BHUBANESWAR: At a time when humanity is grappling with a triad of planetary crises—climate change and global warming, escalating pollution and waste, and the rapid degradation of ecosystems and biodiversity—experts and stakeholders underscored the urgent need for collective responsibility to protect Earth’s life-support systems. Speaking at an Earth Day celebration jointly organised by the Orissa Environmental Society (OES) and the Odisha University of Technology & Research (OUTR), speakers called for a fundamental shift from unsustainable development practices that are eroding the planet’s ecological balance. The event, held at OUTR under the theme “Our Power, Our Planet,” served as both a platform for reflection and a call to action. “The life-supporting systems of our planet are steadily losing their resilience and vitality. Protecting and restoring these dynamic systems is not merely an environmental concern but a moral imperative,” speakers observed, urging individuals and institutions alike to adopt corrective and regenerative approaches. Chaired by OUTR Vice-Chancellor Prof. Bibhuti Bhushan Biswal, the inaugural session featured Er. Sashi Sekhar Mohanty, CEO & MD of Essar Minmet, as chief guest, and Er. Pradipta Kumar Mishra, MD of Jindal Power, as guest of honour. Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Subhransu Ranjan Samantaray of IIT Bhubaneswar highlighted the transformative role of technology and policy in steering sustainable energy transitions. OES working president Dr. Jayakrushna Panigrahi and programme convenor Er. Ashok Kumar Behera also addressed the gathering. A notable highlight of the event was the launch of the OES podcast, facilitated by its secretary Er. Manoranjan Mishra, aimed at expanding public engagement on environmental issues. The programme featured two panel discussions that brought diverse perspectives to the fore. The first, on “Energy Scenario in Odisha,” chaired by former OERC member Er. Bimal Mishra, included insights from industry experts such as Er. Batakeswar Panda (Geostrata Consultants), Er. Bibhu Swain (Powertech), and Er. Susanta Kumar Guru (Hindalco), who examined the state’s evolving energy landscape. The second panel, “Renewables Beyond Climate,” moderated by senior journalist A.K. Sahoo, explored the broader socio-economic dividends of clean energy—including public health gains, productivity improvements, and energy security. Panelists included Prof. (Dr.) E. Venkat Rao (SUM Hospital), Er. Pradipta Kumar Panigrahi (G-ON Energy Controls), Mr. Avijit Nayak (NPC), and faculty members Prof. Sudhansu Sekhar Sahoo and Prof. Meera Viswabandhya from OUTR. The valedictory session was graced by Mr. Tarini Prasad Mohanty, Managing Director of M/s TP Mohanty, who felicitated winners of various competitions held as part of the celebrations. The vote of thanks was delivered by Prof. Ranjan Kumar Jena. The event also featured an exhibition showcasing electric vehicles and solar technologies, reflecting the growing momentum towards clean energy solutions. Conducted by Dr. Biswajit Samantray and Dr. Surabhi Jain, the programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, faculty members, and environmental advocates, reinforcing the message that meaningful climate action must be both collective and sustained.
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