Introduction
Sri Manakula Vinayagar Engineering College (SMVEC), Puducherry, successfully organized the IGEN Green Sustainability Academic Partner Program, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the institution’s commitment towards sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event brought together eminent academicians, industry leaders, environmental experts, faculty members, and students to promote sustainability-driven education and innovation.
Opening of the SDG Booth
The programme commenced with the inauguration of the SDG Booth at the Engineering Block. The booth showcased various initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and highlighted innovative green technologies, sustainability projects, and awareness activities undertaken by the institution. Students and faculty actively explored the exhibits, reinforcing their understanding of sustainable practices.
March Past by Students
The programme featured a disciplined and spirited March Past by the students, symbolizing unity, teamwork, and commitment towards the ideals of sustainability. Displaying remarkable coordination and enthusiasm, the participants marched with pride, reflecting the institution’s values of discipline, leadership, and collective responsibility. The march set an inspiring tone for the event and showcased the students’ dedication to supporting the vision of the IGEN Green Sustainability Academic Partner Program.
Invocation
The programme commenced with the Tamil Thai Vazhthu, invoking respect and pride for the Tamil language and culture. This was followed by the SMVEC Anthem, which echoed the institution’s vision, values, and commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and social responsibility. The invocation created a solemn and inspiring atmosphere, setting the tone for a meaningful event dedicated to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Lighting of the Lamp
The traditional Lighting of the Lamp marked the formal inauguration of the programme. The dignitaries ceremonially lit the lamp, symbolizing the triumph of knowledge over ignorance and the beginning of a collective journey towards sustainable development. The ceremony reflected the institution’s commitment to nurturing wisdom, environmental responsibility, and a brighter future through education and innovation.
Welcome Address
The Welcome Address was delivered by Dr. A. A. Arivalagar, Dean (Academic), who warmly welcomed the dignitaries, Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, IGEN officials, faculty members, staff, and students. In his address, he highlighted the significance of the IGEN Green Sustainability Academic Partner Program as a major step towards strengthening the institution’s commitment to environmental sustainability and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He also shared the college’s various green initiatives, including sustainability-focused courses, student projects, patents, internships, and participation in the IGEN Walkathon, reaffirming SMVEC’s dedication to nurturing socially responsible and environmentally conscious engineers.
Honouring the Dignitaries
As a mark of respect and appreciation, the college management felicitated the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, and distinguished speakers for their valuable contributions to sustainable development, green engineering, and higher education. The ceremony recognized their dedication to promoting environmental sustainability and inspiring future engineers to contribute towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Official Inauguration of the (IGEN) Academic Partner Program
One of the major highlights of the event was the official inauguration of the Institution of Green Engineers (IGEN) Green Sustainability Academic Partner Program at SMVEC. During the ceremony, the institution was officially recognized as an IGEN Green Sustainability Academic Partner, and the Green Partner Certificate was formally presented. This recognition signifies the college’s commitment to integrating sustainability principles into academic activities, research, innovation, and community engagement.
Presidential Address
The Presidential Address was delivered by Dr. S. Jayakumar, Controller of Examinations, who highlighted the importance of sustainable engineering in addressing global environmental challenges. He emphasized that the inauguration of the IGEN Chapter reflects the institution’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and encouraged students to become environmentally responsible engineers by integrating sustainability into innovation, research, and engineering practices. He concluded by urging everyone to work together towards building a greener and more sustainable future.
Guest of Honour Address
The Guest of Honour Address was delivered by Dr. L. Ramesh, President, The Institution of Green Engineers (IGEN), who congratulated Sri Manakula Vinayagar Engineering College on becoming an IGEN Green Sustainability Academic Partner and appreciated the institution’s remarkable commitment to sustainability initiatives even before the official inauguration. He highlighted the importance of student and faculty participation in SDG-focused projects, internships, community outreach, and green engineering activities, encouraging everyone to actively contribute towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He also explained the various opportunities offered through IGEN, including SDG Warrior and Ambassador Initiatives, sustainability projects, awards, and certifications, inspiring students to become responsible engineers and future leaders in sustainable development.
Chief Guest Address
The Chief Guest Address was delivered by Dr. P. S. Kumar, Group CEO & Executive Director, Prithivi Grow Care Pvt. Ltd., and Former Senior Vice President, Butterfly, who emphasized that sustainability is no longer an option but a necessity for future engineers. He encouraged students to develop innovative, industry-oriented solutions that address real-world environmental challenges and highlighted the growing career opportunities in sustainable engineering. Using plastic waste management as an example, he explained that responsible production, consumption, and recycling are key to achieving sustainability, while urging students to apply emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, computer vision, and automation to solve environmental problems. He concluded by inspiring students to become skilled professionals who contribute to a greener and more sustainable future through engineering innovation.
Pinning Ceremony of IGEN SDG Warriors
A special Pinning Ceremony was conducted to recognize individuals who will lead sustainability initiatives within the institution. The Dean, Heads of Departments, and seventeen faculty members were officially designated as IGEN SDG Warriors by presenting them with commemorative SDG pins. The ceremony symbolized their commitment to championing sustainable development and promoting environmental awareness across academic and community activities.
IGEN Awards and Recognition Ceremony
The programme continued with the IGEN Awards and Recognition Ceremony, celebrating excellence in innovation and environmental responsibility. Patent Award recipients for their innovative research contributions. The ceremony appreciated the efforts of students and faculty who have significantly contributed to sustainability-focused initiatives.
IGEN SDG Conclave
Address by Dr. J. Balamurugan
Dr. J. Balamurugan, Vice President, IGEN & Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE), TANGEDCO, emphasized the importance of integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into engineering education and everyday life. He encouraged students to actively participate in sustainability initiatives, renewable energy projects, and community outreach programmes, highlighting that engineers play a crucial role in creating practical solutions for environmental challenges.
Address by Dr. Suresh Seetharaman
Dr. Suresh Seetharaman, Director, IGEN & CEO, Success Sailor, motivated students to embrace innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship for sustainable development. He stressed the need to transform ideas into impactful solutions through research, green technologies, and industry collaboration, inspiring students to become socially responsible professionals committed to building a greener and more sustainable future.
Vote of Thanks
The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Dr. K. Hemalatha, Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, who expressed her sincere gratitude to the management, dignitaries, speakers, faculty members, organizing committee, volunteers, and students for their valuable support in making the IGEN Green Sustainability Academic Partner Program a grand success. She concluded by encouraging everyone to continue working towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
National Anthem
The programme concluded with the National Anthem, sung in unison by all the dignitaries, faculty members, students, and participants. The rendition instilled a deep sense of patriotism, unity, and national pride, bringing the IGEN Green Sustainability Academic Partner Program to a dignified and memorable close.
