BLUEPRINT FOR TOMORROW
A panel discussion on reimagining sustainable living in Chandigarh
5 June 2026 | 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Alliance Française de Chandigarh, Sector 36
What does it take to build truly sustainable communities in Chandigarh, across India, and beyond?
Climate change is reshaping life at every scale, from the Himalayan ecology to the streets of Chandigarh. Responding to it demands both personal commitment and collective vision.
On World Environment Day, Alliance Française Chandigarh and the Association of Professional Social Workers and Development Practitioners (APSWDP) invite you to an evening of frank conversation with leading voices from climate science, public health, urban policy, and civil society.
Five experts, one city, one urgent question: how do we move from awareness to adaptation, and from personal choices to resilient communities?
The evening also marks the closing day of Le Monde sans fin (World Without End) exhibition, the acclaimed graphic novel by Jean-Marc Jancovici and Christophe Blain, a work that asks us to look at the climate crisis without flinching, and to think seriously about the world we are building for generations to come.
Join us for a panel discussion, an open Q&A, and complimentary refreshments.
Registration required. Limited seats!
Here is the link to register –
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScxYuxjKEfoPVuO20Jqm_cdriCA7Ap_uQfC76t38-aIIWAScw/viewform?usp=dialog
PROFILE OF PANELISTS
Ms. M. Geethanjali (2001 Batch, Punjab Cadre)
Ms. M. Geethanjali is a senior Indian Forest Service (IFoS) officer of the 2001 Punjab Cadre, currently serving as the Chief Conservator of Forests for the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) in Punjab. With over two decades of experience, she has pioneered community-driven conservation, environmental policy, and wildlife management by successfully balancing ecological goals with the economic well-being of local agrarian communities.
Dr. Pooja Chopra
Dr. Pooja Chopra is an environmental management and ecotourism expert with over 24 years of experience in climate action, community development, and sustainability. A Yale University graduate with a Ph.D. in Ecotourism and an MBA, she serves as National Coordinator with The Climate Reality Project (India & South East Asia). Founder of PlanetGram Foundation and Tribe of Transformers, she leads climateresilient village initiatives and holistic transformation programs, integrating science, sustainability, and ancient wisdom.
Dr. Anshu Kumar
Technical expert with over 35 years of experience in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC), including more than 20 years working under the Montreal Protocol. Specialized in project management, training, and capacity building across Asia and the Pacific for HCFC phase-out, HFC phase-down, and cold chain systems. Led United Nations Development Programme initiatives, supporting the Kigali Amendment, energy efficiency programs, and development of international RAC training standards.
Dr. Vivek Trivedi
Vivek Trivedi is the Founder and Principal Advisor of Association of Professional Social Workers and Development Practitioners (APSWDP). A seasoned social worker and development practitioner, he has over 16 years of experience in urban development and social livelihoods. He is a recipient of the Hindustan Times Brightest Young Climate Leadership Award (2010) and multiple State Awards. Under his leadership, APSWDP earned UN ECOSOC consultative status and global accreditations.
Dr. Sumit Arora
Dr. Sumit Arora is a sociologist, a research analyst and a writer. He has dedicated his career to understanding the complex relationship between society, culture, and development. Through research, public engagement, and literary contributions, he has explored critical social issues, fostering awareness and informed dialogue on topics ranging from community development and social change to environmental sustainability. His writings combine academic insight with practical perspectives, making sociological knowledge accessible to diverse audiences and inspiring positive social transformation.