Skip to content Skip to navigation

Smily Academy XP Concludes with Emphasis on Indigenous Solutions for Climate Challenges

By AT News |

Panbaree Machans, Kaziranga: The inaugural Smily Academy XP drew to a successful close yesterday, marking the departure of participants from four continents to their respective countries. The five-day event, held amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Panbaree Machans, Kaziranga, focused on immersive learning experiences with indigenous communities to develop innovative solutions to local and global challenges, aiming to inspire a new generation of "eco-preneurs".

Conceived as a special project of the Indigenous People’s Climate Justice Forum, founded by esteemed figures such as climate activist Rituraj Phukan and Padma Shree Jadav Payeng, the Forest Man of India, Smily Academy garnered attention for its unique approach to environmental stewardship and community empowerment. Co-founded by Prof. Claudia Laricchia, Matteo Salerno, and Munmuni Payeng, Smily Academy stands for 'Sustainable Mindset and Inner Level for Youth', reflecting its mission to cultivate sustainable entrepreneurship among urban youth.

Participants and speakers at the event included a diverse array of individuals ranging from Senator Roberto Rampi to former Kaziranga Director Jatindra Sarma, all contributing their expertise to the endeavor. The event featured workshops, discussions, and project work, alongside cultural experiences such as yoga sessions, traditional food tasting, and the celebration of the festival of colors, Holi.

Addressing the significance of indigenous knowledge in combating climate change, Rituraj Phukan stated, "Indigenous people protect 80% of the remaining biodiversity on Earth. Smily Academy aims to reconnect urban youth with nature and inspire them to prioritize planet-friendly, sustainable models of entrepreneurship."

The event also marked the announcement of a three-year partnership between NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health and the Smily Academy, focusing on One Health and the indigenous factor. Professor Sumantra Ray of NNEdPro expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the potential for knowledge transfer and innovation in addressing global health and environmental challenges.

With support from 30 partners, including GammaDonna, Sumus Italia, and Youth 4 Climate, Smily Academy is poised to make a significant impact in fostering regenerative entrepreneurship and environmental stewardship worldwide. Partnerships such as those with the G7 Engagement Group on Gender Equality, Women 7, underscore Smily Academy's commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.

As participants depart with newfound insights and inspiration, the legacy of the first Smily Academy XP continues to resonate, laying the groundwork for future collaborations and initiatives aimed at shaping a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Add new comment

Random Stories

Couple half buried in Lakhimpur

13 Apr 2017 - 7:38am | AT News
A group of villagers in Lakhimpur district inflicted inhuman torture upon a couple charging them with practising black magic hardly a week after a couple were killed in Kokrajhar sending shockwaves...

One held with grenades at Mazbat

9 Aug 2017 - 6:33pm | AT Staff Reporter
In a joint operation,Udalguri police and 210 Cobra BN apprehended one Anowar Hussain and recovered two Chinese made grenades from his possession at Mazbat in Udalguri district today on August 9. The...

Governor Purohit to visit Udalguri

18 Dec 2016 - 6:48pm | Shajid Khan
Assam Governor Banwarilal Purohit would make his maiden visit to Udalguri on December 20. A special meet to this effect was held at Udalguri DC office on Saturday where Sadhana Hojai DC,...

Six arrested with arms

25 Feb 2016 - 8:49pm | Hantigiri Narzary
At-least six persons, apart from an ex-BLT member and Youth BPF leader and three militant cadres from Adavasi Dragon Fighters (ADF) and United Gorkha Peoples Organization (UGPO) were arrested by...

Other Contents by Author

JFA Urges Unity Amidst Verbal Attacks on Journalists: Calls for Media Solidarity and Integrity

Guwahati: The Journalists’ Forum Assam (JFA) has voiced its deep concern regarding the recent surge in verbal assaults on journalists by various individuals. In response, the forum calls upon the State's media community to stand united in the face of adversity. In a released statement, the forum highlighted the disparaging remarks made by AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal towards video journalists, where he suggested that they should face physical violence. “While we vehemently denounce Ajmal's stance and urge for appropriate actions against the politician, we implore media professionals to demonstrate unity, integrity, and professionalism in their workplaces,” remarked JFA president Rupam...

Sarla Birla Gyan Jyoti School Emerges as North East Champion of WWF-India's Wild Wisdom Global Challenge

The North-East Finale of the WWF-India Wild Wisdom Global Challenge 2023 was held on November 3, 2023, at Royal Global University in Guwahati, Assam. This year's challenge was themed "Birds of the World" and was open to students from classes 6 to 9. A total of 80 schools with 160 students from Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and various districts of Assam participated in the finale. After a closely contested competition, the team from Sarla Birla Gyan Jyoti School, Assam, represented by Ritvik Anand (class 6) and Garvita Jain (class 8), emerged as the North East Champions. The 2nd position was bagged by the team from Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Tezpur, Assam...

