Inauguration of Two-Day National Workshop on India's Water Resources

Udaipur—A two-day national workshop titled "India's Water Resources: Past, Present, and Future" commenced at the IT Auditorium in Pratap Nagar, organized jointly by Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan Vidyapeeth and the Education Culture Uthaan Nyas, New Delhi.

In his inaugural address, Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Prof. Vasudev Devnani emphasized the importance of connecting culture and knowledge to our roots to effectively reach the new generation. He stated that environmental consciousness has always been integral to our culture, and solutions to global environmental issues can be achieved through necessity, awareness, and emulation. "We must draw inspiration from the past to advance the present while focusing on individual development within the limited scope of our ambitions," he said.

He criticized the prevailing mindset of resource hoarding, urging everyone to rise above such attitudes. "Indian eternal culture seeks the welfare of all, not just the individual," he remarked, highlighting the need for collective efforts in environmental awareness and water conservation.

**Water Management and Heritage**
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Shiv Singh Sarangdevot welcomed the guests and noted that the concept of linking lakes was pioneered in Mewar by Maharana Fateh Singh in 1890. He acknowledged Udaipur's significant contributions to water harvesting and management, attributing these efforts to the local rulers who set remarkable examples for water conservation.

Chief Guest Dr. Atul Kothari, Secretary of the Education Culture Uthaan Nyas, discussed the abundant availability of water and electricity in the country, stressing the need for efficient management. He advocated for a balanced approach to development that harmonizes progress and environmental sustainability, asserting that education is key to solving problems. He emphasized the necessity of practical education that incorporates experiential learning and logical, scientific knowledge for the youth.

Environmental Education National Coordinator Sanjay Swami shared that over 150 environmentalists from across the country are participating in the workshop, which will focus on water management strategies over the two days.

**Inaugural Events and Discussions**
During the event, the workshop's souvenir was released along with a book by "Water Man" Dr. Rajendra Singh, who expressed concern over India becoming water-scarce. He highlighted the collective duty to preserve water resources, noting that India should not be labeled as a climate refugee and that maintaining its status as a global leader is contingent on sustainable water management.

Additionally, Rajya Sabha MP Chunnilal Garasia, city MLA Tarachand Jain, and rural MLA Phool Singh Meena emphasized the need for collective participation in water management.

The workshop saw participation from former Vice-Chancellor Prof. Umashankar Sharma, current Vice-Chancellor Prof. Balraj Singh, and various esteemed professors and environmentalists from across the country.

Dr. Rachna Rathod and Dr. Harish Chhaibisa coordinated the event, while Dr. Malay Paneri expressed gratitude on behalf of the organizers.