The Vivekananda Global University (VGU) successfully inaugurated the 5th International Conference on “Recent Trends in Environment and Sustainable Development (RTESD-2026)” on Thursday. This two-day international conference is being organized at the Auditorium, Technology Block of the university from 22 to 24 January 2026. The conference has witnessed active participation from academicians, scientists, environmental experts, researchers, and policymakers from India and abroad. A total of 418 academicians and research scholars have registered for the conference. The inaugural ceremony began with the arrival and interaction of the chief guests at the Board Room of the Technology Block, followed by a formal welcome of the dignitaries at the auditorium entrance. The conference was ceremonially inaugurated with lamp lighting and Saraswati Vandana, creating an atmosphere of dignity, positivity, and academic enthusiasm.

The Chief Guest of the occasion was Shri V. Saravanan Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of Rajasthan. Dr. Meghendra Sharma, Secretary, Vigyan Bharti, Rajasthan graced the event as the Guest of Honour. The inaugural session was presided over by Prof. (Dr.) D. V. S. Bhagavanulu, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Vivekananda Global University. Shri M. R. Bagaria, Patron of VGU, welcomed the dignitaries by presenting bouquets and shawls. Prof. (Dr.) Kailash Agrawal, Dean, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, delivered the welcome address and highlighted the theme and global significance of the conference. He emphasized that environmental protection and sustainable development are not merely scientific or academic concerns, but fundamental issues directly linked to the future of human civilization, requiring collective thinking and concrete action. Subsequently, the Conference Abstract Book was formally released. Prof. (Dr.) Subodh Srivastava, Conference Chair, elaborated on the concept of the RTESD conference series, its objectives, and its achievements over the years. Addressing the gathering, Prof. (Dr.) D. V. S. Bhagavanulu, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, VGU underscored the university’s commitment towards promoting research, innovation, and international collaboration. Following this, Shri M. R. Bagaria, Patron, VGU, stated that young researchers and students have a vital role to play in addressing global environmental challenges. Speaking as the Guest of Honour, Dr. Meghendra Sharma, Secretary, Vigyan Bharti, Rajasthan emphasized that the integration of traditional knowledge, indigenous thinking, and modern science forms a strong foundation for sustainable development. He highlighted that Indian knowledge traditions have always upheld the values of balance and coexistence with nature. In his keynote address, Chief Guest Shri V. Saravanan Kumar, IAS stressed that it is imperative to connect research outcomes related to environment and sustainable development with policy formulation. He described international conferences like RTESD-2026 as effective platforms for dialogue between the government, academic institutions, and society. At the conclusion of the program, Prof. (Dr.) Sushila, Convener, RTESD-2026 and Head, Department of Sciences, Vivekananda Global University presented the vote of thanks. The inaugural ceremony concluded with the National Anthem. In the forthcoming sessions, the conference will feature research paper presentations, technical sessions, expert lectures, and panel discussions, aimed at developing practical solutions for environmental conservation, climate change mitigation, green technologies, and achieving sustainable development goals.