SENS alumnus named as a "Top 30 Under 30 in Sustainability" in Canada

Palash Sanyal, an alumnus of the School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS), was named as one of Corporate Knights magazine’s top 30 sustainability leaders under age 30 in Canada for 2018.

By Victoria Schramm

In 2018, Sanyal graduated from the School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS) with a Master of Water Security (MWS) degree.

In addition to Sanyal’s focus on the energy-food-water nexus, the magazine noted that he has collaborated with TED Talk, Global Voices, WaterAid Bangladesh, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and other international organizations.

“I feel privileged and humbled, especially coming from an impoverished background," said Sanyal. "I think this was possible partly because of the exposure the School of Environment and Sustainability provided through the Master of Water Security program.”

He was also eager to give credit to the University of Saskatchewan faculty that helped him to achieve his success.

“My supervisor, Karl Lindenschmidt; SENS program coordinator, Yanping Li; faculty like Bram Noble, Graham Strickert, Maureen Reed, Tim Jardine, Lalita Bharadwaj, Jeffrey McDonnell, Alec Aitken, Philip Loring; and many others provided invaluable support,” he said.

Sanyal also offered advice for other students who are interested in an environmental career. 

“Have an intention to do good,” he said. “With good intentions, you can go a long way.”

“Also, learn from the mistakes and failures,” he added. “The process of making mistakes is the process of growing. Reach out, connect, and ask questions.”

Sanyal will continue to focus on sustainability and has big plans for the years to come.

“My plans for the future involve serving Canadian interests at the national and international level, especially in environmental policy,” he said. “I also intend to continue working with marginalized communities.”

He noted that Canada has many environmental issues that require critical attention.

“For now, I am building two platforms,” he said. “On Climate Change will become a repository of the adaptive approach taken by youths worldwide and On Facilitation focuses more on conflict situations in communities, institutions, and how to manage such situations effectively.”

The future looks bright for Sanyal, who, despite his success so far, seems like he is just getting started.

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To learn more about the Master of Water Security program at the School of Environment and Sustainability click here.

To read the “Meet 2018’s Top 30 Under 30 in Sustainability” article by Corporate Knights click here.