New Delhi: Shyam Saran, Special Envoy to Prime Minister on Climate Change inaugurated the 18th Hindi Scientific Seminar on 'Impact of Climate change on Society' organized by Ministry of Earth Sciences here today.

Elaborating the importance of the theme, he said that, "The entire humankind has been experiencing the ongoing changes in climate."

On this occasion, Secretary Official Language B.R. Persheera said that, "With the organization of this seminar on the burning topic of climate change, the common-man stands to be benefited along with popularization of official language Hindi."

Last year a book compiled on the organization of a seminar on January 27, 2009, entitled 'Jalvayu Parivartan' was also launched.

Dr. Shailesh Nayak, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences welcomed the chief guest and other participants.

He also complimented the award winners of 2009 for Ministry of Earth Sciences' original book writing scheme.

Under this scheme Premchand Srivastav was awarded first prize of Rs.50,000 for his book 'Hind Mahasagar ki samundri Khanij Sampada', second prize of Rs.40,000 to Dr. Tara Devi Singh for her book 'Hind Mahasagar evm sanlagna Rashtra Ek Bhu Aarthik evm Bhu Samarik Adhayayan' and third prize of Rs.30,000 to Prof. Madhu Sudan Tripathy for his book 'Sagar Sampada Mahatav and Prabandhan'.

Along with cash prize all the three winners were given certificates and shields.

In this seminar, about 14 scientists/professors are scheduled to participate who would present their papers in Hindi, cash prize (ranging from Rs.3000 to Rs.5000) and certificates would be given for best presentation.