INSTITUTE OF INDIAN GEOGRAPHERS (IIG)

International Seminar
on
GEOGRAPHY IN THE 21ST CENTURY:
NAVIGATING TRENDS, TACKLING CHALLENGES

DATE : 10TH TO 12TH SEPTEMBER 2025

FIRST CIRCULAR

Organised by
DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY & APPLIED GEOGRAPHY
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH BENGAL

Siliguri-734013, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India

Contents

Organising Committee…………………………………………………… 3

University of North Bengal, Darjeeling………………………………. 4

Department of Geography & Applied Geography…………………. 4

Institute of Indian Geographers’……………………………………… 4

IIG Governing Council………………………………………………….... 5

Concept Note……………………………………………………………… 6

Sub-themes……………………………………………………………...... 7

Young Geographers’ Competition…………………………………….. 8

Best Papers Award………………………………………………………… 8

Scientific Model Competition…………………………………………… 8

Poster Competition……………………………………………………….. 9

Abstract Submission Guideline……………………………………...... 9

Registration Procedure………………………………………………….. 10

Payment Details and Registration Link….……………………………. 11

Seminar Venue…………………………………………………………..… 12

Transport, Communication and Weather……………………………… 12

Contact Details……………………………………………………………… 13

Local Organising Committee…………………………………………….. 13

Seminar Support Team……………………………………………………. 13

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ORGANISING COMMITTEE

CHIEF PATRON
Honourable Vice Chancellor, University of North Bengal

PATRON
Dr. Nupur Das, Registrar (Addl. Charge), University of North Bengal
Prof. M. N. Roy, Dean, Faculty of Science, University of North Bengal

CONVENER
Dr. Arindam Basak,
Head and Associate Professor,
Department of Geography & Applied Geography, NBU

ORGANISING SECRETARY
Dr. Indira Lepcha (Nee) Lama,
Associate Professor,
Department of Geography & Applied Geography, NBU

ASSISTANT ORGANISING SECRETARY

Dr. Snehasish Saha,
Associate Professor,
Department of Geography & Applied Geography, NBU

TREASURER
Dr. Riti Moktan,
Assistant Professor,
Department of Geography & Applied Geography, NBU

ORGANISING MEMBERS
Prof. Deepak Kr. Mandal,
Department of Geography & Applied Geography, NBU
Prof. Ranjan Roy,
Department of Geography & Applied Geography, NBU
Dr. Indrajit Roy Chowdhury,
Assistant Professor, Department of Geography & Applied Geography,
NBU
Dr. Rupak Kr. Paul,
Assistant Professor, Department of Geography & Applied Geography,
NBU

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UNIVERSITY OF NORTH BENGAL
The University of North Bengal was established by an Act of the
Legislature of West Bengal in 1962 with the mission “to encourage and
provide for instruction for teaching, training and research in various
branches of learning and course of study; to promote advancement and
dissemination of knowledge and learning and to extend higher education to
meet the growing needs of society.” The University campus covers an area
of nearly 315.99 acres of land at the foothills of the Himalayas with a
fascinating glimpse of the Kanchenjunga peak, tea gardens and forest
cover. The University of North Bengal has established its 2nd campus at
Jalpaiguri for widening the scope of higher education and research in this
area.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT: https://www.nbu.ac.in
DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY & APPLIED GEOGRAPHY
The Department of Geography & Applied Geography, University of North
Bengal, was established in 1962 along with the establishment of the
University. The Department offers Master’s Degree (both at NBU &
Jalpaiguri Campus) and Ph.D. in Geography & Applied Geography. The
Department has successfully completed the UGC SAP DRS I and II
programmes. The Department offers specialisation in Applied Hydrology,
Applied Pedology, Cartography, Fluvial Geomorphology, Population
Geography, Tourism Geography and Urban Geography at the Postgraduate
level. The Centre for Geo-Spatial Sciences, University of North Bengal, also
comes under the umbrella of this Department. At present, the Department
has 2 Professors, 3 Associate Professors and 3 Assistant Professors as
permanent faculty members. The faculty members are actively associated
with various fields of research, incorporating both physical and human
geography. The Department has a state-of-the-art GIS laboratory with 40
terminals, which are equipped with various GIS software and used by the
students and research scholars. Currently, more than 50 research scholars
of this Department are drawing their fellowships as JRF/SRF under various
schemes of UGC, State and Central Government.
INSTITUTE OF INDIAN GEOGRAPHERS (IIG)
The Institute of Indian Geographers was established in 1979 with the
Department of Geography of Savitribai Phule Pune University as its
registered headquarter. IIG strives to promote geographical knowledge by
research, teaching and related academic and social activities that will
directly or indirectly lead to the growth of Geography. Since its foundation,
IIG has been regularly publishing the bi-annual journal, the ‘Transactions,
Institute of Indian Geographers’, listed in SCOPUS and the UGC CARE list.
IIG regularly organises the Annual Geographers’ Meet in different parts of
the country, and topical seminars from time to time. IIG currently has more
than 1200 life members, institutional members, annual members, and
regular journal subscribers.

