Vivekananda Global University (VGU) formally inaugurated the 5th International Conference on Recent Trends in Environment and Sustainable Development (RTESD-2026) on Thursday. The two-day global meet is being hosted at the university’s Technology Block Auditorium from January 22 to 24, 2026.
The conference has drawn enthusiastic participation from academicians, scientists, environmental specialists, researchers, and policymakers from India and overseas, with 418 academicians and research scholars registering for the event. The inaugural proceedings commenced with the reception and interaction of the chief guests at the Technology Block Board Room, followed by a ceremonial welcome at the auditorium entrance. The opening ceremony featured traditional lamp lighting and Saraswati Vandana, setting a dignified, positive, and academically vibrant tone for the conference.
The event was led by Chief Guest V. Saravanan Kumar, IAS, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Rajasthan. The ceremony was further honored by the presence of Meghendra Sharma, Secretary, Vigyan Bharti Rajasthan, who attended as the Guest of Honour.
The inaugural session was chaired by Prof. (Dr.) D. V. S. Bhagavanulu, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Vivekananda Global University. Shri M. R. Bagaria, Patron of VGU, formally welcomed the distinguished guests with bouquets and shawls.
Prof. (Dr.) Kailash Agrawal, Dean, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, delivered the welcome address, outlining the conference theme and its global relevance. He underlined that environmental conservation and sustainable development go beyond academics, representing core challenges tied to humanity’s future and calling for unified thought and decisive action.
Following this, the Conference Abstract Book was officially unveiled. Prof. (Dr.) Subodh Srivastava, Conference Chair, shared insights into the RTESD conference series, detailing its vision, objectives, and milestones achieved over the years.
Addressing the audience, Prof. (Dr.) D. V. S. Bhagavanulu, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Vivekananda Global University, highlighted the university’s strong focus on research advancement, innovation, and global collaboration. This was followed by remarks from Shri M. R. Bagaria, Patron of VGU, who emphasized the crucial responsibility of young scholars and students in tackling worldwide environmental concerns.
Speaking as the Guest of Honour, Dr. Meghendra Sharma, Secretary, Vigyan Bharti Rajasthan, stressed that blending traditional wisdom, indigenous perspectives, and modern scientific approaches creates a solid pathway toward sustainable development, noting that India’s knowledge systems have long promoted harmony with nature.
In his keynote address, Chief Guest V. Saravanan Kumar, IAS, underscored the importance of translating environmental and sustainability research into actionable policy. He also described international platforms such as RTESD-2026 as vital forums for meaningful engagement between government bodies, academic institutions, and society.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Sushila, Convener, RTESD-2026 and Head, Department of Sciences, Vivekananda Global University. The inaugural ceremony formally closed with the National Anthem.
In the upcoming sessions, the conference will host research paper presentations, technical discussions, expert talks, and panel interactions focused on identifying practical strategies for environmental protection, climate change mitigation, green technologies, and advancing sustainable development goals.
