Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be) University, Institute of Environment Education and Research (BVIEER) hosted the “Youth for Spatial Futures” knowledge event as part of the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) – Geospatial Information for Transformation of Society (GIFTS) Summit 2025 on September 1, 2025.

The event brought together more than 185 participants, including students, professionals, school students, and faculty members, highlighting the growing importance of geospatial literacy across all levels of education and practice. The program began with a warm welcome by Prof. Dr. Shamita Kumar, Principal of BVIEER, followed by an inspiring inaugural address from Dr. Vivek Saoji, Vice Chancellor of BVDU, who emphasized preparing young people to tackle future challenges through spatial thinking.

Distinguished speakers such as Dr. Shimrit Maman (Israel Space Agency), Prof. Salvatore (University of Udine, Italy), and Prof. Dan Blumberg (Ben-Gurion University, Israel) shared international perspectives, while technical sessions featured Dr. Shashi Kumar (Scientist, IIRS, Dehradun) on advances in SAR remote sensing and Dr. Aravinth R (Asst Prof, BVIEER) on “From Pixels to Policy – Geospatial Geospatial Tools for a sustainable world”

Guided by Prof. Anjana Vyas (Chair, ISPRS ICWG V/IV) and Dr. Shirish Ravan (Convenor, ISPRS-GIFTS Summit 2025), the event encouraged breaking barriers between disciplines, turning data into useful knowledge, and building spatial competencies and innovation skills that empower youth to create real-world impact—paving the way for a more innovative, data-driven, and future-ready India.