Two-Day National Seminar on "Rivers of India" to be Organized at University of Allahabad
Press Conference Held to Announce Seminar Details
Allahabad, March 24, 2025 – The Department of Ancient History, Culture, and Archaeology, University of Allahabad, is set to organize a two-day national seminar titled “Rivers of India: History, Culture, Challenges Towards Conservation and Solutions” on March 27-28, 2025. The event will take place at Prof. Ishwar Topa Auditorium, bringing together academicians, environmentalists, policymakers, and researchers to discuss the historical, cultural, and ecological significance of Indian rivers.
In anticipation of the seminar, a press conference was held today at B.N.S. Yadav Auditorium, Department of Ancient History, University of Allahabad. The press meet was addressed by Prof. Harsh Kumar (Head, Department of Ancient History & Seminar Convenor), Dr. Atul Narayan Singh (Assistant Professor & Organizing Secretary), and Er. Alok Parmar (Co-Convenor, Shankh Society), along with other distinguished guests.
Seminar Objectives: Addressing Challenges and Finding Solutions
Speaking at the press conference, Prof. Harsh Kumar emphasized the crucial role of Indian rivers in shaping civilization, culture, and the economy. He pointed out the alarming threats rivers face today, including pollution, encroachment, and climate change. He stated that this seminar aims to explore sustainable solutions while raising public awareness about the importance of river conservation.
“This event will serve as a vital platform for discussions on the historical, cultural, religious, scientific, and administrative aspects of river conservation. It will bring together leading experts to formulate concrete strategies for preserving India’s river systems,” Prof. Kumar added.
Dr. Atul Narayan Singh, the Organizing Secretary, shared that the seminar is being conducted in collaboration with the State Mission for Clean Ganga - Uttar Pradesh (SMCG-UP) and SHANKH.ORG, both actively engaged in water conservation and river rejuvenation initiatives.
Keynote Speaker and Eminent Guests
The seminar will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers from various fields. The keynote speaker will be Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awardee Dr. Anil Prakash Joshi, a renowned environmentalist known for his contributions to water conservation and sustainable ecology.
The event will also witness insightful discussions from several eminent personalities, including:
- Dr. Balamukund Pandey (National Organizing Secretary, Akhil Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Yojana)
- Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla (Vice-Chancellor, North Eastern Hill University)
- Prof. Amitabh Pandey (Director, Indira Gandhi National Museum)
- Shri Alok Kumar Pandey (IAS, Gujarat Cadre)
- Shri Ganesh Tanji Rao Thorat (CEO, Naam Foundation)
- Shri Raman Kant (President, Indian River Council)
- Prof. Vinod Tare (IIT Kanpur)
- Prof. Prabhat Kumar Singh (IIT BHU)
- Prof. Dhruv Sen Singh (Lucknow University)
- Shri Manoj Joshi, an expert in Narmada conservation
These experts will share insights on the current state of Indian rivers and propose solutions for their sustainable conservation.
Five Major Sessions Covering Critical Themes
The seminar will be structured around five key sessions, addressing crucial aspects of river conservation:
- Historical and Cultural Significance of Rivers – Discussing how rivers have shaped civilizations, traditions, and societies in India.
- Spiritual and Religious Perspectives – Exploring the sacred role of rivers in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and other faiths.
- Community Participation in River Conservation – Showcasing successful grassroots movements and local conservation efforts.
- Environmental Challenges and Technological Innovations – Analyzing threats such as pollution and climate change, along with sustainable technological interventions.
- Policy Frameworks for Sustainable River Management – Formulating governance models and policy recommendations for effective conservation.
Additionally, special technical sessions will be conducted, allowing research scholars to present their findings and academic contributions.
Seminar Conclusion and Resolution Document Release
The seminar will conclude on March 28, 2025, with a final session discussing practical strategies for river rejuvenation. Key speakers in the closing session will include:
- Shri Anurag Srivastava (Chief Secretary, Namami Gange & Rural Water Resources)
- Shri Rajshekhar (Project Director, SMCG-UP)
- Shri Prabhas (Additional Project Director, SMCG-UP)
As a significant outcome, a resolution document will be released, presenting policy recommendations and action plans to guide government agencies, NGOs, and communities in their conservation efforts.
Call for Media and Public Awareness
The seminar organizers urged the media and journalists to actively cover the event’s discussions to raise public awareness about the urgent need for river conservation. They expressed confidence that the deliberations in this seminar would lead to practical policy recommendations and effective conservation measures for safeguarding India’s rivers for future generations.
For further details and media inquiries, interested individuals can contact:
Dr. Atul Narayan Singh (Organizing Secretary)
📧 atulnarayan@allduniv.ac.in
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