Educational institutions across Nagaland observed Earth Day 2026 under the global theme “Our Power, Our Planet: Integrating Science, Society and Policy for Sustainable Futures”, highlighting the urgent need for collective action against climate change and environmental degradation.
At Nagaland University, the Department of Geography hosted a two-day programme under the aegis of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India. The event featured a drawing competition for Kendriya Vidyalaya students, a plastic waste removal drive, and a rally from Rajiv Gandhi Park to the department. Prof. Sangyu Yaden (HoD I/C) inaugurated the programme, welcoming resource person Dr. Rasik Ravindra, former Director of NCPOR, patron Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor Nagaland University, and special speaker Prof. M. S. Rawat.
Dr. Manasi Debnath, convenor, led the Earth Day pledge and underscored the importance of everyday actions in combating global warming, glacial melt and environmental degradation. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Patnaik reminded participants that universities must act as catalysts for sustainable development.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Dr. Ravindra spoke on ocean circulations and polar research, warning of the slowing currents due to climate change. Prof. Rawat, in his special talk, highlighted the Dharali disaster and India’s record-breaking heat in 2024, stressing the role of Artificial Intelligence in predicting glacial lake outburst floods. The programme concluded with drawing and slogan competitions, followed by a plantation drive led by the Vice-Chancellor.
Fazl Ali College also observed Earth Day through a signature campaign organised by the Eco Club. Students, faculty and staff pledged their commitment to environmental protection and sustainable living. Departments conducted varied eco-friendly activities including cleanliness drives, motivational talks, plantation, quizzes, essay and slogan writing, and classroom cleaning. The English Department organised a letter-writing exercise titled “My Promise to Earth”, while the Geography Department distributed eco-friendly seed pencils as a symbol of sustainability.
Meanwhile, Sao Chang College, Tuensang, celebrated Earth Day with a pollinator garden project initiated by the Department of Environmental Science in collaboration with Floriculture students. Zinnias and Marigolds were planted to attract bees and butterflies, linking classroom learning with practical conservation. The initiative aimed to support biodiversity, enhance campus greenery and protect the local ecosystem.
