Vatrukh Foundation Organises ‘Doraha Dialogues’ on Climate Resilience

Doraha, March 16 (Amrish Anand):The Vatrukh Foundation organised Doraha Dialogues on March 15, 2025, an event dedicated to recognising the role of women in climate resilience and honouring those who stepped forward to support communities during the recent floods in Punjab. The programme also featured discussions on the growing impact of climate change on communities and the need to work collectively towards a sustainable future.The event was inaugurated by S. Jogeshwar Singh Mangat in the presence of prominent members of civil society including S.Harjiwan Pal Singh Gill, S. Harpartap Singh Brar, Dr. Upneet Mangat, Guramneet Singh Mangat and S. Maninderjit Singh Benipal.As part of the programme, environmental awareness stalls were set up by various participants.Environmentalist Ritu Malhan demonstrated composting techniques and highlighted the importance of sustainable waste management. Shahanu Jain of Eco Mela and Navdeep Kaur from Nagar Council Doraha also participated in the event. Local artisans showcased their work, while the Dhadi singers of the Chada Punjab group brought back the nostalgia of old Punjab through traditional songs and ballads.Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Upneet Mangat emphasised the need to respect nature and learn from the wisdom of our ancestors while continuing the legacy of giving back to society. Ritu Malhan stressed the importance of composting, while S. Harpartap Singh Brar highlighted the concept of creating a zero-waste campus.S. Jogeshwar Singh Mangat laid emphasis on growing food without the use of insecticides and shared that his family has been cultivating vegetables organically in their kitchen garden for the past 83 years. Iqroop Kaur of Khalis spoke about bringing farmers together through her retail initiative in Chandigarh, promoting a direct farm-to-table connection.Dr. Jasmine Malhans spoke about the importance of staying connected to one’s roots, while S. Harjiwan Pal Singh Gill shared his observations about the visible changes in the region due to climate change.Samita Kaur, Founder of the Vatrukh Foundation, highlighted the impact of climate change on marginalised communities, particularly farmers. She also pointed out that rising LPG prices, partly influenced by global conflicts such as the recent situation in the Middle East, are pushing many households towards biomass fuels, increasing the risk of indoor air pollution. She stressed the need to shift towards renewable energy sources such as solar and biogas.The event concluded with a collective call to strengthen environmental protection and adopt effective conservation techniques to ensure a climate-resilient future.The Vatrukh Foundation works to carry forward the vision of Er.Gurbaksh Singh Katani,former officiating president of SGPC, founding member trustee of Guru Nanak Engineering College and various other institutions like Khalsa Girls School, Doraha, Nankana Sahib Trust and Guru Nanak National College. He was a noted prominent political figure and industrialist , who dedicated his life to rural upliftment and making education accessible for children in rural Punjab. The foundation continues to follow his principles by bringing together communities, scientists, NGOs, farmers, artists and social workers to work collectively towards building a climate-resilient Punjab.