Ranchi Becomes the Heart of Resilience: 27 ‘Changemakers’ Honoured at EKAM Dialogues

By News7 Air On Apr 8, 2026

RANCHI: In a powerful convergence of traditional wisdom and modern climate action, the “EKAM Dialogues: Samvaad se Nirmaan” kicked off in Ranchi this Wednesday. The two-day summit, spearheaded by the Center for Environment and Energy Development (CEED), has turned the spotlight on Eastern and Central India as the frontline for inclusive, low-carbon growth.

The inaugural day reached its emotional peak with the EKAM Samman, an awards ceremony honoring 27 grassroots heroes from Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Odisha. These “changemakers”—ranging from seed conservators and wetland protectors to AI-driven waste innovators—were recognised for proving that the most effective solutions to climate change often start at the village level.

Ramapati Kumar, CEO of CEED, set the tone by emphasizing a “region-first” perspective. “By aligning community wisdom with future-ready pathways, we seek to transform the resource-rich heartlands of India,” he stated.

The goal of the dialogue is simple yet ambitious: Samvaad (dialogue) leading to Nirmaan (co-creation).

The event saw a rare gathering of minds, including 11 Padma Shri awardees and top government officials. Shri A.K. Rastogi, Chairman of Jharkhand’s Sustainable Just Transition Task Force, noted that lasting resilience is impossible without “community stewardship.

The legendary Rajendra Singh, known as the ‘Waterman of India,’ reminded the 300+ delegates that safeguarding traditional water systems and forests is a moral duty to future generations. This sentiment was echoed by awardees like Aparna Kumari (renewable energy), Sanjay Kacchap (the ‘Library Man’ of Jharkhand), and Raimati Ghuiria (traditional seed conservator from Odisha).

The summit isn’t just about accolades. With 11 technical sessions, experts are diving deep into how data, technology, and local entrepreneurship can create “green economies.” As the dialogue continues into its second day, the focus shifts toward people-centered climate adaptation and revitalising cultural knowledge systems to ensure the region’s growth is both economically empowering and ecologically restorative.

For a region navigating complex environmental shifts, EKAM Dialogues has issued a clear message: the path to a resilient future is paved with the stories and successes of its own people.