my uttarakhand news Bureau
Dehradun, 23 Jan: A significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between HESCO and IIT (BHU), Varanasi on 22 January.
Under this agreement, IIT (BHU) is set to establish a dedicated Sustainability Centre on its campus, with sustainability as its core focus. To define the priorities, vision, and functional dimensions of this proposed centre, the institute has expressed intent to seek guidance and consultancy from HESCO. The objective is to address complex environmental and social issues of the past, present, and future through a holistic and integrated approach.
For active participation and guidance in the centre’s activities, HESCO’s founder, Dr Anil Prakash Joshi, has been specifically requested to collaborate in an advisory role.
In this context, an important discussion took place between Dr Joshi and Prof Amit Patra, Director, IIT (BHU), facilitated by Dr Vikas Dubey. The dialogue focused in depth on the concept, direction, and potential of the proposed Sustainability Centre.
Under the MoU, both institutions agreed to advance collaboration in three key directions:
First, the implementation of regular and continuous sustainability-related programs that integrate teaching, research, and practical experimentation.
Second, research and solution-oriented initiatives tailored to local and regional conditions, challenges, and needs, with a direct and tangible impact on society and the environment.
Third, joint national and international innovations and research initiatives by IIT (BHU) and HESCO—particularly those directly related to nature, environment, air, soil, water, and forests—aimed at shaping new global research discourses.
During the discussions, it was also mutually agreed that there is a strong need to re-examine environmental and nature-related issues through renewed and in-depth scientific and practical research, integrating academic knowledge with grassroots experience.
On this occasion, Prof Amit Patra expressed his firm commitment to HESCO’s participation, stating that this MoU reflects the institute’s strong resolve toward sustainability-driven research, technological innovation, and socially relevant studies. He further emphasised that this collaboration would establish a robust and dynamic bridge between academia and grassroots experience.
This MoU symbolises institutional collaboration, a shared vision, and a long-term commitment to sustainable development between IIT (BHU) and HESCO, to be carried forward with the extensive environmental and rural development experience of Dr Anil Prakash Joshi.
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