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 GOVERNING COUNCIL OF IIG

PATRON K. R. Dikshit

PRESIDENT (2025-2026) D. K. Nayak, Shillong

VICE-PRESIDENT Sudhakar D. Pardeshi, Pune
Bimal Kumar Kar, Guwahati
Lakshmi Sivaramakrishnan, Kolkata
B. Srinagesh, Hyderabad
SECRETARY-GENERAL Ravindra G. Jaybhaye, Pune

SECRETARY Bikramaditya K. Choudhary, New Delhi

Sulochana Shekhar, Thiruvarur
Amit G. Dhorde, Pune

TREASURER Hemlata Patel, Pune

EDITOR D. K. Nayak, Shillong

MANAGING – EDITOR Avinash M. Kandekar, Pune

REGIONAL N. Chendrayudu, Tirupati

REPRESENTATIVES Rajeshwari Jaglan, Kurukshetra
(EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS) Seema Jalan, Udaipur
Sunil Kumar De, Shillong
MEMBERS Ajay A. Gawari, Pune
Atiqur Reheman, New Delhi
Ashok D. Hanjagi, Bangalore
B. R. Thakur, Shimla
B. W. Pandey, Delhi
H. S. Sharma, Jaipur
Nandkumar N. Sawant, Goa
Praveen P. Kokane, Mumbai
Sachin J. Deore, Pune
Shahab Fazal, Aligarh
Sambhaji D. Shinde, Kolhapur
Sibabrata Das, Cuttack
S. R. Jog, Pune
Sarfaraz Aalam, Varanasi
Virendra R. Nagarale, Pune

