The Vivekananda Global University (VGU) successfully inaugurated the 5th International Conference on “Recent Trends in Environment and Sustainable Development (RTESD-2026)” on Thursday. This two-day international conference is being organized at the Auditorium, Technology Block of the university from 22 to 24 January 2026.
The conference has witnessed active participation from academicians, scientists, environmental experts, researchers, and policymakers from India and abroad, with 418 academicians and research scholars registered. The inaugural ceremony began with the arrival and interaction of the chief guests at the Board Room, followed by a formal welcome of dignitaries at the auditorium entrance. The conference was ceremonially inaugurated with lamp lighting and Saraswati Vandana, creating an atmosphere of dignity, positivity, and academic enthusiasm.
The Chief Guest of the occasion was Shri V. Saravanan Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of Rajasthan. Dr. Meghendra Sharma, Secretary, Vigyan Bharti, Rajasthan attended as the Guest of Honour. The inaugural session was presided over by Prof. (Dr.) D. V. S. Bhagavanulu, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Vivekananda Global University.
Shri M. R. Bagaria, Patron of VGU, welcomed the dignitaries by presenting bouquets and shawls. Prof. (Dr.) Kailash Agrawal, Dean, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, delivered the welcome address and highlighted the theme and global significance of the conference, emphasizing that environmental protection and sustainable development are fundamental issues linked to the future of human civilization and require collective thinking and concrete action.
The Conference Abstract Book was formally released. Prof. (Dr.) Subodh Srivastava, Conference Chair, elaborated on the RTESD conference series, its objectives, and achievements over the years. Addressing the gathering, Prof. (Dr.) D. V. S. Bhagavanulu underscored the university’s commitment to research, innovation, and international collaboration.
Shri M. R. Bagaria, Patron, VGU, stated that young researchers and students have a vital role in addressing global environmental challenges. Speaking as Guest of Honour, Dr. Meghendra Sharma emphasized the importance of integrating traditional knowledge, indigenous thinking, and modern science as a strong foundation for sustainable development, noting that Indian knowledge traditions uphold balance and coexistence with nature.
In his keynote address, Chief Guest Shri V. Saravanan Kumar, IAS stressed the need to connect environmental and sustainability research outcomes with policy formulation, and described international conferences like RTESD-2026 as effective platforms for dialogue between government, academia, and society.
At the conclusion of the program, Prof. (Dr.) Sushila, Convener, RTESD-2026 and Head, Department of Sciences, VGU, delivered the vote of thanks. The inaugural ceremony concluded with the National Anthem.
In the forthcoming sessions, the conference will feature research paper presentations, technical sessions, expert lectures, and panel discussions focused on environmental conservation, climate change mitigation, green technologies, and sustainable development goals.
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