TERI University organizes summer school to address sustainability concerns

The TERI University, which offers Masters and Doctoral programmes related to sustainable development, organized a summer school called BLISS 2015 (Building Learning in Sustainable Science) from March 16 to March 20, 2015. The programme was attended by undergraduate students of various disciplines from various colleges in the NCR as well as by researchers and social workers. The programme was also broadcast as a
webinar.

Mr Jairam Ramesh, Member of Parliament, and former Minister for Environment and Forests, addressed the participants on ‘Green Growth Imperative’. In his lecture, he covered the governance dimension of economic growth and ecological security, stressing on the importance of envisaging sustainability from various perspectives such as demographics, climate change, public health and livelihood security. He mentioned that India’s thinking on economic growth has also evolved over a period of time. While the 10th Five Year Plan focused on the need for rapid growth, the subsequent Plans brought in the element of rapid and inclusive growth and then, rapid, inclusive and sustainable growth.

He mentioned that sustainability should not be viewed as a luxury, but as a necessity for a country like India since development is closely linked with sustainability of the natural resource base. Speaking of the trade-off that decision-makers are constantly faced with, he argued that sustainable development was all about being able to make the right choices by internalizing all the costs and benefits associated with the exploitation and use of our resources.

Dr Rajiv Seth, Acting Vice Chancellor, TERI University, said: “BLISS 2015, with a contemporary theme “Towards Cleaner and Greener Societies” aims to address the sustainability concerns regarding a safe and clean environment and equitable social development. A summer school of this nature is intended to catalyze curiosity amongst the youth to learn about sustainability and pursue careers in this domain, which would be of great benefit to the nation in the years to come”.

ABOUT TERI University
TERI University was set up in 1998 and was granted deemed-to-be-university status by the University Grants Commission in 1999. The University transcends the traditional teaching and its courses attract students from various fields like sciences, economics, geography, engineering that has allowed a fusion of various perspectives into the curriculum, which provides a holistic approach to their study. Being one of the very few universities which are devoted to areas related to sustainable development, the University has partnered with several leading universities of USA, UK and Australia that has created a platform for an exchange of ideas, knowledge and research for both the faculty and students.

Accredited with an ‘A’ grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council of India (NAAC), the University has received accolades for incorporating new and innovative elements in education. For more information, please click: http://www.teriuniversity.ac.in/