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 CONCEPT NOTE
Geography as a discipline has evolved from being ‘a study of the earth’ to a ‘study of
the relationship between man and environment’. According to Steffen (2007), human
activities have become so pervasive and profound that they rival the great forces of
nature. The earlier dichotomy of Determinism and Possibilism places man within the
ambit of the environment, but the greater debate was on whether man is a passive
agent or an active force in interacting with the environment. Given the profound
human impact on the Earth’s land, oceans, and biosphere since the Agricultural and
Industrial Revolutions, the idea of a new geological epoch—the Anthropocene—
though debated, is increasingly accepted. As a result, 21st-century Geography has
become a multidisciplinary and multiparadigm field.
Thus Geography in the 21st century stands at the crossroads of innovation, policy, and
societal transformation. It is no longer confined to the study of landforms and spatial
distributions alone; modern geography integrates cutting-edge technologies,
environmental consciousness, and social inquiry to address the world’s most
pressing challenges from climate change and biodiversity loss to rapid urbanisation,
disaster vulnerability, and socio-economic inequalities. This international seminar
aims to bring together the academic fraternity to explore the evolving landscape of
geographical thought and application in the present era. The event will focus on
highlighting the increasing relevance of geography in shaping sustainable futures,
fostering inclusive development, and informing effective decision-making through
geospatial intelligence. Castree (2014), had highlighted the need for radical
interpretive voices as we look into the impact of humans on the environment, with a
pertinent question of what should be done? To address this question, this seminar will
feature a diverse range of themes encompassing both physical and human
geography. Key areas include fluvial geomorphology and river dynamics, soil erosion
and land degradation, sustainable management of aquatic and coastal resources,
and biogeography with a focus on conservation. Special attention will be given to the
unique geographies of the Himalayas and high-altitude regions, along with region-
specific issues focusing on climate variability and its socio-economic impacts in
North Bengal. Participants will also engage in discussions on climate change, global
disaster hotspots, and vulnerability mapping—critical areas where geographic
insights will delve into resilience and adaptation strategies. Human-centred themes
will include spatial inequalities in health, education, and employment; gender and
space; population transitions; rural and urban development; and the changing
dynamics of agriculture and livelihood systems. Recognising the significance of
technological advancement today, the seminar will focus on the transformative role of
GIS, remote sensing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning in geographic
research and planning. These tools are reshaping how we understand, analyse, and
solve spatial problems at local, national, and global scales. Furthermore, the seminar
will explore themes related to urban sprawl, smart growth, regional disparities,
sustainable tourism, pollution geographies, and cultural transformations. Through
these conversations, we aim to reaffirm the significance of geography in policy-
making, environmental management, and community empowerment. As India
advances toward the vision of Viksit Bharat, geographers are uniquely positioned to
contribute through innovation, critical thinking, and spatial expertise. This seminar
provides a vital platform for sharing ideas, strengthening collaboration, and
redefining geography’s role in shaping a better future.
We warmly invite researchers, educators, students, development professionals, and
policymakers to join us in this academic journey to rethink, reimagine, and strengthen
the role of geographers. As Gould noted, the 21st century, which is often called the
'spatial century’, has renewed geography’s importance in society.

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 SUB-THEMES OF THE SEMINAR
1. Fluvial Geomorphology and River Dynamics: Processes, Patterns, and
Human interactions.
2. Soil Erosion and Land Degradation: Causes, Consequences, and
Conservation Strategies.
3. Sustainable Management of Groundwater, Aquatic Resources and
Coastal Zones: Need for conservation for future generation.
4. Biogeography and Conservation: Understanding Biodiversity Patterns
and Protecting Ecosystems.
5. Geographies of the Himalayas and High-Altitude Regions: Challenges and
Opportunities.
6. Climate Change and Sustainable Futures: Challenges and Geographic
Solutions.
7. Global Disaster Hotspots and Vulnerability Mapping: Hazard Exposure
and Potential Impacts.
8. Climate Variability and Its Impact on Livelihoods and Landscapes in North
Bengal: Exploring Vulnerabilities and Adaptation Strategies.
9. Population, Place, and Movement: Exploring Spatial Dimensions of
Demographic Transition.
10. Spatial Inequalities in Health, Education, and Employment: A Human
Geography Perspective.
11. Gender, Space, and Society: Exploring Inequality and Empowerment
through Geography.
12. Social Inequalities and Cultural Transformation: The Interplay of Space,
Place, and Power.
13. The Geographies of Conflict and Cooperation: Exploring Geopolitics in the
21st Century.
14. Regional Variations in Agricultural Systems: Challenges to Productivity
and Food Security.
15. Modernisation and Technological Advancements in Agriculture: Their
Impact on Rural Societies.
16. Understanding Rural Development: Livelihood Diversification, Access to
Services and Infrastructural Growth.
17. The Urban Fabric: Understanding Spatial Patterns of Growth,
Infrastructure, Environment and Livability in Cities.
18. Urban Sprawl to Smart Growth: A Geographical Exploration of Innovation
and Governance in Inclusive Urban Development.
19. Regional Disparities in Development: Policies, Planning, and Local
Solutions.
20. Sustainable Regional Development: Balancing Inclusive Economic Growth
and Environmental Resilience.
21. Tourism in Transition: New Trends, Regional Opportunities, and
Environmental Concerns.
22. Toxic Geographies: Spatial Patterns of Pollution, Their Impacts and Policy
Interventions.
23. Geospatial Data and Analytics: Transforming Geography with GIS and
Remote Sensing.
24. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Geography: From Spatial
Patterns to Predictive Modelling.
25. Mapping the Path to Viksit Bharat by 2047: The Role of Geographers.

