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In a remarkable display of commitment towards environmental sustainability, the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering successfully organised the ESE 2024 event. The primary objective of this event was to create awareness and encourage innovative solutions for addressing environmental challenges.

More than 150 enthusiastic undergraduate students from Gujarat, West Bengal, Uttarakhand, Odisha and Tamil Nadu participated in the event. Their active involvement exemplified the youth’s growing interest and concern for environmental issues.

After a highly competitive and captivating competition, the winners were finally announced. The first prize was awarded to Andhra Loyola College, the second prize went to Natubhai V. Patel College of Pure Applied Sciences, and the third prize was claimed by Government Autonomous College, Rourkela.

The winners were not only recognised for their outstanding performances but also received substantial cash prizes. The first-place winner was awarded a cash prize of INR 30,000/-, the second-place winner received INR 20,000/-, and the third-place winner was granted INR 10,000/-.

Additionally, consolation prizes of INR 5,000/- each were distributed to students securing positions from 4th to 10th. Recipients included students from Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Doon Business School, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Central University of Tamil Nadu, Sri Durga Malleswara Siddhartha Mahila Kalasala, Nehru Arts and Science College, and SRR & CVR Govt. Degree College.

The ESE 2024 event served as a platform for young minds to showcase their talents and exchange ideas, engage in meaningful discussions, and collaborate on initiatives aimed at promoting environmental sustainability. The exhibition featured a diverse range of projects spanning areas such as renewable energy, waste management, conservation efforts, and sustainable agriculture, among others.

In a world of fast-escalating environmental challenges, the idea of sustainability comes as a ray of hope for a safe and sound future. The present scenario calls for the kind of development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the future. In this regard, the Department of Chemistry at SRM University-AP organised a colloquium, that aimed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the concepts of Green Chemistry.

Dr Ram Mohan, an expert in the field of Green Chemistry and a renowned academician at the Department of Chemistry, Illinois Wesleyan University, delivered a lecture on the topic “Better Living Through Green Chemistry: An Introduction to Toxic Molecules”. Dr Mohan spoke elaborately on the grave dangers of toxic molecules and their adverse effects on the environment and human health. He raised awareness about the critical role of green chemistry in reducing the usage of such harmful molecules and replacing them with environmentally safe alternatives.

Dr Mohan also conducted workshops on “Better Living Through Green Chemistry”, as a continuation of his lecture. During the workshop, he quoted several case studies that showcased the benefits of using environmentally safe processes and chemicals in industry. These case studies demonstrated how the practice of green chemistry can lead to the development of numerous Eco-friendly processes and chemicals that have greatly improved human life and reduced environmental impact.

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Dr Debajyoti Kundu and Dr Deblina Dutta, Assistant Professors, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, have conducted seminal research on Ionic Liquids (ILs) in their paper “Advances in ionic liquids: Synthesis, environmental remediation and reusability” published in the Q1 journal, Journal of Molecular Liquids with an impact factor of 6. In the research article, the faculty duo have delved into the unique properties of ionic liquids, focusing on their role in environmental cleanup and showcasing their ability to combat pollutants. Various methods to recycle and reuse ILs, develop eco-friendly ILs, and scale up their application for effective environmental remediation have also been extensively explored.

Abstract

Ionic liquids (ILs) are next-generation solvents synthesised by organic salts, possessing negligible vapour pressure and low flammability. They possess high thermal and electrochemical stability, can be reused for multiple cycles, and their properties can be tuned according to the components used in their synthesis. Hence, ILs are considered to be potential alternatives for conventional organic solvents for numerous applications such as environmental remediation, nanoparticle synthesis, catalysts in various chemical reactions, solvents for the extraction of biomolecules from recalcitrant lignocellulosic biomass, etc. In this review article, the holistic approach of ILs, starting from various techniques adopted for their synthesis along with its critical review, is discussed, followed by a detailed discussion of the mechanism involved in the remediation of environmental pollutants using ILs. Further, in-depth documentation of various environmental pollutants remediated using ILs has been done to date. One of the major drawbacks of solvent application is the reusability factor, and hence, in this review article, techniques adopted to recycle/reuse ILs have been discussed. Further, the adverse effects of using ILs for environmental remediation have been comprehensively discussed to present a holistic view. Future studies should focus on synthesising environment-friendly ILs and their field-scale applications for environmental remediation.

