Inaugural Day of 19th DGSI

The 19th DGSI International Geography Conference commenced today, 22nd February 2025, at the Central University of South Bihar (CUSB), Gaya. The conference, which will run from 22nd to 24th February, 2025, is organized by the Department of Geography, CUSB, and features international and national participation from experts, academicians, and scholars.

The inaugural function began with a traditional Saraswati Vandana, followed by the University Kulgeet, setting a formal tone for the conference. The Convener of the Workshop, Prof. Kiran Kumari, Head of the Department of Geography, welcomed the guests and participants. She shared key insights into the conference, highlighting the participation of delegates from 23 states of India, along with international participants. Over 300 paper presentations are scheduled over the next three days.

In the Presidential Address, Prof. Kameshwar Nath Singh, Vice Chancellor of CUSB, spoke about the challenges faced by the university, especially its locational disadvantage, yet affirmed that CUSB seized the opportunity to host such a grand conference. He concluded by emphasizing that in this geospatial era, the careful and ethical use of information is crucial.

Prof. Kiran Kumari emphasized the importance of the conference in discussing the role of geospatial technology in sustainable development, aligning with India's aspirations for a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). Dr. B.C. Vaidya, Secretary General of DGSI, gave a detailed explanation of the DGSI Society's objectives and activities.

The inaugural function witnessed address by Prof. Rizwanul Haque, Dean of the School of Earth, Biological, and Environmental Sciences at CUSB, highlighted the importance of Artificial Intelligence and geospatial technology in the development of India, stressing the need for collaboration across disciplines to address national challenges.

Address by guest of honour Prof. Bidyadhar Sa, Professor at The University of the West Indies, emphasized the importance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for universities and the global SDG Agenda 2030.

Keynote address was delivered by Prof. Umesh Kumar Mandal, Professor & Head, Tribhuvan University, Nepal, focusing on the importance of connecting science, policy, and society to build a better future, especially in the age of information.

Chief guest of the inauguration function was Prof. T. N. Singh, Director of IIT Patna and the Chief Guest, highlighted how the geographical boundaries of academia have been broken in this conference. He emphasized the need for careful utilization of technology and the significance of managing large data volumes in science and society.
The inaugural session also saw the presence of Registrar N.K. Rana, whose support contributed to the successful organization of the event. The inaugural session ended with the Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Manjit Kumar Singh, Organizing Secretary & Associate Professor, Department of Geography, CUSB. The event was anchored by Dr. Sunita Singh, Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, CUSB.

The inauguration was graced by academicians from various departments of CUSB, scholars, and enthusiastic participation from students. This conference serves as an important platform for intellectual exchange on the application of geospatial technology in achieving sustainable development.

During the inaugural ceremony, several significant releases also took place which includes Release of Souvenir, Release of the Deccan Geographer Journal, Release of Gaya and its Surrounding Maps, prepared by NATMO.

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Soulful Musical Event “Tarang” Enlivens DGIS International Geographical Conference

The Department of Geography at the Central University of South Bihar organized a soulful musical event titled “Tarang” under the patronage of Prof. Kameshwar Nath Singh, on the occasion of the DGIS International Geographical Conference. This auspicious event was highlighted by a heart-melting performance from Padmashri Bharati Bandhu, an internationally acclaimed Kabir Sufi singer from Raipur, Chhattisgarh, which filled the atmosphere with excitement.

The cultural event was graced by the honorable Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kameshwar Nath Singh, along with other esteemed guests, including Registrar Prof. Narendra Kumar Rana, NATMO Director Binod Kumar Singh, and guest Prof. Anshu Kumar from Delhi University. Deans and Professors from various schools of the Central University of South Bihar also attended, adding to the event's prestige.

The august gathering included numerous international guests from Nepal, the West Indies, and other parts of the world, as well as participants from 23 different states of India, fostering the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.’ At the conclusion of the program, the honorable Vice Chancellor and Registrar felicitated Ustad Bharati Bandhu and his team, while other delegates were honored by the Department of Geography.

Day - 02 of 19th DGSI

Panel Discussion on Curriculum Design and Content Writing in Geography as per NEP-2020 

The second day of the 19th DGSI International Geography Conference, organized by the Department of Geography, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, witnessed an insightful Panel Discussion on Curriculum Design and Content Writing in Geography as per NEP-2020. The discussion focused on the evolving nature of geography education and the incorporation of geospatial technology for sustainable development, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat.

The session commenced with Prof. N.K. Rana emphasizing that NEP 2020 provides a significant opportunity for course correction in geography, making it more holistic and learner-centric. Honourable Vice-Chancellor further stressed the importance of integrating four essential skills—academic, vocational, professional, and life skills for the holistic development of students. He also highlighted the need to overcome the colonial mindset and ensure that technological research is rooted in information knowledge systems. Prof. Arun Kumar Singh underscored that geography as a discipline is as old as civilization itself, advocating for a distinct space for Indian perspectives in geographical thought. Prof. A.R. Siddique from Allahabad University emphasized the role of geography students in competitive exams, including the Indian Civil Services, while also recommending the inclusion of contemporary Indian issues in agriculture, social, economic, and political matters. Prof. Devendra Singh highlighted the importance of incorporating local examples and success stories in the Indian geography syllabus, reinforcing the relevance of indigenous knowledge. Dr. Binod Singh, Director of NATMO, stressed that geospatial education must be integrated at all levels of geography education to enhance technological competency among students.

Prof. Manoranjan Mithra emphasized the need for value addition along with the incorporation of an information knowledge system in geography curricula. Prof. Subhakanta Mahapatra from INOU, New Delhi, called for the integration of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in geography education to enhance analytical and practical skills. The distinguished panel also included:Sushanto Mahto, (Assistant Professor, H.S. Gaur University, Sagar),  Dr. Sushil Dalal (Central University of Haryana) Prof. Lancet T.S (Sri Sankaracharya University, Cochin, Kerala ) and Prof. Mukto Raje. The discussion concluded with a consensus on redefining geography education to align with global advancements, local challenges, and the objectives of NEP-2020. The experts agreed that incorporating contemporary issues, indigenous perspectives, and technological innovations is crucial to making geography education more dynamic and future-ready.