The 46^th Rajasthan Geography Association (RGA) conference is scheduled to be organised at Maharana Pratap Government College, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. It will be hosted by the Department of Geography on January 10-12, 2019. The focal theme of the conference is Sustainable Future: Global Challenges for Environment Protection and Social Development. All the members of geographical fraternity including RGA life members and researchers from allied disciplines are cordially invited to present their research papers and participate in the discussions and proceedings in the 3-day long event.

Government College Chittorgarh was established in the year 1962, later it was name after Maharana Pratap, a legendary Royal of the Princely state of Mewar, situated in Southern Rajasthan. With the heritage dating back to more than 56 years, M.P. Government College, one of the premier institutes of higher learning contributed significantly to the academic and cultural life of the entire southern Rajasthan. In the NAAC accreditation being done in 2016, M.P. Government College has been awarded with grade “A” .The college runs under-graduate, post-graduate and Ph.D. courses. Having more than 6000 students studying in 16 undergraduate and 11 postgraduate departments, the college is fully equipped with digital library, smart classrooms, sophisticated instruments, computer labs, and other impressive infrastructures.

The Department of Geography in M.P. Government College is well known for its academic pursuits and excellence. The subject was first introduced at the UG level in 1962. Master’s degree in Geography was introduced in 2003. The Department has four faculties and one laboratory bearer. The Department is well equipped with two smart classrooms, one GIS Lab. and one Geography lab. The department has two on-going projects funded by UGC. The department holds the distinction of organizing 31^st annual RGA conference in the year 2003. Over the years the Department of Geography was blessed by the services of some illustrious academicians Prof. Vikram Singh, Prof. Mohi-ud-din Sheikh, Prof. Shyam Sundar Bhatt, Prof. M.C. Porwal , Prof. R.L. Maru ,Prof. R.L. Joshi and  Prof. G.P. Nagar.

The city of Chittorgarh is located between 24⁰13’ N to 25⁰13’ N Latitude and 74⁰25’E to 74⁰44’ E Longitude. The erstwhile Mewar state has been a land of brave kings, illustrious queens, valiant nobles and spirited warriors. Chittorgarh city was the capital of the state of Mewar. The Chittorgarh fort has witnessed fierce battles, strategic political alliances, construction of mighty structures and sacrifices being done by queens through mass self-immolation. The history of Mewar started in 6^th century with King Chitrangada, a Prince hailing from the house of Mauryas. Kalbhoja titled as Bappa Rawal started the Kshatriya dynasty in Mewar and defended its frontiers against the Arab invaders and brought Mewar on the political map of India. This place is also known for the pious beauty and political sense of Rani Padmini, the versatility of Rana Kumbha, the spirituality and single-minded devotion of Meera, sacrifice of Panna Dhai going beyond the call of duty, iconic philanthropist Bhamashah etc. This town is emerging as a major industrial hub in Cement and Marble industry.

Chittorgarh reports of moderate climate with daily temperature ranging from 25⁰   to 40⁰ c in summer and 5⁰ to 20⁰c in winter. The average rainfall is about 70 cms. Chittorgarh is well connected to the major cities of India by the means of Air (Udaipur), Rail and Road network.

The Rajasthan Geography Association (RGA) is one of the oldest among state level geography associations in India. It was formed in 1965 during the time of first academic conference of Rajasthan Geographers; it was organized by the department of geography M.L.V. Govt. College Bhilwara, which later on became the permanent headquarters of this association. The association was registered in 1971 under the Rajasthan Societies Act, 1958. Its monogram  was designed and  adopted with three key words Maru, Meru and  Mal, i.e. , desert , mountain and plateau , which not only summarizes the Geography of Rajasthan but also explains the cultural patterns associated with three types of natural landscapes in the state. Despite financial constraints, the association holds its annual conference regularly in the various colleges and universities of the state of the Rajasthan.

At its heart, sustainable development is the simple idea of ensuring a good quality of life for everyone, now and for generations to come. It is about living within the carrying capacity of the environment so that how we live, work and enjoy leisure activities, which do not harm or put undue pressures on the environment. Sustainable development is the need of the present time not only for the survival of mankind but also for its future protection. Unlike the other great revolutions in human history the Green Revolution and the Industrial Revolution the ‘Sustainable Revolution’ will have to take place rapidly, consciously and on many different levels and in many different spheres, simulta­neously. The aim of ecologically sustainable development is to maximise human well-being or quality of life without jeopardising the life support system. The measures for sustainable development may be different in developed and developing countries according to their level of technological and economic development.

It is upon the decision-makers in politics to create the right framework and the pre-conditions for a sustainable development in environment. Global involvement, on the other hand, must not be left out of account. Sustainability reflects our understanding of necessity and responsibility on the question for whom, for what and how production can be guided into the future in a way that is efficient, environmentally sound and sparing on resources at local, regional and international levels. This conference provides an interdisciplinary, quantitative and integrated approach for wellbeing of the environment and society.

SUB-THEMES

The organizers invite research papers and posters from all interested academicians and researchers in the 46^th RGA conference on Sustainable Future: Global Challenges for Environment Protection and Social Development. There will be oral as well as poster presentations in the conference. Participants intending to present paper(s) are requested to send the abstracts through email till 10^th December, 2018. The acknowledgement about acceptance of paper will be send on or before 31^st December, 2018. The abstract of registered participants (appearing till 10^th December, 2018) will be included in the Abstract volume. The full length paper (soft copy) should reach the Organizing Secretary latest by 31^st December, 2018.The "Young Geographer Award" will be awarded for best research paper by the participant below the age of 35.Please mention" Young Geographer Award" on the abstract and first page of the research paper. The paper will be accepted in individual capacity.

LAYOUT OF ABSTRACT AND FULL PAPER