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Practical implementation/social implications of the research

Their research on Ionic Liquids (ILs) presents a transformative approach to environmental challenges. By applying ILs on a larger scale for cleaning polluted air and water, promoting recycling and reusability, and developing eco-friendly ILs, the work has direct implications for industries and communities. The adoption of IL-based technologies contributes to efficient environmental cleanup and aligns with the growing societal demand for sustainable practices. Successful field-scale applications and public awareness initiatives can lead to a cleaner and healthier environment, demonstrating the tangible benefits of incorporating ILs into real-world solutions and fostering a more responsible and eco-conscious society.

Collaborations:-

  • National Institute of Technology Rourkela
  • ICAR-National Research Centre on Litchi
  • National Institute of Technology Durgapur
  • CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute
  • Nguyen Tat Thanh University

Dr Kundu and Dr Dutta remarks that their future research in the realm of Ionic Liquids (ILs) will prioritise the development of environmentally sustainable synthesis methods, rigorous assessments of biodegradability and toxicity, and integrating ILs into industrial processes. Scaling up studies to evaluate their effectiveness in large-scale environmental remediation, investigating public perceptions, and fostering multidisciplinary collaborations with experts from diverse fields will be crucial for the responsible adoption of IL-based technologies. Additionally, focusing on life cycle assessments, exploration of novel applications, policy recommendations, and educational outreach can collectively contribute to advancing the understanding and practical implementation of ILs, ensuring a holistic and impactful approach to their environmental applications.

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Success Mantra for Managers

Paari School of Business, the management precinct of SRM University-AP, hosted a dynamic panel discussion titled “Success Mantras for Managers” with experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts. The four-member panel consisted of industry stalwarts from various fields of management and the keynote speaker, Mr Mukesh Jain, who is the CTO, VP & Global Head of People Analytics.

During the event, Prof. Bharadhwaj Sivakumaran, the Dean of the Paari School of Business, explained the purpose and significance of the event. He highlighted that the panelists had gained practical experience by failing and bouncing back, as well as observing and learning from people throughout their careers, and could provide insights on what it takes to succeed in the corporate world. Mr Mukesh Jain, the keynote speaker, shared his wisdom and motivation during the event. He stated, “the key skill one needs to possess as an entrepreneur is to have a good understanding of how things work”.

The panel discussion that followed Mr Jain’s speech was moderated by Mr Sidharth Shankar Tripathy, a Harvard alumnus and the present Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at SRM University-AP. The discussion was insightful and inspiring as Mr Tripathy posed thought-provoking questions to the panel members.

Mr Tripathy started the discussion with a stimulating idea, stating that a mantra is a successful formula that has the power to transform. He questioned the panel members about the criticality of the idea of corporate athleticism and received an astounding response from Mr Nayanjyoti Goswami, Managing Director, Finance Operations & Strategy, State Street, who stated that it is often less about degrees and more about one’s attitude to work.

Mr Satish Rajarathnam, Head of People & Administration, RCG Global Services emphasised the need for collaboration and networking as a leader. He also highlighted the importance of functional knowledge, communication, networking and marketing skills. Ms Jyothsana Kuchimanchi, Senior Director- United Health Group, explained that change is an integral part of a manager’s life, and a manager should always be ready to adapt and upskill oneself to cope with changes.

Mr Anandan Jayaraman, COO FCC, Society Generale Global Solution Centre discussed the need for a manager to empathise with the customer and team members by putting himself in their shoes. The dynamic members of the panel cited the importance of self-learning and self-training, which can motivate team members, suggesting that a leader is a reader and should always update and upskill himself.

The panel discussion was an absolute game-changer. The insights shared by the speakers were incredibly valuable and contributed to the student’s understanding of what it takes to be a successful manager.

Success Mantras for Managers

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