A One Day State Level Seminar on “Role of Biotechnology in Sustainable Development” was organized by the Department of Biotechnology in association with, Biotechnology Association and Environment Analysis and Conservation team at Pillai College of Arts, Commerce and Science (PCACS), New Panvel, on 20th February, 2017 (Monday). Two hundred participants comprising students and faculty members from different colleges including PCACS participated in the seminar.
The distinguished guests formally inaugurated the event at 9.30 a.m. by lighting the lamp. Dr. R.I.K. Moorthy, Principal of Pillai College of Engineering welcomed the gathering. Opening remarks were given by Prof. Gopakumar Pillai, Convener of the Seminar. Chief Guest, Dr. Siddhivinayak Barve, Director – Scientific Research Centre, KET’S V.G. Vaze College, Mulund delivered the keynote address on “Sustainable Development Biotechnology”. In his converse, the explained the current environmental issues that the world is facing and how Biotechnology can help solving these issues directing the nation towards Sustainable Development’. His lecture was very interesting, informative and motivating. The technical session on sustainable energy and agriculture started at 11.15 a.m. by Dr. Sandeep Joshi, Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, PCE, New Panvel. He delivered the lecture on “Biofuel – Alternate Engine fuel”. He described the potential of biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel as an alternative fuel which can address issues of greenhouse gases, emissions and help in climate change mitigation. The second speaker of the session Dr. Seema Mishra, Director – SIES Indian Institute of Environment Management, Nerul gave the lecture on “Biotechnology in Sustainable Agriculture”. In her talk, she discussed on the development of various biofertilizers and soil fertility improvement strategies to develop effective agriculture. The technical session on Bioenergy and Biodiversity began at 2.15 p.m. following lunch. The session commenced with the lecture of Dr. Shubhalaxmi Vaylure, Founder and CEO, Ladybird Environmental Consultancy LLP, Kharghar. She gave a lecture on “Mobile Applications for recording Urban Biodiversity”. The lecture covered the issues related to usage of the iNaturewatch Mobile apps for climate change studies, engaging students outdoors for environmental studies, and the potential of students as citizen scientists in urban settings. The second speaker for session on Bioenergy was Dr. Annamma Anil Odaneth, Assistant Professor of biochemistry form DBT-ICT Centre for Energy Biosciences, ICT, Matunga. Her lecture was on “Bioenergy production on sustainable development”. She discussed on biomass resources for bioenergy generation and the technologies used for the same, logistics of biomass collection and storage, its impact on biomass resources, economic development and overall dynamics.
The Valedictory session was held at 4.30 p.m. where, Dr. P. S. Goyal, Dean – R & D, PCE gave the concluding remarks emphasizing on the potential of Biotechnology in developing an effective healthcare. The seminar ended with distribution of certificates by Dr. Annamma and Dr. P. S. Goyal followed by Vote of thanks by the Convener, Prof. Gopakumar Pillai.
The students and faculty members were very interactive throughout the lectures. The seminar received a good feedback form the audience. Overall, the seminar was very encouraging and was well appreciated by the guests, students and faculty members.