Salesian College Siliguri hosts youth film festival from 22 countries

Siliguri: Salesian College (Autonomous) Siliguri joined 11 other venues of Kolkata Salesian province in holding Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival, 2nd edition on 13th October 2023. North Bengal’s acclaimed Nepali Film Director, musician and singer Mr. Anmol Gurung inaugurated the festival at Salesian College Siliguri just as Los Angeles Salesians hosted the Global Youth Film Awards in the picturesque foothills of Hollywood. “These films serve as a poignant canvas, capturing the myriad emotions, trials, tribulations, dreams, and aspirations of young people,” says Festival Director in Siliguri Salesian Fr C.M. Paul. Fr Paul adds, “They [films] also show the profound desire of...

Assam Publishing Company Unveils Second Edition of Anatole France's "Thais" in Assamese, Reviving Literary Heritage

In a celebration of literary heritage and a significant milestone, the Assam Publishing Company has released the long-awaited second edition of Anatole France's "Thais" in Assamese. The reissue of this classic comes exactly 59 years after its initial publication, bringing the timeless themes of love, temptation, and redemption to a new generation of readers. Golok Chandra Datta, an esteemed translator hailing from the region, skillfully translated the renowned French author Anatole France's work. This translation marks a crucial milestone in Datta's career as it represents his inaugural published translation effort. The translation aims to convey the depth and beauty of the original...

Assam Don Bosco University Celebrates 12th Convocation, Honors Outstanding Graduates

Guwahati, 23 September 2023: Assam Don Bosco University celebrated its 12th Convocation on Saturday, 23rd September, 2023, at Tapesia Campus Sonapur, Guwahati. The esteemed gathering included the Hon’ble Governor of Assam, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, who graced the occasion as the university's visitor, along with Vice Chancellor Fr. (Dr) Jose Palley, Pro Vice Chancellor Fr. Joseph Nellnatt, Directors of Schools, Heads of Departments, faculty members, students, and dignitaries from across the country. Addressing the graduating students, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria encouraged them to contribute meaningfully to society, emphasizing the importance of innovation and dedication in shaping a better...

Golaghat Hosts Tobacco Awareness Workshop Advocating a Smoke-Free Future

Golaghat: Last Wednesday, an insightful sensitization workshop addressing the detrimental effects of tobacco use was organized at the conference hall of the District & Sessions Judge’s office in Golaghat. The event witnessed the presence of key figures in the fight against tobacco consumption, including Secretary of DLSA Golaghat, Smt. JyotiSmita Sarma, Dr. Sunita Ekka from District Tobacco Control Cell, Golaghat, and Rudhir Prakash Sarma, Divisional Coordinator of Upper Assam Division from The UNION. Officials from the DLSA office and the health department also actively participated. The workshop commenced with a warm welcome address, followed by an insightful discussion on the...

Aaranyak and WWF-India Collaborate to Mitigate Human-Elephant Conflict with Innovative Solar Fence in Raimona National Park

Guwahati: Biodiversity conservation organizations, Aaranyak and WWF-India, have joined forces to tackle the growing issue of human-wildlife conflict (HWC), particularly the pressing concern of human-elephant conflict (HEC), by installing a remarkable 10 km-long low-cost solar fence in the fringes of the Central Range (Kachugaon) of Raimona National Park in Assam. This initiative aims to facilitate coexistence between humans and wildlife, offering immediate relief to the local community. The community-managed single-strand solar fence is expected to alleviate the ever-increasing incidents of HEC for approximately 568 households, which translates to a population of 2700-3000 people...

WWF-India Expands Environmental Education Reach

Guwahati: In an effort to nurture the next generation's understanding of nature and sustainability, WWF-India continues to make significant strides with its Ek Prithvi program. The importance of environmental education for the long-term success of children has never been more evident, and this program has been instrumental in connecting young minds to the environment. Launched in 2016, Ek Prithvi focuses on fostering environmental awareness, knowledge, and the skills required for conservation among students. It has already made a profound impact, reaching out to over 145,200 students across 11 states. When the pandemic struck, Ek Prithvi adapted with the "One Earth One Home" program,...

People's Dialogue on Development Discourse in North East India Sparks Inclusive Conversation

Dibrugarh - The North-East Affected Area Development Society (NEADS) and the Environmental Forum of Assam, in collaboration with the Centre for Social Work Studies at Dibrugarh University, successfully hosted a two-day 'People's Dialogue on Development Discourse in North East India' from August 28th to 29th. The event, held at the Vikshan conference hall of Dibrugarh University, gathered a diverse group of regional stakeholders to engage in insightful conversations aimed at reshaping development approaches in the North-East. The North-East region of India, known for its cultural diversity and unique geography, has often been a focal point for discussions on development, infrastructure,...

Dr. Sanjib Kumar Borkakoti Assumes Leadership Role in Delphic Council of North East India

Dr. Sanjib Kumar Borkakoti, a respected author and cultural advocate from Assam, has been elected as the Secretary General of the Delphic Council of North East India (DCNE). This announcement came during an online general body meeting held on August 4th. Under the guidance of Jahnabi Phookan, the Past National President of FICCI FLO, who serves as the initiator and advisor, and Swapnanil Barua as President, DCNE is poised for a new era of cultural enrichment. During the meeting, accomplished artist Gaurab Kr Hazarika was chosen as the treasurer and entrusted with the additional responsibility of overseeing the organization of Delphic Clubs, an integral component of DCNE's engagement...