Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 19: School of Engineering, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru organised a 2-day national seminar in Konkani On ‘Integrated Approaches to Energy, Sustainability & Climate Change’ on September 17–18, in the LCRI Hall of the university. The seminar is supported by All India Council for Technical Education under AICTE- VAANI (Vibrant Advocacy for Advancement and Nurturing of Indian Languages).
It is the only one seminar supported by AICTE in Konkani Language in the entire state.
Dr Kasturi Mohan Pai, former professor of Medicine and secretary of Vishwa Konkani Kendra, Mangaluru was the chief guest. Fr Prashanth Madtha, director of Konkani Institute of SADU and Walter Nandalike, founder & MD, Daijiworld Media, were the guests of honour. Dr Praveen Martis SJ, vice chancellor of the university presided over the programme. Dr Ruban S, dean and Dr Glenson Toney, assistant dean, Dr Geetha M Pinto, associate dean & coordinator of the seminar and Dr Praveen Prakash D’Souza, assistant professor & co-coordinator of the seminar were on the dais.
Dr Kasturi Mohan Pai in his address spoke on the environmental issues and its sustainability. He also spoke on the present scenario of the climate change and its impact on the human beings. He inspired the participants to undertake innovative research and develop sustainable solutions for energy and environmental challenges.
Fr Prashanth Madtha spoke about the importance of the Konkani language in science education and emphasized the need to use the language correctly, with proper attention to the meaning and significance of each word.
Walter Nandalike in his address spoke on the importance of organising seminars in the local languages to understand the theme of the seminar in a better way.
Dr Praveen Martis, SJ in his address encouraged the participants to take up initiatives regarding sustainable energy technologies, climate change issues, and environmental conservation practices.
There were 8 technical sessions by the distinguished experts viz, Dr Amit Ashok Vernekar, senior scientist, Inorganic and Physical Chemistry Laboratory, CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute, Chennai. He spoke on the theme ‘Hydrogen Energy: Sustainable Catalysts for Hydrogen Production from Chemical Storage Systems’; Dr Vinod T Kamath, assistant professor (Senior Scale), Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal spoke on the theme ‘Future Energy for the Green World’; Dr Namratha Pai K, assistant professor (Senior Scale), department of Dietetics and Applied Nutrition Welcom group Graduate School of Hotel Administration, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal spoke on the topic ‘Powering a Sustainable Future: Integrated Approaches to Energy, Environment and Climate Change’; Dr Arun M Isloor, professor department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology, Surathkal, Karnataka spoke on the theme ‘Climate Change and Sustainable Living’; Dr Ronald Nazareth, registrar of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru spoke on the theme ‘Innovations in Clean Energy for Sustainable Development’; Dr Nagaraj Kamath, assistant professor (Senior Scale), Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal spoke on the topic ‘An Indigenous Adaption of the Japanese 5S Philosophy into the Konkani (5SK) for Sustainable Engineering Education and Industry’; Dr Geetha M Pinto, associate dean, School of Engineering, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru spoke on the theme ‘Solid Waste Management: Risks and Challenges’ and Dr Antony Prakash Monteiro, principal and professor, department of Physics, St Philomena College (Autonomous), Puttur spoke on the topic ‘Climate Change: Our Rational and Moral Responsibility’.
During the seminar, there were research paper presentation competitions and the participants presented research papers related to the climate change and its impacts including sustainable energy conservations.
Roshan Crasta compered the program. Dr Geetha M Pinto, welcomed the gathering. Dr Praveen Prakash D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks.
The valedictory ceremony was held on September 18. Fr Antony Serrao, principal, Milagres College, Mangaluru was the chief guest. Dr Antony Prakash Monteiro, principal and professor, department of Physics, St Philomena College (Autonomous), Puttur, was the guest of honour. Fr Melwyn D’Cunha was the president.