Port Blair, April 3: “G20 University Connect” program was conducted Pondicherry University in its Campus at Brookshabad.Port Blair on 31st March 2023 in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Research and Information System (RIS) with a theme on ‘Engaging Young Minds” to prosper inclusive, ambitious, action-oriented and decisive agenda of G20. This was organized to create awareness among the youth about India’s Presidency of G20, the intergovernmental program comprising 19 countries and the European Union.
On the day of the event, around 160 student’s post-graduation and 25 research scholars of different disciplines of this campus participated. Prof. P.M. Mohan, Centre Head, of Port Blair campus welcomed the Dignitaries and elaborated on the role of the G20, given the strong geopolitical polarisations that are always an added challenge to overcome.
Special remark was by Dr. C. Sivaperuman, Joint Director and Officer in Charge, of the Zoological Survey of India explaining the importance of the G20 program in these island ecosystems. He also spoke about the significance in conserving the biodiversity resource for these islands and elaborated on the geopolitical role these islands will play in the future.
The special lecture was delivered by Mr Rahul Chhabra, former secretary of Ministry of external affairs, the government of India wherein he stressed for active participation from students to resolve global issues with research and technological aids. He emphasised various roles G20 is going to play to make a resilient India. He further spoke on India’s vision for the global development agenda with the rapid transformation of its economy and society launched by the Prime Minister, particularly green and digital transformations. He discussed in depth the relevance of the G20, particularly in post corona and post-Ukraine war periods. He also elaborated on the benefits of G20 India is going to receive for the common people.
There was a student interaction session where several students and scholars actively participated. The Chief Guest Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Professor Gurmeet Singh addressed the gathering online spelt on India’s G20 presidency will work to promote this universal sense of one-ness and the prosperous young minds to attain the mantle to lead and support our Prime Minister to achieve the benefits of the G20 to a global level.
Dr. Sushil Kumar, Assistant Professor, RIS, New Delhi proposed the vote of thanks. The entire program was coordinated by Prof. R. Mohanraju, Head of the department and supported by Mr Sayantan Ghosal form RIS.