An environment conference that set many precedents

In an unprecedented effort, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies (MRIIRS), Shiksha Sanskriti Uthaan Nyaas (SSUN), and Dakshina Foundation brought together more than 5000 scientists, environmentalists, biologists, economists, researchers, students, NGOs, RWAs and practitioners to discuss the challenges and solutions to global environmental concerns in a three-day-long International Conference.
Conferences often have policymakers discuss and deliberate upon issues. However, this one was no less than an aggregator that brought together environment crusaders from all walks of life to share and showcase time-tested best practices that can be implemented for a larger good.
Through technical sessions on seven themes and 32 sub-themes and a careful analysis of the 100+ research papers that were received for the conference, it was concluded that today’s environmental challenges do not have one single solution but necessitate concerted multi-pronged efforts. As pointed out by Sh. Manohar Lal Khattar, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Haryana who presided over a special session of the conference: “Using our resources judiciously to conserve them for future generations is the need of the hour and we need to work towards the solutions rather than the problems”. Mentioning some of the initiatives of the Haryana Government, he reiterated, “There is a need to start public participation programs which involve common people at large scale. We need to understand that both environment and development are intertwined and should be sustainable.”
In picture: CM Manohar Lal is highly hopeful of the Pariyayantra Air Pollution Mitigation device developed by Manav Rachna
This was also the ideal platform to acknowledge the works of nine stalwarts, who in their domains have made an immense contribution to the environment. The Chief Minister bestowed ‘Manav Rachna Paryavaran Pragyan Samman’ upon Sh. Narendra Aggarwal, CMD, Shivalik Prints as the Eco-Champion of the Planet; Sh. Pramjit Sanghavi, CMD, Varahi Ltd with the Environment Resilience Award; Sh. M C Mehta, Public Interest Attorney (Public Involvement, Edu. & Env. Issues); Sh. Rajender Singh, Waterman of India with Excellence in Env. Conservation & Protection; Sh. Jadav Molai Payeng, Forest Man of India as the Green Person of the Year; Pariyayantra as the Young Innovator of the Year; Ms Ajeya Deep, Project Director, Action India with the Young Achiever Award; Indian Oil Corporation’s R&D centre Faridabad with Dr O P Bhalla Excellence Award; and Bharat Vikas Parishad with Manav Rachna Vishesh Samman.
With many innovative firsts to its credit; the conference beautifully roped in people cutting across age groups, professions and backgrounds.
In picture: India's Forest Man Jadav Molai Payeng was among the nine awardees of the Manav Rachna Paryavaran Pragyan Samman
YOUTH JALSA ignited the innovative minds!
An idea pitching competition was organized for students where they had to come up with startup ideas to work towards the cause of protecting the environment. Awards worth Rs. 15 lakhs were given during Youth Jalsa. Six promising start-up ideas have been provided with incubation opportunities at Manav Rachna Innovation and Incubation Center for prototype development grant up to Rs. 2.5 lakhs (each project) in association with the Department of Science and Technology, India. These include - Farmbook Solutions Private Ltd (a start-up which delivers the produce directly from the farmer to the buyer); ParkIn (mobile app & beacon for hassle-free parking experience); Lee Koff (a bio-sensor to check chemical pollutants in air); Smart Tee (Smart Traffic Engagement for emergency vehicles); Attaware Biodegradable Pvt. Ltd (bio-degradable solutions for six complex problems); and Nanomaterial based portable water treatment system ( a cost-effective Biocompatible polymer-metal nanocomposite based portable water treatment system for rural communities). The top three projects at the project demonstration were awarded cash prizes.
In picture: Exhibition of eco-friendly products enthrals audience
Exhibition on ‘Panch Mahabhootaas’ in a mini Surajkund Mela set-up:
The exhibition had the works of organizations, individuals and artisans working on the five elements at the grass-root level. From miniature paintings made from waste material to hand-woven fabrics; from artefacts made from waste to sustainable solutions; the exhibition presented some very simple yet unique initiatives that can be adopted in our day-to-day life.
Environment Parliament gets school students thinking!
The first-of-its-kind ‘Environment Parliament’ witnessed school students from various private and government schools of Delhi-NCR emulating the roles of various stakeholders such as educationists, environmentalists, policymakers, industrialists, rag pickers, social workers, common man, among others to arrive at solutions to protect the environment.
In picture: Winner of Best Project Demonstration
100+ schools of Delhi NCR submitted entries (paintings, posters or models) on the theme of the environment which were judged by an eminent panel.
Women Jalsa
The third day of the conference belonged to women who have impacted many lives and are working at the grass-root level on the theme of the ‘Panch Mahabhootaas’. From housewives to NGO representatives, women-led panel discussions and environment exhibits strengthened the core of the conference. Five women entrepreneurs were felicitated for their exemplary contribution to the environment.
In picture: Five Women Achievers were acknowledged for their contribution to the environment
The event also saw the esteemed presence of Shri G C Pati, Chairman, CGWB, GoI; Dr Pankaj Mittal, Secretary-General, AIU; Transport Minister Sh. Moolchand Sharma; Dr G V R Reddy, Scientist, DST, GoI; Dr SSV Ramakumar, Director IOCL, R&D, Faridabad; Dr S K Varshney, Advisor, DST, GoI; Dr Prashant Bhalla, President, Manav Rachna Educational Institutions (MREI); Shri Atul Kothari, National Secretary, SSUN; Shri Gopal Arya, National Coordinator of Environment Activity, RSS; Shri Sanjay Swami, Environment Education, SSUN; Dr Amit Bhalla, Vice President, MREI; Mr Sanjay Kapoor, Business Advisor, India Accelerator; Mr Arjun Sinha Roy, Aspire Labs; Mr Abhinav Ramaria, Programme Manager, Aspire Labs; Mr Deepak Sharma, India Accelerator; Mr Suneel Wattal, Joint Chief Information Technology Officer, Dept. of IT, Haryana; Mr Shailender Vyas, Founder Bio Heaven and Member FII; Smt Upasna Aggarwal, Founder & Director, Dakshina Foundation; Ms Rekha Modi, Stree Shakti; and several other eminent industry leaders and dignitaries.
Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of Manav Rachna by Times Internet's Spotlight team.