By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
An inter-chair colloquium on the theme “Caste, Gender and Climate Justice” was organized between the Dr. Ambedkar Chair established at Doon University and the Dr. Ambedkar Chair established at Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, under the aegis of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell of Doon University.
Welcoming the guests, Prof. H. C. Purohit, Coordinator of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell, said that in order to promote study and research on the philosophy, ideas, and works of Babasaheb Ambedkar, collaborative research and academic activities will be encouraged in the coming days between the Ambedkar Chairs established at Doon University and the Central University of Punjab. He expressed that this collaboration will help in finding effective and long-term solutions to issues related to the common people.
In the colloquium, Prof. Kanhaiya Tripathi, Chair Professor of the Dr. Ambedkar Chair at the Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, stated that there is a need to work more effectively for the educational upliftment of marginalized sections of society. He emphasized sustained efforts toward women’s empowerment and toward finding long-term solutions to the challenges posed by climate change.
Expressing his happiness over the organization of the inter-chair colloquium, Prof. Tripathi said that this platform would facilitate meaningful research and discussions not only on local issues but also on international concerns. He noted that Uttarakhand has always remained conscious of environmental protection and natural resources, and that the dedication of Gaura Devi and her historic movement played an important role in making the global community sensitive and aware about environmental conservation.
Prof. Tripathi also stressed the need for conducting studies and research on the contributions of environmentalists such as Sundarlal Bahuguna, Chandi Prasad Bhatt, and Rajendra Singh in the fields of environmental protection and water conservation.
Expressing his views in the colloquium, Prof. Harsh Pati Dobhal, Chair Professor of the Dr. Ambedkar Chair at Doon University, said that there is a need for serious reflection and research on how social harmony can be ensured and how participation of every section of society can be incorporated into policymaking. He stated that climate change is not only an environmental crisis but also a question of social justice, as its impact is greater on marginalized, Dalit, tribal, and vulnerable communities.
Prof. Dobhal further said that climate change is neither caste-neutral nor gender-neutral. The climate crisis is intensifying existing social inequalities, placing additional burdens on women, vulnerable communities, and marginalized groups. He added that climate justice does not merely mean reducing emissions, but also addressing social discrimination and inequalities.
He further stated that although climate change is affecting the global community, the responsibility for human-induced environmental imbalance and pollution lies more with influential and developed nations. Therefore, developed countries must take the lead in finding long-term and sustainable solutions to these issues, while also ensuring the participation of marginalized communities and women in policymaking.
The programme was conducted by Dr. Himani.
Dr. Chetna Pokhariyal, Dr. Narendra Rawal, Dr. Himani, Absar, Dr. Rajesh Bhatt, S. P. Khali, Dr. Gajala, Dr. Aditi, Divyanjali, Piyush, Manvendra Badthwal, Himanshu, Madhav Nand Chamoli, Shilpi Tiwari, research scholars, and students were present at the programme.