Gauhati University Launches ‘CLEAR’ Summer Internship Programme on Climate Change and Resilience

Guwahati, 25 June 2026: The Centre for Brahmaputra Studies (CBS), Gauhati University, today inaugurated its month-long Summer Internship Programme titled CLEAR (Climate Change Education for Action and Resilience), marking the Centre’s first major academic outreach initiative aimed at promoting climate literacy, resilience, and sustainable development among young learners.

The programme was formally inaugurated under the leadership of Professor Dhruba Jyoti Saharia, Director of the Centre for Brahmaputra Studies, with nearly 250 students from universities, colleges, and academic institutions across North-East India participating in the online internship programme.

Designed as an interdisciplinary learning platform, the internship seeks to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of climate change, disaster risk reduction, environmental sustainability, river basin management, climate change communication, and community resilience. Experts and practitioners from diverse sectors—including academia, government agencies, disaster management authorities, environmental organisations, the media, and development institutions—will deliver lectures and interactive sessions throughout the programme.

In addition to theoretical learning, the internship incorporates practical components and field-based assignments, enabling participants to apply their knowledge to real-world environmental and developmental challenges.

Speaking on the occasion, Professor Dhruba Jyoti Saharia remarked, “Climate change is no longer a distant concern; it is a lived reality for communities across the Brahmaputra Basin and the North-East. Through CLEAR, we seek to create a platform where students can learn from experts, engage across disciplines, and develop practical skills to contribute towards climate resilience and sustainable development. The future of climate action depends on informed and empowered young people. Participants will be able to serve as climate agents and climate messengers, advancing climate action across North-East India.”

He further noted that the internship reflects the spirit of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates multidisciplinary learning, experiential education, and skill development beyond conventional classroom teaching.

The programme also aligns with India’s commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those relating to quality education, climate action, sustainable communities, and environmental stewardship.

Dr Dhanjit Das, Dr Kuladip Sharma, Dr Bharati Bharali, and Dr Nabajit Kumar Das were also present at the inauguration of the programme.

Established with support from the North Eastern Council (NEC), the Centre for Brahmaputra Studies is an interdisciplinary research centre at Gauhati University dedicated to advancing scientific research, policy engagement, and community outreach concerning the Brahmaputra River Basin. The Centre focuses on critical issues such as climate resilience, flood and erosion management, biodiversity conservation, indigenous knowledge systems, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development.

The launch of CLEAR marks the Centre’s first major educational outreach initiative and is expected to pave the way for similar capacity-building programmes in the future, fostering a new generation of environmentally conscious and socially responsible leaders across the North-East.This version follows standard British English conventions (e.g., organisations, programme, North-East, towards, multidisciplinary) and is suitable for media release and institutional publication.