The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut organised a guest lecture on the theme “Responsible Consumption and Production: Building a Sustainable Future” on 24.03.2026 as part of its academic engagement with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which focuses on responsible consumption and production. The event sought to sensitise students to the mounting pressures that unsustainable resource use and consumerism place upon the natural environment, and to inspire them with a commitment to adopting more mindful and environmentally responsible lifestyles. Beyond environmental awareness, the programme also endeavoured to cultivate a sense of social responsibility and ecological ethics among the student community, encouraging them to recognise their individual and collective agency in contributing to broader sustainability goals. The event was formally introduced by Dr. Monika Mehrotra.
The principal address was delivered by Dr. Shahroze Alam Rizvi, Head of the Department, Economics, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, whose scholarly expertise lent considerable depth to the discourse. In his lecture, Dr. Rizvi elaborated upon the significance of SDG-12 within the broader framework of sustainable development, highlighting how rising consumerism and the indiscriminate exploitation of natural resources have emerged as formidable challenges for environmental sustainability. He urged students to reflect critically on their daily consumption habits and to embrace practices such as judicious resource use, waste reduction, recycling, and the adoption of sustainable lifestyles. Drawing on illustrative examples, he demonstrated how seemingly modest individual efforts can collectively translate into meaningful contributions to environmental conservation.
Dr. Sudhir Tyagi, Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, addressed the gathering, underscoring the imperative of responsible consumption and production in contemporary society. He remarked that academic institutions bear a particular responsibility in raising awareness of sustainability objectives and in nurturing environmental sensitivity among students. Dr. Tyagi affirmed that lectures of this nature serve a dual purpose enriching students’ knowledge while simultaneously inspiring them to embrace social responsibility and sustainable living.
The session was attended by Dr. Prabhat Kumar (Coordinator, Academic Affairs), Dr. Ritesh Chaudhary (Head, Department of Journalism), along with faculty members and students from across the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, including Dr. Manoj Tripathi, Dr. Monika Mehrotra, Dr. Sapna Sharma, Dr. Alpana, Dr. Amrita Chaudhary, Dr. Shalini, Dr. Mohini, Dr. Dinesh, Dr. Santosh Gautam, Dr. Kapil Kumar, Dr. Ajay Kumar, Dr. Kiran, and Mrs. Bhavna Joshi. The proceedings concluded with a formal vote of thanks presented by Dr. Sudhir Tyagi.
The lecture proved to be a substantive and intellectually enriching academic experience. Students gained an understanding of the global relevance of SDG-12 and its direct bearing on everyday choices related to resource use, waste generation, and consumption behaviour. The event effectively bridged the gap between theoretical sustainability frameworks and their practical application in daily life. Participants gained awareness of environmental ethics and a renewed sense of commitment to sustainable practices. The discourse also reinforced the role of educational institutions as catalysts for social and environmental change, inspiring students to become responsible and conscientious members of a sustainable society.