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YOUNG GEOGRAPHERS’ COMPETITION
The Young Geographers’ Award is an exciting competition that aims to
identify and honour a promising young geographer through a rigorous
selection process. To participate in this competition, entrants need to
meet a set of specific criteria, ensuring that the event maintains a high
standard of fairness and excellence.

• Competitors must be under 30 years of age and hold Indian Nationality,

which ensures representation and opportunities for young Indian
geographers.
• Participants are required to submit a single-authored abstract by the
deadline specified under the abstract submission section,
demonstrating their ability to independently research and articulate
their ideas.
• The deadline for submitting the full paper is the same as the deadline
specified under the abstract submission section.
• A bonafide certificate from either the Head of the Department or
Supervisor(s) must accompany the abstract, attesting to the
authenticity and credibility of the participant's academic standing.
• A copy of the participant's institutional identity card is also required,
which serves as a verification of their affiliation and status. These
requirements collectively ensure that the competition draws dedicated
and credible young talent from across the nation.

BEST PAPER PRESENTATION AWARDS

The organisers have established a recognition program to acknowledge
the exceptional work of researchers. For each technical session held
during the seminar, a Best Paper Presentation Award will be bestowed
upon outstanding presenters. To be considered for this recognition,
participants must submit a completed registration form, along with their
abstract, by the specified deadline.

SCIENTIFIC MODEL COMPETITION

As part of the International Seminar, we cordially invite researchers,
academicians, students (UG & PG) from a wide array of institutions, and
participants from various colleges to showcase their pioneering and
avant-garde models. These presentations should explore the latest
advancements in geographical studies and underscore their potential
contributions to societal improvement.
To acknowledge and laud exceptional contributions, a winner will be
declared and celebrated with an award during the seminar's valedictory
ceremony.

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POSTER COMPETITION
In conjunction with the seminar, we are delighted to unveil a Poster
Competition, offering a splendid opportunity for researchers, students, and
professionals to exhibit their work and contribute to the progression of
geographical studies. The competition aspires to foster creativity,
innovation, and the effective communication of research findings through
visually captivating posters.
Competition Details:
1. Participants are encouraged to submit posters on any facet of
geographical studies.
2. Posters should adeptly convey research findings, methodologies, and
key insights.
3. Poster dimensions: 3 ft (horizontal) x 4 ft (vertical), to be printed on a
flex.
4. Presenters will have the opportunity to display their posters during
dedicated sessions at the seminar.
5. A panel of esteemed judges will appraise the posters based on criteria
such as content, visual allure, and presentation skills.
6. Winners will be announced and lauded during the seminar's closing
ceremony.
ABSTRACT SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
GENERAL INFORMATION:
The Organising Committee seeks submissions of abstracts of original
contributions on any topic related to the scientific programme sessions. If
you wish to submit an abstract for consideration, kindly follow the
instructions outlined below.

