview.
Youth need to be torch bearers for a sustainable future? Your comments?
India is a young country with a sizable population under 25. In the next couple of decades, our youth will bear the brunt of impact posed by climate change. Their future will be determined by actions or inactions they take today. Hence the youth of today need to be custodians of lifestyles change, responsible consumption patterns and become the movers and shakers to turn political will to action on saving our environment and our climate. They need to engage and take greater control of the sustainability of their own future.
How will a movement like Climate Jamboree help in bringing a change in youth?
The idea behind Climate Jamboree is to raise a consciousness amongst India’s youth and give them opportunities that are available to determine the pathway that they choose towards achieving a sustainable future. It addresses various key issues – such as why do youth need to act now? What can they do? Why should we be responsible for others actions? How can they youth become a formidable force and solution to mitigate the impacts of climate change? Also no matter which discipline one belongs to, be it an engineer, doctor, lawyer or an artist, each one of us should be part of this movement to bring about change and secure our future.
Share some key features of this event and its impact?
The lead up events that we organised to the Finale, were carefully designed to ensure this engagement and to promote critical thinking amongst youth. ‘Çlip and Tell’ encouraged youth to look at what the popular media is feeding us and if it is reinforcing responsible social and environmental behaviour. ‘Legaleyes’ is a lead up event where law students were asked to look at court judgements to analyse whether they indeed took an integrated and indivisible” approach to the SDGs. ‘Green on my plate’ is an attempt to see if we can create a sustainable foods supply chain while at the same time educating people on the meaning of this. ‘Art from my Heart’ channelled the creativity of young India to reinforce the messaging on sustainability. And many more. In our view, everybody who participated in these events is a winner, but selected submissions will be showcased at the Finale.
How does TERI School of Advanced Studies for propagate sustainability?
TERI School of Advanced Studies is the only University in India that focuses on sustainability studies and creating a niche cadre of professionals who will be change agents in the country and the world. Education and research undertaken at the university is our key contribution to create a wider movement to mitigate the impacts of climate change. We walk the talk by ensuring that our campus is ‘green hub’ and that our new campus in Hyderabad is GRIHA 5 star rating compliant.
