LIGHTS convenes dialogue at the science–policy–society interface, creating sustained platforms where scientific knowledge, geopolitics, and public policy intersect. Through conferences, roundtables, and lecture series, LIGHTS enables informed debate, evidence-based recommendations, and long-term thinking on climate change, the polar regions, the oceans, and the global commons.
The SaGAA (Science and Geopolitics of the Arctic and Antarctic) conference series is LIGHTS’ department and among India’s longest-running platforms on polar science and geopolitics. Held in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2023, and 2025, the series has brought together 2,000+ national and international participants across editions, with per-edition participation ranging from 60 to over 200 delegates. Core themes include polar science, climate change, geopolitics, biodiversity, science diplomacy, and governance of global commons. Institutional support has included the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), NCPOR, CSIR, DST, the Embassies of Norway and Iceland, and 50+ academic, diplomatic, and research institutions.
Expert Panel Discussion: “Beyond Zone V: India’s Highest Risk Earthquake Zone – The Himalayan Dilemma” (2026):
On March 14, 2026, LIGHTS organised a virtual panel discussion titled “Beyond Zone V: India’s Highest Risk Earthquake Zone – The Himalayan Dilemma”, bringing together leading experts to deliberate on critical issues related to seismic vulnerability and policy challenges in the Himalayan region. The session was moderated by Dr. Sulagna Chattopadhyay, Secretary General, LIGHTS.
Seminar at JNU: Greenland & India – Resources, Climate Change & Strategic Routes (2026):
On March 23, 2026, LIGHTS, in collaboration with the Centre for the Study of Regional Development (CSRD), Jawaharlal Nehru University, organised a seminar titled “Greenland & India: Resources, Climate Change & Strategic Routes” at the Cartography Laboratory, JNU. Convened by Dr. Sulagna Chattopadhyay, Secretary General, LIGHTS and President, SaGAA.
Release of A Breath of Frost – India’s Antarctic Story:
The book was released at the 25th Foundation Day Celebrations of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) 3–5 April 2025 | Vasco, Goa. Dr. Sulagna Chattopadhyay attended the event and delivered a talk centred on her book, A Breath of Frost – India’s Antarctic Story, which was officially released as a key highlight of the Silver Jubilee celebrations.
LIGHTS has also organised and curated focused national dialogues, including the Delhi Round Table Conclave on Oceans and Seas around India (2010), which brought together invited experts to deliberate on climate change, ocean–atmosphere interactions, marine resources, coastal infrastructure, disaster forecasting, and ocean governance. The Delhi Round Table Conclave (2013), themed “Vulnerable India: Ocean Acidification, Sea Level Rise and Extreme Events”, convened scientists, policymakers, parliamentarians, academics, and researchers to address emerging ocean and climate risks. A seminar on Integrating Geospatial Technologies in Higher Education Curriculum (2016) brought together policymakers, academics, and industry experts to promote multidisciplinary integration of GIS in higher education curricula and skill development.
Delhi Round Table Conclave on Oceans and Seas around India (2010)
Delhi Round Table Conclave (2013)-Vulnerable India: Ocean Acidification, Sea Level Rise and Extreme Events
Integrating Geospatial Technologies in Higher Education Curriculum (2016)
LIGHTS has regularly hosted lecture series and expert talks as part of its knowledge dissemination and has held lectures at JNU and other prestigious institutions across Delhi.
Lecture on "Climate Change, Polar Connections, and Governance" at Hansraj College, University of Delhi (2025):
On 7 March 2025, LIGHTS-SaGAA organized a lecture at Hansraj College, University of Delhi, in association with HARITIMA, the environmental society of the college.
Lecture by Partha Chatterjee on "How to Use Visuals as Content" (2025):
On 22 January 2025, LIGHTS hosted a thought-provoking lecture by renowned filmmaker and critic Partha Chatterjee at its New Delhi office (504, Bhikaji Cama Bhawan). Titled "How to Use Visuals as Content," the session explored the nuanced relationship between visual media and narrative construction.
