Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) V. C. Vivekanandan, in his inaugural remarks, emphasised that environmental governance must place forest-dependent communities at the centre of decision-making rather than treating them as peripheral stakeholders.

The inaugural session was also addressed by Mr. Satyajit Jena, while Prof. Vishnu Konoorayar, Dean-Research, outlined the objectives of the workshop. Dr. Ayan Hazra, Co-Convenor, welcomed the gathering, followed by an address by Ms. Satyawati. Mr. Aashutosh Ahira, faculty member at HNLU, proposed the vote of thanks.

The technical sessions featured discussions on community perspectives, environmental governance, climate resilience and the legal framework governing tribal rights and forest conservation. Ms. Satyawati and Ms. Dhaneshwari Sen shared community perspectives, while FES representatives Dr. Manjeet Bal Kaur and Mr. Shivam contributed to the deliberations.

Mr. Sanjoy Patnaik spoke on environmental governance, while Mr. Satyajit Jena addressed climate resilience. Mr. Prakhar Jain discussed the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), and Mr. Ashwani Kange spoke on the Forest Rights Act. Dr. Neeraj Dewangan highlighted the importance of reciprocal learning between institutions and communities.

The organising committee comprised Dr. Ayan Hazra, Dr. Rana Navneet Roy, Dr. Debomita Mondal and Prof. Aashutosh Aahire.

During the valedictory session, Prof. Deepak Srivastav, Registrar-in-Charge, addressed the gathering. Mr. Pradeep Barman delivered the valedictory vote of thanks.

The student organising committee comprised Agam Gupta, Sanya Purohit, Alice, Anshi, Liza, Deepak, Fanibhushan and Vidit Mathur.