Uttarakhand Idea Exchange: Workshop with Youth on Climate and Constitution
A very healthy initiative
Dehradun, August 17, 2024
A workshop was organized by Doon Library and Research Center and Social Development for Communities (SDC) Foundation to empower the youth to tackle the climate crisis in Uttarakhand. This workshop, held in the auditorium of the Doon Library, saw participation from young students of Doon University, Mahadevi Kanya Pathshala, Jigyasa University, Garhwal University, DAV College, Shri Guru Ram Rai College, and the Doon Library, all from Dehradun.
The primary aim of the youth workshop was to exchange information related to climate change in Uttarakhand, assess the present and future, and encourage innovative thinking and problem-solving among the youth regarding climate-related challenges. Additionally, the workshop aimed to promote leadership skills to inspire and organize youth, advocate for policies addressing the worsening climate situation, and encourage youth participation in environmental issues in Uttarakhand.
Through group discussions, more than 40 youths brainstormed in six groups on the climate crisis and potential solutions in the state. The participants used chart papers, pens, and colors to create their creative ideas on climate change, which they then presented in the session. The youth expressed their ideas in various creative and art-based forms, such as drawing, painting, sketching, poetry, songs, and words. After their original and creative presentations, there was a discussion on capacity building for youth empowerment and participation in climate solutions.
At the beginning of the workshop, Gautam Kumar of SDC Foundation highlighted the landmark case of MK Ranjit Singh vs. Union of India by the Supreme Court of India in April 2024. He mentioned that recognizing citizens’ fundamental rights against climate change marks a significant development in India’s environmental jurisprudence, which will accelerate our climate action efforts.
Gautam Kumar also provided detailed information to the youth about the workshop’s context and process at the start of the workshop.
Anoop Nautiyal of SDC Foundation stated that in this context, Uttarakhand Idea Exchange is being organized in collaboration with Doon Library and Research Center to understand and delve deeper into the far-reaching implications of this crucial information. A series of three programs on climate change is planned under the Uttarakhand Idea Exchange to explore how this change can assist in climate conservation in Uttarakhand. Following the youth workshop, a panel discussion in September and a round table discussion in October will be organized under the Uttarakhand Idea Exchange.
Chandrasekhar Tiwari, Program Associate of Doon Library and Research Center, welcomed all the young participants at the start of the workshop and said that this is an innovative effort by SDC Foundation. He expressed hope that the exchange of ideas in this workshop would help the youth develop their original creative thinking to tackle the local climate crisis along with national-level issues.
Social thinker Biju Negi thanked all the young participants for attending the workshop. Certificates were also awarded to the participants at the end of the workshop.
