Jaipur: In a powerful confluence of youth, vision, and commitment, JECRC University’s ‘Center for Sustainability’ hosted ‘Respire 25’, a two-day national event aimed at igniting the spirit of sustainability among the youth.
With the theme centered on building a sustainable future, Respire 25 featured keynote sessions by renowned experts, roundtable conferences, and six innovative contests, along with the official induction of the university's Center for Sustainability. Sessions like "Building Dream Careers: From Classroom to Boardroom" and "Beyond the Education Bubble: How Higher Education Can Drive Community Sustainability" set the stage for deep, actionable discourse.
Highlighting sustainability as more than just tree planting, former ISRO scientist and sustainability expert Pankti Pandey emphasized the need for a mindset shift. Calling carbon footprints “invisible waste,” she advocated for a minimalist lifestyle as the path forward.
Dr. Mukta Arora, State Coordinator for UN Women, redefined gender roles as social constructs, not biological rules, tying the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to personal and societal transformation. Meanwhile, UN representative and CSR leader Srishti Dubey addressed HIV awareness and LGBTQIA+ inclusion, highlighting the role of emotional intelligence and human resource support in achieving true sustainability.
Speakers Bharti Keora and Madhumita Mazumdar from Sustainable Green Initiatives discussed the challenges of digital content, urging youth to embrace responsible content creation and policy implementation in the online world.
In the roundtable conferences, experts focused on the importance of inclusive leadership, mental health support, and addressing the declining attention spans of students in academic institutions.
The event's highlight was its six interactive contests, blending creativity with sustainability principles:
Sustainable Style Fashion Contest – showcasing recycled, eco-friendly fashion.Reel/Meme Contest – spreading SDG awareness through engaging digital content.Zero Waste Cooking – promoting mindful cooking with minimal waste.Market Mayhem – a practical exercise in understanding the value of quality education.Policy Drafting Hackathon – encouraging students to find policy-based solutions to real-world problems.Eco-Trace – a wildlife forensics ideathon promoting conservation.An ‘Eco Open Mic’ segment provided a platform for students to creatively express their sustainable ideas and concerns.
JECRC University Director Arpit Agrawal delivered a motivating address, urging the youth to engage with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals through small yet impactful actions. He also made several key announcements:
A pledge to plant 5 lakh trees across Rajasthan before the next Respire event.Scholarships and academic credits for students working on sustainability projects.The creation of a dedicated Sustainability Lab on campus.A ₹20 lakh fund to support green startups led by students.
‘Respire 25’ not only inspired students to adopt sustainability as a lifestyle but also highlighted that the role of academic institutions extends far beyond granting degrees—it’s about shaping future-ready, conscious citizens who can lead a sustainable and inclusive tomorrow.