Prof J.K. Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University and others at the Symposium.
LUMAMI, MARCH 20 (MExN): The Department of Environmental Science at Nagaland University organized a one-day symposium on “Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Environmental Science for a Sustainable Future” on March 18. The event, which aimed to inspire students and professionals to explore sustainable business opportunities and innovative solutions for environmental challenges, was held at the university's campus.
The symposium was inaugurated in the presence of key dignitaries, including Prof J.K. Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University; Registrar Dr Abemo; Dean of Sciences Prof M.S. Rawat; Dean of the School of Social Sciences Prof M.K. Sinha; and Dr Kevezai Tureng, Director of the Career Development Centre (CDC). In his welcome address, Prof Ashutosh Tripathi, Head of the Department of Environmental Science, encouraged the participants to use the symposium as an opportunity to collaborate, learn, and share innovative ideas for potential entrepreneurial ventures.
Prof J.K. Patnaik, the chief guest, delivered the inaugural speech, highlighting the importance of fostering innovation and its potential benefits for students. He also emphasized Nagaland's rich natural resources and encouraged students to explore eco-friendly entrepreneurship, particularly through local sustainable products.
The first technical session of the symposium was chaired by Prof Ambrish Singh, Department of Chemistry, and moderated by Dr Eliza Khwairakpam. The session featured talks by Dr Dhrubajyoti Bordoloi (Coordinator of the Entrepreneurship Development Centre at Nagaland University), Dr Akumtoshi Longkumer (Founder of Sutsung Enterprise, Nagaland), and Peihauding Zeliang (Founder of Ngurie Organic, Nagaland).
Dr Bordoloi discussed the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, key business steps, and startup opportunities in Northeast India. Dr Longkumer shared his experience in green entrepreneurship, focusing on the growing demand for eco-friendly products and sustainable business models. Zeliang spoke about transforming a college project into a successful organic business and provided insights on funding opportunities for young entrepreneurs. In his concluding remarks, Prof Singh encouraged students to develop eco-friendly products, especially those using local handmade materials with cultural and economic value.
The second session was chaired by Prof C.R. Deb, Director of IQAC, and moderated by Dr Pranjal Bharali. Speakers in this session included Bendangwala Walling (Founder of E-Circle, Nagaland), Ms. Garima Capoor Nanda (Co-Founder of Plantables, Agra), and Himanshu Tyagi (Water Resources Specialist at INRM Consultants).
Walling shared her experience in establishing Nagaland’s first authorized e-waste collection and management service, highlighting the challenges of logistics and the need for perseverance in the green business sector. Nanda discussed the growth of her eco-friendly wedding card startup, which produces plantable seed paper products. Tyagi addressed the role of entrepreneurship in water resource management, emphasizing technology-driven solutions for sustainable water conservation.
During the valedictory session, Prof M.S. Rawat, Dean of Sciences, Nagaland University expressed his gratitude to the participants and organizers. Dr Ashutosh Tripathi, Department of Environmental Science proposed the vote of thanks.
