Jimmy McGilligan Memorial Sustainable Development Week
Small Changes, Big Impact | April 15–21, 2026
SVVV Hosts Jimmy McGilligan Memorial Lecture on Sustainable Water Use
Keynote speakers and SVVV leadership at the Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Development (CESD).
Indore, April 17, 2026: Shri Vaishnav Vidyapeeth Vishwavidyalaya (SVVV), Indore, through its Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Development (CESD), organized a special lecture on “Human Responsibility: Water Use for Sustainable Development of People and the Planet” on Friday. The session formed part of the ongoing Jimmy McGilligan Memorial Sustainable Development Week, themed “Small Changes, Big Impact – Save Water.”
The program was held under the guidance of Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Yogesh C. Goswami, who emphasized the urgent need for responsible water use and adherence to sustainable development principles.
Renowned geologist and groundwater expert Sudhindra Mohan Sharma and Padma Shri awardee Dr. Janak Palta McGilligan, Director of the Jimmy McGilligan Centre for Sustainable Development, delivered keynote addresses.
The Legacy of James (Jimmy) McGilligan
Dr. Janak Palta McGilligan shared the legacy of her late husband, James (Jimmy) McGilligan, an engineer who was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 2008. She spoke about the establishment of the Barli Development Institute, which trained nearly 6,000 underprivileged rural women between 1985 and 2011, empowering them to lead social transformation across nearly 500 villages.
She also underscored innovations in solar energy led by Jimmy, including the development of solar community kitchens that provided sustainable energy solutions and infrastructure to rural communities.
The 7R Framework for Water
Sudhindra Mohan Sharma highlighted that nearly 90% of water consumption is attributed to agriculture. He advocated for the revival of India’s historical water management systems, citing examples like the Sun Temple at Modhera and Toorji Ka Jhalra in Jodhpur.
The program reinforcement of awareness about water conservation and inspired collective action for a sustainable future. Organizers coordinated by Dr. Uttam Sharma and Dr. Shweta Agrawal described the session as impactful and informative.
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