GUIDELINES FOR PREPARING ABSTRACTS:

1. The abstract must be written in English, mentioning the sub-theme.
2. Abstract should be typed in MS Word (Compatibility Mode) only.
3. Title: A brief title not more than 20-30 words. It should be in bold type,
capitalising the 1st letter of all words of four letters or more. Indent 12
point and Times New Roman font.
4. Affiliation of the author(s) should be listed by number, and add the
number in superscript form after the name(s). Put a ‘*’ mark on the
corresponding author. Indent 10 point and Times New Roman font.
5. Text: Normal, Times New Roman Font & 11-point indent. The abstract
must indicate the problem, methodology, and results of the work within
200-250 words (Abstracts above this limit will not be accepted).
6. Paper(s) may be presented through any one of the following means:
Oral/ Multimedia Presentation.
7. For the Presentation, the participants will be given 10-15 minutes.
The abstract should be submitted via the registration link only.

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OTHER NECESSARY INFORMATION:
• The last date for registration fee submission is 31st July 2025.
• Hard copy/Email submission of abstracts will not be accepted.
• All author (s) will be required to register for the Seminar to ensure their
abstract(s) is/are included in the technical sessions(s) and abstract
volume.
• Acceptance of selected abstracts will be notified to the corresponding
author by email within a week after registration.
• After receiving full-length papers, we plan to publish an edited book/
volume/seminar proceedings from any reputed national or international
publisher. The last date for submitting full-length papers is 31st August
2025.
• Details coming in subsequent circulars.
• Submit the full-length paper to the seminar convener at
iignbu2025@gmail.com
REGISTRATION PROCEDURE
REGISTRATION FEE DETAILS
Early Bird Registration Late Registration
(Up to 30th June, 2025) (Up to 31st July, 2025)
Category SAARC SAARC
Indian Foreign Indian Foreign
Countries Countries
(INR) Delegates (INR) Delegates
(INR) (INR)

Regular
(With 4300 5300 125 USD 5300 6300 150 USD
Accommodation)
Regular
(Without 3200 4200 100 USD 4200 5200 125 USD
Accommodation)
Student/
Research
Scholar/Retired
3500 4500 102 USD 4500 5500 130 USD
Teacher
(With
Accommodation)
Student/
Research
Scholar/Retired
2500 3500 80 USD 3500 4500 105 USD
Teacher
(Without
Accommodation)
Accompanying
3500 4500 102 USD 4500 5500 130 USD
Person

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PAYMENT DETAILS FOR REGISTRATION FEE
ACCOUNT NO: 41912044266
ACCOUNT NAME: ICSSR ERC SEMINAR
BANK: STATE BANK OF INDIA
IFSC: SBIN0002096
BRANCH NAME WITH CODE: NBU CAMPUS BRANCH (02096)
OTHER NECESSARY INFORMATION
• Regular, Retired Teacher and Student/Research Scholar Registration
includes Participation, Seminar Kit, Abstract Volume, and Food.
• Accommodation for the participants will be provided for the selected
3 days by the Seminar Organising Committee.
• Accompanying Person’s registration includes Accommodation and
Food.
• Student/Research Scholar Registration: Applicable to those
continuing their M.Sc./M.Phil./Ph.D. as a full–time student/scholar. A
copy of ID (Institutional ID card or letter from department
head/supervisor) is required.
• Refund of Registration Fee: There is no provision to refund the
registration fee.

REGISTRATION LINK

https://forms.gle/eGForkA6cJ1KwfF86

PAYMENT OF HEADQUARTER FEE AND IIG MEMBERSHIP FEE

1. Non-member participants will have to take either the Annual or Life
Membership of the Institute of Indian Geographers (IIG) in advance.
For more details, visit: https://iigeo.org/membership/
2. An additional amount of Rs. 250/-will have to be separately deposited
into the IIG account by every participant as the IIG Headquarter Fee.
The IIG headquarter fee is mandatory for all participants.
3. Participants are required to produce evidence of any amount deposited
by them as membership fee, headquarter fee or registration fee in case
of any dispute.
The headquarter fee and IIG membership fee can be paid online using the
bank transfer as given below.

