08/11/2025
🌿 **Alumni Meet | National Conference - ReGEO 2025 | 46th Foundation Day Celebration** 🌿
**Department of Environmental Science, Gauhati University**
Two days of reflection, learning, remembrance, and reunion — *ReGEO 2025* celebrated the 46th Foundation Day of our department, along with the Alumni Meet and the *Prof. Suryya Kanta Sarmah Memorial Lecture*. The event brought together past and present members of our family in an atmosphere filled with pride, gratitude, and joy.
🇮🇳 **Day 1 Highlights**
The celebration began with the **Flag Hoisting Ceremony** by our Head of the Department, Prof. P.P. Baruah, and Dr. O.P. Mishra, Director, National Centre for Seismology, MoES, Govt. of India, in the gracious presence of former heads, faculty members, alumni, and students.
The conference was **inaugurated by Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of Gauhati University - Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta, in the presence of Prof. D.C. Goswami, Prof. H.P. Sarma, Prof. J.C. Kalita, and Dr. Jaideep Baruah.
Dr. Pallavi Sharma presented the background of the two-day event, followed by a heartfelt **Welcome Address by the HoD**. The **University Anthem**, beautifully rendered by the PG and FYIMP students, set a perfect tone for the occasion. The Inaugural Session concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Minakshi Bora.
🌏 **Commemorative Lectures: Prof. Suryya Kanta Sarmah Memorial Lecture**
Two inspiring lectures marked this segment:
- **Prof. Bhagawat Pran Duarah**, eminent geologist, delivered a thought-provoking lecture on *“Seismotectonic Framework and Earthquake Hazard Assessment in Northeast India: Past Trends and Future Outlook.”*
- **Dr. O.P. Mishra**, eminent geophysicist and Director, NCS, MoES, shared through a pre-recorded address on *“Earthquake Risk Resilient Structures for the Earthquake Prone Zones of India for Sustainable Development.”*
🌿 **Alumni Meet 2025**
Chaired by **Prof. Hari Prasad Sarma** and co-chaired by **Prof. Sarbeswar Kalita**, the meet brought together generations of scholars — former PhD, MPhil, and MSc students, along with former staff members. The reunion was filled with smiles, memories, and a deep sense of belonging to the DES family.
🔬 **Plenary Session (Day 1)**
Two exceptional lectures enriched the afternoon:
- **Dr. Binoy Saikia**, renowned scientist and Bhatnagar Awardee, spoke on *“Turning Coal Mine Waste into REE Resources: Geochemistry, Recovery, and Regional Potential.”*
- **Dr. Pradipta K. Mahapatra** presented on *“Sustainable Strategies for Degradation of Insecticide Residues in Agricultural Soil: A Study with Enriched Anabaena sp. PCC 7119.”*
🎭 **Cultural Evening**
The cultural program, coordinated by **Dr. Sangeeta Devi** and **Shri Hriday Ranjan Saikia**, was a vibrant expression of art and emotion.
- The evening opened with a soulful **Borgeet** by **Dr. Angkita Sarma**, alumnus and Circle Officer, Govt. of Assam.
- The **PG and UG students** presented a melodic chorus dedicated to the cultural icons of Assam.
- A captivating **Sattriya dance performance on Shri Krishna Raas Lila** followed, performed by trained student dancers.
- The **FYIMP students** showcased the traditional dance forms of Assam, radiating cultural pride.
- A short play, directed by **Shri Hriday Ranjan Saikia**, conveyed a powerful message on **protecting forests and conserving rare and endangered plants**, deeply moving the audience.
The day concluded with the **National Anthem**, echoing unity and inspiration.
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📚 **Day 2 Highlights**
The second day was dedicated to scientific exchange and research excellence. It featured **three plenary lectures**, including two online presentations by **Dr. Purabi Saikia** and **Dr. Manabendra Sahariah**, and one in-person talk by **Prof. O.P. Tripathi**.
There were **nine invited lectures** across core themes of the conference and **over fifty paper presentations** in nine technical sessions, making the day academically enriching and vibrant.
🎓 **Valedictory Ceremony**
The valedictory session encapsulated the spirit of ReGEO 2025. **Dr. Bidyut Bikash Sharma** presented the **Outcomes and Resolutions** adopted through the conference, followed by the announcement of **Best Presentation Awards** and **Young Scientist Awards**. The session closed with a **Vote of Thanks by the Organising Secretaries**, marking a proud and emotional conclusion to this two-day journey.
🌱 **Gratitude and Acknowledgment**
The **Department of Environmental Science, Gauhati University**, expresses heartfelt gratitude to the entire organizing team, Alumni Association, and students for their tireless efforts in making this event a grand success.
Special words of appreciation to:
Prof. Partha Pratim Baruah| Dr. Partha Jyoti Das (Partha Jyoti Das)| Pallavi Sharma (Pallavi Sharma ) | Dr. Minakshi Bora | Dr. Sangeeta Devi (Sangita Devi) | Dr. Rajashree Saikia | Dr. Seema Talukdar | Dr. Shahadev Rabha | Shri Hriday Ranjan Saikia | Dr. Reetashree Bordoloi | Arunima Dutta | Daisy Das | Ritupal Hazarika | Shahnawaz Ahmed | Dr. Sutapa Chakrabarty | Silpi Lekha Das (Silpi Lekha Das) | Arpita Burahgohain | Pratyakhya Sarmah | Dr. Bidyut Bikash Sharma (Bidyut Bikash Sharma) | Usman Ali | Khagen Kumar | Panpati Basfor
Your dedication and teamwork truly made ReGEO 2025 an unforgettable celebration of legacy and learning.
📸 *Sharing glimpses from Day 1 and Day 2 — moments of pride, creativity, and connection that define the spirit of our department.*
