Chitkara University Champions Youth-Driven Sustainability at Global Roundtable in Chandigarh
Chitkara University reaffirmed its enduring commitment to sustainability and youth empowerment as Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro-Chancellor, Chitkara University presided over the Inaugural Youth Roundtable on “Sustainable Consumption & Production – Role of Youth” organised by Yuvsatta (Youth for Peace) in Chandigarh. The event brought together young changemakers and thought leaders from India, Indonesia, the United States and Nigeria to explore innovative pathways toward a more sustainable and equitable future.
In her presidential address, Dr. Madhu Chitkara shared a powerful message that sustainability must transcend rhetoric to become a deeply ingrained way of life. She emphasised that education plays a pivotal role in nurturing environmentally conscious citizens who act responsibly and with foresight. Her address highlighted the integral relationship between learning and leadership, urging young people to recognise their capacity to influence systems, industries and communities through purposeful innovation.
Drawing from Chitkara University’s own sustainability initiatives, Dr. Madhu Chitkara spotlighted several transformative efforts that illustrate this philosophy in action. She spoke about Chitkara Mandi, a student-led platform encouraging sustainable entrepreneurship through eco-friendly products; Village Adoption Programs that advance solar electrification, clean water accessibility and community-led environmental practices in rural areas; and a range of pioneering student projects that integrate sustainability with technology—from developing nutritious millet-based food alternatives to deploying artificial intelligence tools that enhance energy efficiency.
Dr. Madhu Chitkara’s message resonated with clarity and conviction: the youth are not simply inheritors of tomorrow’s challenges but the architects of today’s solutions. She called upon them to act as innovators and custodians of the planet, harnessing creativity, collaboration and compassion to drive sustainable change at every level of society.
The roundtable served as a vibrant forum for cross-cultural dialogue, where participants shared actionable insights on fostering sustainable consumption, strengthening global partnerships and advancing environmental education. It reinforced the belief that sustainability is not an isolated pursuit but a collective mission that thrives on shared responsibility.
With Chitkara University at the forefront of integrating sustainability into academic and community initiatives, the event underscored the university’s vision of creating responsible global citizens. The dialogue in Chandigarh not only celebrated youth leadership but also reaffirmed that meaningful progress emerges when education, innovation and empathy unite to shape a sustainable future for all.
