Bhubaneswar: Celebrating 51 years of fearless journalism, Dharitri, one of Odisha’s most widely read dailies, is hosting the fourth edition of its environment-focused event, Dharitri Youth Conclave 2024: Building Resilience, this Sunday at Hotel Swosti Premium in Bhubaneswar. This event is vital as it addresses one of the most pressing challenges of our time: the climate crisis. With its vulnerability to natural disasters like cyclones and coastal erosion, Odisha is exposed to environmental challenges in India. This conclave serves as a platform to unite diverse stakeholders—youth leaders, climate experts, policymakers, and environmentalists—to foster dialogue, share innovative solutions, and inspire action. By empowering young changemakers and spotlighting grassroots climate initiatives, the event not only highlights environmental concerns but also drives collective efforts toward a more sustainable and resilient future. You can watch the live updates here.
Student speakers from various educational institutions share their experiences on environmental conservation
Dharitri Climate Grant 2024 winners pose for a group photograph with dignitaries on stage
‘Sangram’ gets Dharitri Climate Grant 2024 for its nearly 30 years of effort to protect Similipal Biosphere
“What’s in a name, they say. Everything, when you live by it.” True to its name, Sangram has waged a relentless battle for environmental conservation since 1995. Founded by Vanoo Mitra Acharya and led by Ms Sanjukta Basa, its Green Brigade has empowered over 100 villages in the Similipal Biosphere, safeguarding forests from poachers and timber mafia. Their efforts have helped protect the population of tigers and elephants in the forest region. In recognition, the Forest Department has inducted over 1,000 volunteers into the Similipal Tiger Protection Force. Their ‘Hati Mera Sathi’ program addresses human-elephant conflicts, empowering villagers with tools and training. Sangram also spreads awareness through street plays and workshops. Over nearly three decades, the organisation has grown into a formidable force for environmental conservation.
Jungle Lore Foundation gets Dharitri Climate Grant 2024 for its exceptional work in protecting Odisha’s biodiversity
Imagine a world where animals roam free, and the air echoes with calls of rare birds. For Jungle Lore Foundation led by Akash Ranjan Rath, this vision fuels every step they take. It has fought tirelessly to protect Odisha’s rich biodiversity, from dense forests to fragile coasts. They’ve stood firm against poachers and worked towards minimising human-wildlife conflicts. Through programs like Jungle Kahuchi and Coastal Child Stay Wild, they inspire communities and schoolchildren to become nature’s guardians. Thanks to their relentless efforts, 5,000 Olive Ridley hatchlings now swim freely. From rescuing rare species to protecting fragile ecosystems, Jungle Lore isn’t just conserving nature—they’re fostering a future where humans and wildlife can coexist.
Anchalika Vikash Parishad gets Dharitri Climate Grant 2024 for its outstanding efforts in reviving house sparrow population
A sparrow alone is lost, but a flock can soar high.” This saying embodies the spirit of Anchalika Vikash Parishad, an organisation that has worked tirelessly for over 13 years to rejuvenate the ecosystem. Under the leadership of Sagar Kumar Patro, they have revived the population of house sparrows by distributing over 6,000 artificial nests, allowing thousands of sparrows to thrive where their chirps had long fallen silent. Their efforts don’t stop there. From protecting Tampara Lake to rescuing injured wildlife, their conservation efforts are varied and exemplary. The group’s tree plantation drives, awareness campaigns, and conservation initiatives for elephants, vultures, and olive ridley turtles promise a more vibrant future for the coming generations.
Trilochan Sahoo from Keonjhar district gets Dharitri Climate Grant 2024 for his innovative initiatives like ‘I Am The Tree Speaking,’ inspiring tree plantation on birthdays, and using filmmaking to raise awareness about forest and wildlife conservation
An abandoned pit might seem insignificant, but for Keonjhar’s Trilochan Sahoo, it’s the start of something transformative —a canvas for a flourishing forest. Year after year, he leads a ‘Van Mahotsav’ focusing on forest and wildlife conservation. This year, he led a plantation drive of around 1,000 saplings in Anandpur sub-division. His initiative, ‘I Am The Tree Speaking’, urges people to plant a tree on their birthdays, fostering a deep connection with nature. A passionate filmmaker, he uses this medium to raise awareness about environmental issues. His message is simple yet powerful: by protecting nature, we protect ourselves.
