Noam Chomsky Global Connections Awards

Winner: North Star Medal of Lifetime Achievement (2024)

https://starscholars.org/gopi-upreti/

Professor Gopi Upreti: A Legacy of Excellence in Agriculture and Environmental Education

Professor Gopi Upreti is an emeritus professor at the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Sciences (IAAS), Tribhuvan University (TU), Nepal. He has dedicated over three decades to teaching and research, making significant contributions to the fields of agriculture and environmental education. Renowned for his academic leadership, Prof. Upreti has played a pivotal role in advancing agricultural education in Nepal. As the Chair of the Agriculture Department, he spearheaded the launch of postgraduate programs in agriculture at IAAS, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s academic evolution.

Academic Contributions and Research Impact

An accomplished author and researcher, Prof. Upreti has published more than 70 peer-reviewed research articles, review articles, book chapters, and several books. His work focuses on agriculture, water resource development, environmental conservation, and sustainable development. His research has been featured in leading journals, significantly influencing academic discourse in these domains.

During his illustrious tenure, Prof. Upreti held several prestigious positions. He served as the Chief Commissioner of the Nepal Agriculture Research Council (NARC) and as a Strategic Policy Advisor to the Environmental Protection Council (EPC) of the Government of Nepal. His exemplary contributions to academia earned him the distinguished Best Teacher and Academic Administrator Award from Tribhuvan University, a recognition of his dedication to teaching and institutional excellence. Prof. Upreti’s impactful research has been widely recognized. His seminal paper, “Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Development Require a New Development Approach” (Journal of Environmental Conservation, Vol. 21, pp. 18-29, 1994), earned him the coveted Best Paper Award from the Switzerland-based International Foundation of Environmental Conservation.

Educational Background and Fellowships

Professor Upreti was an East-West Center (EWC) doctoral fellow in sustainable agriculture/environmental resources from 1988 to 1992 at the University of Hawaii (UH). He holds a BSc. Ag (Hons) from Punjab Agriculture University (PAU), India, and a Master’s (MS) in Environmental Resource Management from the University of Hawaii (UH).

Advocacy for Secular Humanism

Beyond academia, Prof. Upreti is a staunch advocate of Secular Humanism. He is a life member of the American Humanist Association (AHA) and a member of the International Council of Secular Humanism based in New York. His editorial contributions include serving on the advisory board of The New Encyclopedia of Unbelief, published by Prometheus Books, New York. He also founded and edited the English magazine Humanist Voice from Kathmandu, Nepal. Furthermore, he is the founding President of the Humanist Association of Nepal (HUMAN).

Recent Publications and Paradigm Shift

Prof. Upreti’s most recent work, the book “ECOSOCIOCENTRISM: The Earth First Paradigm for Sustainable Living,” published by Springer Nature, has garnered significant attention for its groundbreaking perspective on environmental sustainability. The book introduces a paradigm-shifting perspective for addressing the challenges of the Anthropocene epoch. Prof. Upreti articulates:

“We are living in the Anthropocene epoch, the most dangerous period of our time. If the current dominant infinite growth model continues without reforming its basic assumptions and modus operandi, environmentally sustainable development and living on planet Earth becomes a Sisyphean Myth… Only a healthy and functionally nourishing Earth can ensure the security of humanity and sustainable living, which is only possible if The Earth First Paradigm becomes the conscious working algorithm of humanity in the Anthropocene epoch of the twenty-first century. This is not merely a hopeful vision of the future; it is a logical and necessary path we must embark upon to prolong our sustainable living on planet Earth.”

Readers can explore an in-depth overview of this impactful book at Professor Upreti’s website blog: www.paradigmshifts.info/post/why-this-book.

Engagement in Professional and Social Organizations

Prof. Upreti is an active participant in numerous professional and social organizations in the United States. He is a member of Noam Chomsky’s STAR Scholars Network and serves as Co-Chair of the Advisory Council of the Association of Nepali Agricultural Professionals in Americas (NAPA). Additionally, he is the Chief Advisor of the Equality Foundation, USA, an advisor and life member of Blood Donors of America (BDA), and a life member and advisor of the Association of Nepalis in America (ANA). He is also a life member of the America Nepal Society (ANS) and the Trustee of the International Nepali Literary Society (INLS), where he previously chaired the INLS Book Award Committee.

Conclusion: A Vision for the Future

In conclusion, Professor Gopi Upreti's extensive contributions to academia, research, and advocacy for sustainable practices underscore his commitment to fostering a more sustainable and equitable world. His work exemplifies the principles of ecosociocentrism, which aims to inspire a fundamental shift in global thinking, promoting an 'Earth First' paradigm. This paradigm serves as a guiding principle for humanity as it navigates the complexities of the Anthropocene era, striving towards a sustainable and symbiotic future.