12-10-2025:24th International Conference of the Indian Association of Social Science Institutions concludes at Doon University

Hon’ble Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd.) attended the valedictory session of the 24th International Conference of the Indian Association of Social Science Institutions (IASSI) held at Doon University, Dehradun, on Sunday. The three-day conference witnessed participation from eminent scholars and experts from across India and abroad, who deliberated on key themes such as social welfare, economics, employment, industry, agriculture, technology, environment, and urbanization.

Addressing the valedictory session, the Governor said that the entire world today is seeking lasting solutions and new directions to address challenges like climate change, environmental imbalance, and unequal development. He remarked that the conference was not merely an academic dialogue but a collective call to consciousness, responsibility, and environmental awareness. He asserted that “true sustainable development lies in making development and environment complementary, not competitive.”

The Governor emphasized that climate change is no longer just a scientific concern but a question of human survival. He said that unplanned urbanization, deforestation, and overexploitation of natural resources are among its major causes. To counter this, he stated, “Policies and technology alone will not suffice — we must change our lifestyles, ensure public participation, and design policies with sensitivity towards nature.”

Highlighting the fragile ecology of Himalayan and hill states, the Governor noted that challenges such as landslides, soil erosion, river degradation, and loss of wildlife habitats are no longer just environmental issues but are also linked to social and economic stability. He stressed the importance of integrating local community participation, scientific knowledge, traditional wisdom, public awareness, and education to address these issues effectively.

The Governor further said that while urbanization drives economic progress, unplanned urban growth leads to inequality, pollution, and resource scarcity. He advocated for envisioning “Green Cities” alongside “Smart Cities,” where buildings are energy-efficient, transport systems are clean, and green cover is abundant. He underlined that sustainable development does not merely mean economic progress, but achieving a balance between growth and the environment.

Addressing the youth, the Governor said, “You are not only the students of the future but also the architects of it.” He added that their ideas, research, and sensitivity will determine the direction of a sustainable, prosperous, and self-reliant India. Commending the organizing committee, he said that the conference had become an excellent platform for knowledge, dialogue, and policy reflection. He expressed confidence that the deliberations held here would provide new direction for the sustainable development of the Himalayan region.

The event was attended by Dr. S. Mahendra Dev, Chairperson of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council; Mr. Ramesh Chand, Member of NITI Aayog; Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi, Vice-Chancellor of Nalanda University; Prof. Surekha Dangwal, Vice-Chancellor of Doon University; Prof. Rajendra P. Mamgain, Head of the Department of Economics, Doon University; Dr. Swati Bisht, Associate Professor, Doon University; and Mrs. Priyanka Tyagi, CEO of the Institute of Human Development and Communication, along with other distinguished guests.
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