Pupun Sahu from Nayagarh district gets Dharitri Climate Grant 2024 for planting and nurturing over 1,000 trees in a barren land and turning it into a lush green forest without external support
Pupun Sahu, a humble carpenter from Bhadikila village in Nayagarh district, is transforming the harsh landscape near his house with nothing but his own hands and an indomitable spirit. Without support or the hope of recognition, he has spent over a decade carrying water from a nearby stream to nourish the dry, stubborn earth. He has planted over 1,000 trees—cultivating life where nothing could grow. His love for nature is unshakable—even devastating forest fires could not break his resolve. Pupun’s work embodies the power of individual dedication, proving that one person’s love for nature can breathe life into barren lands and inspire hope.
Dharitri Youth Conclave 2024 jury felicitated on stage
Climate warrior Bichitrananda Biswal awarded for his remarkable work in wildlife conservation
Bichitrananda Biswal, fondly known as Bichi Bhai, has dedicated himself to the conservation of olive ridley turtles, making it his mission to protect the vulnerable species. His tireless efforts have saved countless turtles and have ignited a lasting movement. Through his awareness campaigns, he has inspired local communities, especially women and youth, to join him in his conservation work.
Padma Shri awardee Jamuna Tudu felicitated and gets Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedicated fight to preserve the forests in Jharkhand
In her address Tudu recounted the story of her struggle for environmental protection. She took the audience through her fight in forming Van Suraksha Samitis across Jharkhand and revealed how she had to take great risks and faced mafia to protect the forests at the cost of personal safety. She encouraged everyone to come together to protect the environment. “Don’t just plant a tree, but nourish it. Our country will make progress only if all of us come together,” she said.
Expert panel discusses ‘Climate Change: Building Resilience’
Expert panel assembles on dais to discuss ‘Climate Change: Building Resilience’. Moderating the panel is Founder of Environmentalist Foundation of India Arun Krishnamurthy. Guests on stage include Dharitri and OrissaPOST CEO Adyasha Satpathy, Founder of ClimAct and Youth Negotiators Academy Heeta Lakhani, noted Marine Biologist Dr. Punyasloke Bhadury and Team Lead for Disaster Management at Reliance Foundation Dibyakanta Nayak.
National Science Chair at IISc Bengaluru Dr. Raman Sukumar delivers the keynote address
In his address, Dr. Sukumar – a pioneering ecologist and an expert on Asian elephants – batted for conservation and highlights how climate change is forcing elephants across India to migrate to places they were not associated with earlier leading to human-animal conflicts. He also suggested taking advantage of indigenous solutions to local problems. Besides, he also took the audience through the devastating effects of climate change India may experience in coming years and recommended mangrove plantations to prevent coastal erosion.
Dharitri and OrissaPOST CEO Adyasha Satpathy addresses the gathering
The Dharitri Climate Grant was conceived to recognise and support grassroots environmentalists deeply involved in climate action but often too focused on their work to gain public visibility. These unsung heroes tirelessly dedicate themselves to their local communities, taking steps that, no matter how small, contribute significantly to the environment, said CEO Adyasha Satpathy.
“Yes, there are criticisms at times—whether it’s about the right approach, misplaced passion, or lack of resources—but every effort matters. These individuals may lack proper guidance, logistical support, or even volunteers to amplify their work. That’s where collaboration becomes essential. By coming together—grassroots environmentalists, experts, and supporters—we can provide course corrections, share resources, and create a stronger impact,” she added while further informing that with the climate grant, Dharitri aims to spotlight and encourage these remarkable environmentalists and organisations and inspire others to follow their lead.
Editor of Dharitri and OrissaPOST Tathagata Satpathy delivers welcome address
In his address, Editor Satpathy highlighted the alarming ways in which humanity is jeopardising its future by destroying wildlife and natural ecosystems. He emphasised a thought-provoking fact: nearly 70 per cent of the Earth’s oxygen doesn’t come from trees or the land. While trees play a crucial role, contributing around 20 per cent of the world’s oxygen, the bulk of it—an astonishing 70 per cent —is produced by phytoplankton. These microscopic, ocean-dwelling organisms, invisible to the naked eye, are the unsung heroes of our survival, he said.
“Let’s reflect on the incredible gift of oxygen—the very breath that separates life from death. It is nature, in its purest form that provides this gift. In a world often divided by religion, wealth, and material pursuits, let us pause to acknowledge and express gratitude for this silent, constant support from nature,” he added.
Dignitaries light the lamp and ‘Dharitri Youth Conclave 2024: Building Resilience’ officially begins
Dharitri Youth Conclave 2024: Registrations underway
