Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Sambalpur hosted the World Water Day 2026 celebrations, organised by Youth4Water‑India, with the theme “Our Water Bodies, Our Pride.” The event focused on raising awareness about water conservation and climate action through youth‑led initiatives and community engagement.
IIM Sambalpur hosted the World Water Day 2026 celebrations on March 23, organised by Youth4Water‑India. Themed “Our Water Bodies, Our Pride,” the event aimed to promote water conservation and climate action through youth‑driven campaigns and active community participation. The celebration also marked the 7th anniversary of Youth4Water‑India, underscoring the organisation’s long‑standing work in water stewardship.
The event was graced by Professor Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director of IIM Sambalpur, as the chief guest. Other distinguished speakers included Ranjan Panda, founder‑mentor of Youth4Water; Deboo Patnaik, entrepreneur and author; Rajashree Purohit, agronomist with the UN World Food Programme; and Manoranjan Behera, Managing Director of AJSA India. Outstanding efforts in water management by NGOs and individuals were recognised with certificates, highlighting grassroots initiatives that have tangibly improved local water security.
In his address, Professor Jaiswal said IIM Sambalpur seeks to move beyond the classroom by fostering inclusive, innovation‑driven education rooted in sustainability and grassroots impact. “As humans and machines evolve together, our true progress lies in how responsibly we protect what sustains us,” he said, adding that saving water today is essential to securing life tomorrow.
Ranjan Panda urged students to adopt sustainable habits and consciously conserve water in daily life. Rajashree Purohit highlighted that women are among the most affected by the lack of safe drinking water and stressed the need to empower them through leadership roles in water‑management decision‑making. The event combined awareness‑building, recognition of changemakers, and calls to action, positioning IIM Sambalpur as an active hub for water‑focused sustainability education.