Nalanda Diary

During the last quarter, SEES remained actively engaged in strengthening interdisciplinary teaching, research, and outreach on sustainability, ecology, and environmental governance. The School consistently integrated classroom learning with field-based inquiry and policy-oriented perspectives, reinforcing Nalanda University’s commitment to evidence-based environmental scholarship and responsible stewardship of nature.

SEES faculty and students participated in seminars, academic presentations, and lecture series addressing pressing themes such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, pollution and waste, water systems, sustainable agriculture, energy transitions, and emerging areas including Green AI and remote sensing applications. Experiential learning was further enriched through field visits, semester seminars, and hands-on ecological assessments, enabling students to connect theory with real-world environmental challenges. Campus-based initiatives, including sapling plantation drives and horticulture reviews, translated sustainability from discourse into practice.

Collectively, these activities reflect SEES’s role as a vibrant academic space that nurtures critical ecological thinking, community engagement, and practical solutions, contributing meaningfully to Nalanda University’s broader vision of sustainable, inclusive, and future-oriented development.

Dr Sayan Bhattacharya

Assistant Professor | SEES

Peer-reviewed Journal Publications:

• Sarvesh Kumar Mishra, Tapojyoti Sanyal, Pritha Kundu, Rupesh Kumar, Dipanjan Ghosh, Gopal Chakrabarti, Nilabja Sikdar, Sayan Bhattacharya, Santanu Paul, Amlan Das. (2025). Microplastics as Emerging Carcinogens: From Environmental Pollutants to Oncogenic Drivers. Molecular Cancer, Vol. 24: 248. (Springer-BMC; impact factor 35.9).

University Campus Horticulture Review by SEES

November | In November, the students of School of Ecology and Environment Studies (SEES) carried out a comprehensive horticulture review across residential areas, academic blocks and common green spaces of the campus. The assessment highlighted key findings such as uneven plant growth, irrigation inefficiencies, soil compaction, and the need for better species selection, pruning practices and spacing. Recommendations also stressed the use of grafted saplings and systematic maintenance schedules. The exercise underlined Nalanda University’s sustained efforts to translate ecological knowledge into practical actions for a healthier, resilient and sustainable campus landscape.

Academic & Environmental Engagements

Student Seminar Presentations (Batch 2025–2027)

12-13 November 2025 | Students of SEES showcased wide-ranging seminar presentations reflecting strong interdisciplinary inquiry. Themes spanned ecology, technology, sustainability, pollution, biodiversity, climate dynamics, AI, conservation and regional environmental challenges across South & Southeast Asia.

Batch 2024–2026

SEES conducted its end-semester academic seminar where students presented research interests under faculty mentorship. Topics included climate change, biodiversity, governance, pollution, water systems, urban resilience, carbon ecosystems, sustainable fashion, and remote sensing, fostering rigorous academic dialogue.

Field Visit (Remote Sensing & GIS)

October–November 2025 | As part of coursework, Batch 2025–2027 undertook a field visit covering Brahma Kund, Jethian Valley, and Dashrath Manjhi Mountain, gaining hands-on exposure to terrain analysis, ecological patterns, and spatial data interpretation.