Staff Reporter : Kolkata, 5th June 2026: Science City Kolkata, a unit of the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the Nature Club, University of Calcutta, observed World Environment Day 2026 at the Mini Auditorium, Science City Kolkata. The programme was organized under the global theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”, with a special emphasis on promoting low-carbon and low-waste lifestyles through practical and sustainable everyday practices.
The observance brought together academicians, environmental experts, students, researchers, and general visitors to promote environmental awareness and encourage sustainable actions through discussions, cultural presentations, documentary screening, and experiential learning activities.
The programme commenced with the ceremonial planting of two Bokul (Mimusops elengi) saplings by Shri Pramod Grover, Director, Science City Kolkata, and Prof. Ashutosh Ghosh, Vice-Chancellor, University of Calcutta, symbolising their shared commitment to environmental conservation and a greener future. In their addresses, they emphasized the importance of environmental stewardship, climate action, and collective responsibility in addressing contemporary environmental challenges.
A unique aspect of the programme was the presentation of eco-friendly gift hampers to the guests, thoughtfully curated to promote sustainable living and climate resilience. The hamper included a reusable cotton bag, symbolising a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic bags. It also contained pure honey, highlighting the role of pollinators in supporting ecosystems and contributing to carbon sequestration. Guests were also presented with a nutritious wheatgrass beverage mix, rich in antioxidants and natural nutrients, which can be enjoyed either as a refreshing cold beverage or as a warm beverage. Additionally, the hamper featured a plantable seed pencil that can be sown in soil after use to grow into a plant, along with a Periwinkle plant, an important medicinal species known for its valuable medicinal alkaloids. Together, these gifts reflected the programme’s emphasis on sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and nature-based solutions for a greener future.
A special session titled “Harit: Decoding Environmental Consciousness in the Classical Music Tradition through Traditional and Newly Composed Bandishes” was conducted by Prof. Susmita Basu Majumdar (Lyricist). The session explored the expression of environmental consciousness through Indian classical music and was followed by musical performances by Vidushi Manali Bose, Shri Anol Chatterjee, and Ms. Srijani Banerjee.
The programme also featured the screening of the documentary film “Erosion”, which was first screened at COP28, UAE, followed by an interactive session with its director, Shri Syamantak Ghosh, eminent journalist and documentary filmmaker. The session provided participants with valuable insights into environmental degradation, riverbank erosion, and the socio-ecological challenges associated with climate change, fostering meaningful discussions on sustainable environmental stewardship and climate resilience.
A Curatorial Talk on the Climate Change Gallery was delivered by Shri Subha Sankar Ghosh, Principal Curator, Science City Kolkata. The session highlighted the scientific basis of climate change, its impacts, and the role of science communication in fostering environmental awareness. Participants subsequently undertook a guided visit to the Climate Change Gallery, “On the Edge?”, gaining an immersive learning experience through its interactive exhibits on climate science and sustainability.
An interactive discussion session chaired by Prof. Krishnendu Acharya, Professor of Botany, University of Calcutta, provided a platform for participants to exchange views on environmental conservation, sustainable development, and individual responsibility towards protecting natural resources.
A distinctive feature of the programme was its emphasis on learning through direct engagement with the Climate Change Gallery, “On the Edge?”, at Science City Kolkata. Designed around the theme of climate awareness and sustainable living, the programme encouraged participants to explore real-world climate challenges and possible solutions through interactive exhibits and discussions. To align the event with its environmental objectives, most activities were conducted within the gallery premises and outdoor spaces across the Science City campus rather than being confined to an air-conditioned auditorium in order to reduce carbon footprint of the day. This approach promoted energy conservation by reducing the use of air-conditioning, lighting, and other electrical equipment, while providing participants with a more immersive and environmentally conscious learning experience.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Pramod Grover, Director, Science City Kolkata, said, “World Environment Day serves as a reminder that addressing environmental challenges requires collective action, scientific understanding, and responsible citizenship. Through this collaborative initiative with the University of Calcutta, Science City Kolkata seeks to engage people of all ages in meaningful discussions on climate change, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. We believe that science centres have an important role in fostering environmental awareness and inspiring positive action for a sustainable future.”
““Protecting the environment requires collective responsibility and a renewed commitment to living in harmony with nature. By reducing the use of non-biodegradable plastics, adopting sustainable alternatives, and promoting large-scale tree plantation, we can naturally enhance carbon absorption and help mitigate the impacts of rising carbon dioxide levels. At the same time, a deeper scientific understanding of greenhouse gases is essential, as they play a critical role in regulating Earth’s climate. The challenge before us is to maintain this delicate balance—limiting excessive warming while preserving the natural processes that sustain life on our planet. Through research, innovation, and environmental stewardship, we can contribute to a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future for generations to come,” said Prof. Ashutosh Ghosh, Vice-Chancellor, University of Calcutta.
As part of the observance, participants also took a Green Pledge, reaffirming their commitment to reducing waste, conserving natural resources, minimizing ecological footprints, and promoting environmentally responsible practices in their daily lives.
A major highlight of the programme was its emphasis on promoting sustainable food habits and environmentally responsible practices. In line with the principles of sustainability, the event was conducted with zero use of single-use plastic plates, cups, or cutlery. Participants were encouraged to bring their own reusable utensils, bottles, and cups, significantly reducing waste generation. The refreshments served during the programme also reflected this commitment to sustainable consumption, featuring nutritious dishes prepared from red rice and millets, which are recognized as climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable crops. As an alternative to conventional tea and packaged soft drinks, participants were offered fruit squash beverages, which they could enjoy using their own reusable bottles or cups. These thoughtful measures demonstrated practical ways of adopting sustainable lifestyles and reducing environmental footprints in everyday life.
Through this initiative, Science City Kolkata and Nature Club, University of Calcutta reaffirmed its commitment to promoting scientific temper, environmental literacy, and public engagement on issues related to climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development
