Anant's Climate Warriors Shine at Villars Symposium 2023, Charting a Green Future Ahead!

In a momentous triumph, Anant National University celebrates the selection of three outstanding students from their BTech programme, specialising in Climate Action, as Villars Fellows 2023. Tanya Batra, Shaleen Guleria and Riya Gupta recently showcased India’s prowess on the global stage at the Villars Symposium 2023.

These remarkable students stand out not only for their academic prowess but particularly for their commitment to transcending conventional career paths. Tanya Batra describes her journey as, “I had appeared for the NEET exams, but then realised that my call was Climate Engineering. Today, I am looking forward to creating a positive impact for people’s better health in a clean environment”.

Shaleen Guleria, hailing from Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, exhorts, “I am interested in creating and implementing solutions in the space of climate action in my region”. Inspired by a childhood immersed in a research environment due to his father's work, Shaleen's journey involves diverse coursework and internships, including a transformative experience at IIT Mandi.

Riya Gupta, a second-year student, explains, “As part of my coursework, I am studying courses such as Climate Simulation, Energy and Technology, Climate Finance, Behaviour Sciences, Engineering Mathematics and more. These courses have provided me with a comprehensive understanding of climate change in every aspect from finance perspective to policy making and climate technology”.

The journey of these students is not just personal; it is a testament to the transformative collaboration between Anant National University and the Villars Institute. The Villars Symposium, nestled in the Swiss Alps, defies the norm of traditional conferences, uniting 119 fellows from 34 nationalities.

The Villars Institute, a non-profit foundation, stands as a beacon dedicated to accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy. This symposium, which was recently attended by the students of Anant National University was also attended by a diverse mix of fellows, educators, entrepreneurs, CEOs, and scientists. It aligned seamlessly with the two institution's mission to empower future global changemakers.

Tanya Batra describes the symposium as ‘life-changing’, emphasising the importance of breaching the intergenerational gap. To her, the symposium showcased a unified vision to make the world a better place, bringing together contributors from scientists to artists, all offering diverse perspectives.

Shaleen Guleria tells The Telegraph Online Edugraph that he is committed to drawing inspiration from the experienced climate action heroes surrounding him, while reinforcing the impact of witnessing others' progress and passion. He adds that the breathtaking view from the Villars Palace serves as a constant reminder of the eye-opening experience.

Riya Gupta underscores the symposium's significance in staying updated with the latest advancements and trends in climate change. The platform offers opportunities for collaboration, partnerships, and future career prospects through engaging conversations and connections with like-minded professionals.

As these climate warriors—Tanya Batra, Riya Gupta, and Shaleen Guleria—return from the global stage at Villars Symposium 2023 to Anant National University, their experiences promise to enrich the student community. The collaboration between Anant National University and the Villars Institute has not only provided them with a platform to learn and contribute but has also sown the seeds for a new generation of systems leaders committed to environmental stewardship.