Extension Lecture by Prof. Prem. S. Chapagain

The department of Geography (WONDRR Club) & Environmental Science jointly organized an Extension lecture on the topic “Globalization, Climate Change, and Adaptive Strategies of Asian Highland Communities.” On 23rd September 2025. The event was held in the AV Hall from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and saw enthusiastic participation from students, faculty members, and distinguished guests.

The programme began with a welcome address by Ms. Akshita Shekhawat (BA Sem III), setting the tone for the session. This was followed by Ms. Renu Singh (Assistant professor & Add. Head). She invited Prof. H. S. Sharma to felicitate the eminent guest Prof. Prem. S. Chapagain with a stole and planter. He delivered an insightful lecture on the intersection of globalization and climate change, particularly focusing on their impact on highland communities of Asia. Prof. Chapagain explained that while globalisation has opened opportunities for growth and connectivity, it has also disrupted traditional lifestyles and threatened ecological stability. Climate change, he stressed, is amplifying these vulnerabilities through glacial melting, shifting rainfall patterns, biodiversity loss, and livelihood instability. Importantly, The lecture focused on the adaptive strategies of Asian highland communities, emphasizing community-based resource management, climate-resilient crops, livelihood diversification, use of remittances, and the revival of indigenous knowledge for sustainable adaptation to globalisation and climate change. Drawing on examples from Nepal, he gave the audience a strong sense of the global as well as local relevance of the issue. After then, Mr. Shubhendu Mukherjee (Assistant Professor) invited Prof. P.J.John (Dean of Science) to felicitating the Guests of Honour – Prof. S. C. Raj (Delhi University) and Prof. H. S. Sharma (Rajasthan University). Both appreciated the theme, praised the organisers, and encouraged students to broaden their perspectives on climate issues. During the event, Ms. Sheelwanti Akhawat oversaw the discipline and seating arrangements, ensuring a smooth and orderly session.

The guest lecture was graced by the presence of the Prof. Ritu Jain (Director, School of physical sciences), Prof. Shelja Juneja (Mentor, Environmental Science), Dr. Alka Kataria (Head, Dept. of Environmental Science), Dr. Charu Jhamaria (Add. Head).

Towards the conclusion, Ms. Savita Chaudhary (Assisstant Professor) took the initiative to warmly invited the members of the DRR Club were honoured with a rose in recognition of their active participation. The session ended with a vote of thanks by Dr. Manoj Kr. Saini (Head, Dept. of Geography) leaving the audience motivated and aware of the urgent need for sustainable action.