ACCOUNT NO: 20063001604

ACCOUNT NAME: INSTITUTE OF INDIAN GEOGRAPHERS
BANK: BANK OF MAHARASHTRA
BRANCH NAME WITH CODE: PUNE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS (1355)
IFSC: MAHB0001355

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SEMINAR VENUE
The three-day International Seminar will be held at the Department of
Geography & Applied Geography and in the Rabindra Bhanu Mancha of
the University of North Bengal campus.

TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATION

The University of North Bengal (NBU) is situated in Raja Rammohunpur,
approximately 8 km from Siliguri and 5 km from Bagdogra Airport,
making it easily accessible by various modes of transport. Nearby
railway stations include Bagdogra (4.2 km), Siliguri Junction (8 km), and
New Jalpaiguri Junction (14 km). Bagdogra Airport offers domestic
flights connecting to major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai,
Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Guwahati. The Tenzing Norgay Central Bus
Terminus, situated around 6 km from the university, serves both state-
owned and private buses connecting to various destinations. From these
transport hubs, taxis, auto-rickshaws, and local buses are readily
available to reach the university campus.
WEATHER INFORMATION
In September, Siliguri experiences the tail end of the monsoon season,
characterised by warm temperatures and significant rainfall. Average
daytime highs are around 28°C, with nighttime lows near 23°C . Despite
the frequent rain, the month sees about 8 to 9 hours of daylight daily,
with a chance of sunny intervals. Overall, September in Siliguri is warm
and wet, with lush greenery and a vibrant atmosphere. Hence, carrying
your rain covers/umbrella is highly advisable.
STUDY TOUR
A one-day study tour may be arranged on a payment basis if there are
sufficient number of participants on 13.09.2025.

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CONTACT INFORMATION
Please feel free to contact the organisers regarding any queries.
Dr. Arindam Basak,
Convener and Head of the Department,
Department of Geography & Applied Geography, University of North
Bengal.
Mob: 9836549171.
Dr. Indira Lepcha (Nee) Lama,
Organising Secretary,
Department of Geography & Applied Geography, University of North
Bengal.
Mob: 8637897648.
Email: iignbu2025@gmail.com
LOCAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE
Dr. Nima Doma Lama, Siliguri College
Dr. Ranjan Sarkar, Siliguri College of Commerce
Dr. Prabir Kumar Kundu, Siliguri Mahila Mahavidyalaya
Dr. Suprakash Roy, Educationist
Dr. Edwin Penjor Bhutia, Alipurduar University
Dr. Bipul Chandra Sarkar, Ananda Chandra College
Mr. Chiranjib Sarkar, Ananda Chandra College
Dr. Punama Sen, Jalpaiguri Campus, NBU
Dr. Biswajit Paul, Jalpaiguri Campus, NBU
Dr. Dipankar Das, Siliguri College
Dr. Tuhin Dey Roy, Siliguri Mahila Mahavidyalaya
Dr. Ershad Ali, Ananda Chandra College
Ms. Sushmita Singh, Birsa Munda College
Mr. Pranoy Dey, Birpara College
Mr. Nabanu Roy, Rajganj College

ORGANISING SUPPORT TEAM

Mr. Subham Dey Sarkar, Research Scholar, NBU
Mr. Bikash Mahato, Research Scholar, NBU
Ms. Harikala Chhetri, Research Scholar, NBU
Ms. Anu Tamang, Research Scholar, NBU
Ms. Sova Rani Das, Research Scholar, NBU
Mr. Krishna Barman, Research Scholar, NBU
Mr. Debasish Mandal, Research Scholar, NBU
Mr. Debanjan Basak, Research Scholar, NBU
Mr. Surajit Paul, Research Scholar, NBU
Mr. Shuva Das, Research Scholar, NBU
Ms. Puja Kirttniya, Research Scholar, NBU

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