09/08/2026
PRESS RELEASE
National Conclave on Climate Change
5th Paribesh Ratna Samman 2026 Held at Hotel The Ashok, New Delhi
New Delhi, August 9: The Suryakheetra Foundation of Educational & Charitable Trust successfully held the National Conclave on "Climate Change: Challenges & Opportunities" and presented the prestigious 5th Paribesh Ratna Samman 2026 on Sunday, 9 August 2026, at Hotel The Ashok, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.
The conclave brought together policymakers, scientists, environmentalists, industry leaders, academicians, and social leaders to deliberate on innovative solutions for climate change, environmental conservation, and sustainable development.
During the programme, the 5th Paribesh Ratna Samman 2026 was conferred upon 21 distinguished environmentalists, social leaders, and institutions from across India in recognition of their outstanding contribution to environmental protection and climate awareness. The awardees included Dr. Ashutosh A. Tripathi, Er. Sushanta Kumar Mohapatra, Dr. Madhusmita Das, Mrs. Richa Pathak, Shri Deepak Rath, Er. Akshay Kumar Samal, Smt. Bandana Sahu, Shri Biswanath Gurudutta, Mr. Syed Ishaq, Dr. Srikanta K. Panigrahi, Shri Ravinder Nath Pradhan, Shri Sanjay Mishra, KMV Projects Ltd., Smt. Jyotsna Rani Routray, Smt. Bijaya Nabami, Shri Kishore Dwibedi, Smt. Reeta Patra, Shri Gobardhan Dhal, Shri Prabir Kumar Mohanty, Shri Ajaya Kumar Behera, and Mahakankhya Welfare Foundation.
The programme was graced by Shri Jual Oram, Hon'ble Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, as the Chief Guest. Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology, India Meteorological Department, delivered the Chief Address, while Dr. Siba Prasad Mohanty, Managing Director, HURL, presented the Keynote Address. Shri Ramesh Chandra Bagh, Chief General Manager, HPCL, attended as Guest of Honour, and Dr. Sanjiv Patjoshi, IPS (Retd.), Former Joint Secretary to the Government of India, attended as the Special Guest, Shri Gokul Patnaik, (Retd. IAS) as Guest of Honour.
Addressing the gathering, the dignitaries emphasized the urgent need for collective action to combat climate change through scientific innovation, environmental conservation, clean energy, responsible governance, and active public participation.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Bipin Bihari Mishra, Chairman of the Foundation, said that protecting nature is a shared responsibility and that the conclave was organized to promote dialogue, collaboration, and recognition of environmental excellence. Dr. Sukanti Mishra, Secretary of the Foundation, said the Paribesh Ratna Samman recognizes inspiring individuals and institutions whose dedicated efforts are contributing to a greener and more sustainable India.
The programme concluded with a collective pledge to strengthen environmental stewardship and accelerate climate action for the benefit of present and future generations.
