Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
CGC Landran organizes international conference on emerging trends in Green Energy and Environmental Sustainability
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, September 28, 2024: The Department of Biotechnology, Chandigarh College of Technology (CCT), CGC Landran, successfully organized a two-day DST SERB sponsored International Conference on Emerging Trends in Green Energy and Environmental Sustainability, in campus, at CGC.
The event brought together over 500 researchers, academics, and industry experts to discuss innovative strategies for encouraging sustainability in energy and the environment, paving the way for future innovations focused on conserving the environment for a greener planet and better lives.
The release of conference proceedings in the form of an abstract book was another highlight of this two day event.
The conference commenced with a welcome address by Dr. P. N. Hrisheekesha, Campus Director, CGC Landran, followed by Dr. Ruchi Singla, Director, Research and Innovation, CGC Landran, and Dr. Palki Sahib Kaur, Director-Principal, CCT, CGC Landran. After the traditional lamp lighting ceremony, the Chief Guest, Dr. Dapinder Bakshi, Joint Director, PSCST, Chandigarh, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the urgent need for state-level action plans to combat climate change. The impact of climate change is undeniable, and students must be the ambassadors of environmental sustainability, Dr. Bakshi said.
She also touched upon issues including e-waste, plastic menace and increasing space debris urging everyone to explore and come up with end-to-end solutions to tackle the same. Guest of Honour Ms. Ravneet Kaur Sidhu, Director, FDA, Punjab, highlighted the importance of adopting sustainable practices at the household level, while Mr. Ramit Gupta, Director, Spray Engineering Devices Ltd., discussed the application of agricultural engineering in sustainable farming.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Balbir Singh Kaith from NIT, Jalandhar, who spoke on the significance of sustainable agricultural practices, organic farming, and the use of eco-friendly super absorbents.
This was followed by Dr. Yashveer Singh from IIT-Ropar, who presented on the role of biomaterials in wound healing and tissue regeneration. Day one concluded with a talk by Dr. Jayeeta Bhaumik from CIAB, Mohali, who discussed Agri-Biomass Lignin-Based Green and Sustainable Technologies, and Dr. Vijay K. Bharti from DRDO, Leh-Ladakh, who addressed Water Quality Challenges in the Himalayan Region.
The second day featured technical sessions led by prominent speakers. Dr. Taraka Ramji Moturu, CEO and Co-founder of Peelon USA, kicked off the day by discussing the impact of biodegradable packaging.
His presentation underscored the importance of transitioning to eco-friendly packaging solutions to reduce plastic waste globally. Dr. Kaushik Ghosh from INST, Mohali, followed with a session on Porous Carbon Templates, exploring advancements in material science and energy storage technologies.
Dr. G.N. Nikhil from NIT, Jalandhar, presented on Anaerobic Biorefinery for Food Waste Valorisation, showcasing the potential for transforming food waste into valuable resources.
The concluding session was delivered by Dr. Amit Bhattacharya, Technical Head at Arxada, UK, who focused on green and sustainable chemistries.
The event also featured special guests Mr. Ayush Garg, Founder and CEO of Future Ecoventures LLP, and Mr. Dharminder, Founder of Kudrat Organic Farms, who motivated young minds to embrace green energy solutions like vermi-composting and pond rejuvenation.
This two day event also witnessed young researchers and scholars showcasing their work through poster presentations and project displays. The valedictory ceremony recognized their outstanding contributions with cash prizes awarded in several categories. In the Project Display, Anshika, Janvi, and Manvi secured first prize, followed by Tanvi and Kanishika in second place, and Virpal, Tanu, and Shivani Saini in third. In the Poster Presentation, Neha Thakur claimed first place, with Pritam Hait and Akhilesh taking second and third, respectively. For Oral Presentations, Ms. Rajdeep Kaur won first prize, followed by Indu Bala in second place, and Dr. Shivani in third.