A conference titled 'Vayu - The Vital Life Force' is being organized at Siksha O Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from December 02 - 04, 2022, to celebrate the spirit of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav in the 75th year of Independence and channel dialogue on the need for clean air in the country.
Prof. Ganeshi Lal, the Governor of Odisha; Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship; Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Bhartruhari Mahtab, Member of Parliament, Cuttack; Aprajita Sarangi, Member of Parliament, Bhubaneswar and distinguished dignitaries from all around the country will be gracing the event.
Everything in nature, according to the Panchmahaboot concept, is made up of 5 elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space. Any imbalance or threat to any of these elements endangers humanity's well-being. As a result, clean air is essential for maintaining life force and good health. The Vayu conference aims to build on the multifaceted efforts made by governments to meet our air quality targets as outlined in the National Clean Air Program by bringing together all key stakeholders.
To recognise our cities' efforts to meet clean air targets, the 'National Clean Air City' award based on Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan will be given to the top nine performing cities for meeting air quality targets and implementing corrective, preventive, and mitigation actions. These cities will receive a total cash prize of approximately Rs. 05 crores to encourage them to take additional concrete action toward clean air goals.
An engaging youth session has been organised on December 02, 2022, to constructively engage the country's youth and give them a platform to present their innovative ideas to solve air quality challenges. Students will participate in scholar sessions on atmospheric science, climate change, human health, heritage studies, agriculture issues, and mitigation measures. An exhibition will raise public awareness about air quality, natural alternatives, and Odisha's heritage.
More than 500 people will attend the conference, including experts, students, academics, State Pollution Control Boards, Pollution Control Committees, Municipal Commissioners, State Environment Secretaries, scientists, and engineers. It will be a massive participatory event to nurture Jan Bhagidari in the ongoing Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations.
