TERI, in partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, hosted a seminal national seminar on “Just Transition: Future of Coal & Pathways to Low Carbon Footprint” in Kolkata on January 31, 2024. This pivotal seminar brought together leading figures from the energy sector, academia, and policymaking to discuss the pathways for India’s energy transition from coal to sustainable alternatives. It served as a dynamic forum for examining innovative solutions for the reutilization of coal mines, green support for coal-dependent MSMEs, and the development of a sustainable, equitable transition framework. The discussions were underpinned by the urgent need for a Just Transition, focusing on safeguarding community and worker welfare amid the move from coal, and included debates on policies for retraining, social protection, and fostering job growth in new, green industries. The seminar’s agenda was thoughtfully designed around thematic sessions on repurposing closed mines, enhancing economic competitiveness alongside environmental sustainability, and opportunities for reskilling in green jobs. A concluding plenary session dedicated to co-creating actionable strategies for a resilient, low-carbon future in the coal sector underscored The seminar had a structured agenda that included an introductory session, Thematic session I: Repurposing of closed mines and diversification of the local economy, Thematic session II: Balancing Economic Competitiveness and Environmental Sustainability: Green Transition for Coal Dependent MSMe’s, Thematic session III: Reskilling and Upskilling for Green Jobs – Opportunities as the Coal Sector Transitions to a Low-Carbon Economy and Plenary session: Charting a Sustainable Path: Co-Creating Action for a Low-Carbon, Resilient Future in the coal sector.