As part of the visionary initiative of Hon’ble Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Samit Ray, Adamas University hosted the CSO Leadership Conclave 2026 in Kolkata on the theme “From Empathy to Impact.” The conclave was graced by the presence of Dr. Radha Tamal Goswami, Pro Vice Chancellor, Adamas University, and Prof. (Dr.) Rudra Prasad Saha, Dean Academics, Adamas University. The conclave brought together leaders from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), academia, and the development sector to discuss collective action for addressing social challenges and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The programme highlighted experiential learning, community engagement, and stronger academia–civil society collaboration.
The event opened with a welcome dance, followed by the welcome address by Mr. Oommen Thomas, Chief Executive Officer, RICE Adamas Group. The context was presented by Prof. Abhijit Giri, Senior Vice President, Career Development Centre, Skill & Consultancy, Group Outreach and Director – Alumni Relations, who outlined collaboration models between Adamas University and CSOs, including social internships, joint research, CSR projects, impact studies, and training programmes focused on livelihood development.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Chandreyee Das, Founder Secretary, Hijli Inspiration, described CSOs as the “Fifth Estate of Development,” bridging policy and grassroots realities. She encouraged students to engage in awareness initiatives, community work, and knowledge-sharing to contribute to social change.
A panel discussion on “Collective Partnerships for Advancing Social Causes under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Present Scenario and Future Possibilities” was moderated by Prof. (Dr.) Shauvik Roy Chowdhury, Senior Director, Online Management Development Programme (MDP) Industry Collaboration, Adamas University. The panel featured Ms. Urmi Basu, Executive Director, New Light; Dr. Joy Das, Dean, School of Liberal Arts and Culture Studies, Adamas University; and Ms. Shreya Banerjee, Assistant Professor, School of Liberal Arts and Culture Studies, Adamas University. The discussion focused on strengthening partnerships between academia, CSOs, and communities for sustainable impact.
Delegates shared field insights, with Mr. Kamalakanta Jana, Secretary, Egra Agriculture and Rural Development Society (EARDS) – Poorbita, highlighting concerns on school dropouts and early marriage among girls in rural India. Mr. Ashis Das, Senior Programme Manager, Ramakrishna Mission Loka Siksha Parishad, appreciated the University’s outreach efforts.
A key highlight was the Social Internship programme, enabling students to work directly with communities and understand real-world challenges. The conclave concluded with a keynote by Mr. Prabir Basu, Secretary, Society for Peoples’ Awareness (SPAN), and a vote of thanks by Mr. Sujoy Sengupta, Associate Director – Placement, reinforcing Adamas University’s commitment to socially responsible leadership.
