SHRI SHIVAJI SCIENCE COLLEGE, AMRAVATI
DBT STAR COLLEGE PROJECT ACTIVITY
ACTIVITY REPORT
Webinar on “Green economy and hybrid control technology to achieve sustainable development
Activity Dates: 27th & 28th March 2025
Type of Activity: Outreach Activity
Organizing Department: Department of Environmental Science
Program Coordinators: Mr. V. D. Bute
Head of the Department: Dr. S. P. Ingole
External Collaborator (if any): Matoshree Vimlabai Deshmukh Mahavidhyalaya, Amrvati and Besto Solution and Technologies Pvt. Ltd. Pune
Objectives:
- 1. To introduce the concept of green economy and its significance in addressing environmental and economic challenges.
- 2. To explore hybrid control technologies and their applications in energy, industry, and environmental management.
- 3. To understand the interconnection between green technologies and sustainable development goals (SDGs).
- 4. To highlight recent advancements in renewable energy, smart systems, and eco-friendly industrial practices.
- 5. To encourage interdisciplinary learning and promote innovation in eco-technological solutions.
No of Beneficieries: 42
Classes Involved: Teaching Staff of College
Venue of the Activity: Matoshree Vimlabai Deshmukh Mahavidhyalaya, Amrvati
Activity Report:
Introduction
The Department of Environmental Science of Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati, and Matoshree Vimlabai Deshmukh Mahavidyalaya, Amravati, jointly organized a two-day national webinar titled “Green Economy and Hybrid Control Technology to Achieve Sustainable Development” on 27th and 28th April 2025. The event was conducted in collaboration with Besteco Solutions and Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Pune, under the sponsorship of the DBT STAR Project Scheme, an initiative of the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India.
This two-day academic event provided an opportunity for undergraduate and postgraduate students, research scholars, and faculty members to explore the integration of green economy principles with hybrid control technologies as practical solutions for achieving sustainable development. The webinar featured expert talks, interactive sessions, simulations, and demonstrations from professionals in the fields of green technologies and sustainable innovation.
Inaugural Session
The webinar commenced at 11:00 AM on 27th April 2025 with an inaugural ceremony that brought together faculty members, guests, and participants on a common virtual platform. The inaugural session began with a warm welcome address by Dr. K. J. Gawai, Asso. Prof., Department of Environmental Science, Shri Shivaji Science College. He emphasized the growing importance of sustainable development and the need to foster green thinking among students and educators alike.
The Principal of Matoshree Vimlabai Deshmukh Mahavidyalaya, Amravati, Dr. Smita Deshmukh, delivered the opening remarks, commending the collaborative initiative and highlighting how such academic-industry linkages are essential for addressing environmental challenges. He appreciated the efforts of both organizing colleges and the support provided by Besteco Solutions and Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
Dr. D. R. Bambole, IQAC Coordinator, Matoshree Vimlabai Deshmukh Mahavidyalaya, also addressed the gathering, stressing the transformative power of technology in the context of sustainable environmental management. He encouraged the students to take advantage of the expertise being shared and to actively engage in discussions.
Technical Session I: “Future of Green Economy & Circular Thinking”
Speaker: Dr. Ashish Polkade
Following the inaugural session, the first technical talk was delivered by Dr. Ashish Polkade, a subject expert in sustainable development and circular economy models. His session was titled “Future of Green Economy & Circular Thinking”, and it explored the emerging trends and strategies of transitioning towards a greener global economy.
Dr. Polkade began by outlining the core principles of a green economy and how circular thinking plays a vital role in reducing waste, conserving resources, and enhancing economic resilience. He highlighted real-world examples from countries that have successfully implemented circular economy models in industries like manufacturing, energy, and urban development.
The speaker delved into policy shifts, international collaborations, and green finance as key enablers for this transition. His presentation sparked much interest among participants, many of whom engaged during the Q&A session with questions about career prospects, entrepreneurship in green sectors, and the application of circular economy principles at a grassroots level.
Technical Session II: “Mindset for Sustainable Change”
Speaker: Mr. Suraj Bhagat
The second technical session, held later in the afternoon, was presented by Mr. Suraj Bhagat, an environmental strategist and sustainability coach. His talk, titled “Mindset for Sustainable Change”, focused on the psychological and behavioral shifts required to implement sustainable practices effectively in personal, academic, and professional domains.
Mr. Bhagat explained how the success of green policies and technologies heavily relies on human behavior. Through case studies and interactive examples, he emphasized how education, community involvement, and ethical leadership can drive long-term environmental responsibility. He also shared tips for cultivating eco-friendly habits and creating a culture of sustainability within educational institutions.
His engaging delivery and motivational insights were well-received, especially by the student participants who related his ideas to everyday choices and campus life. The session concluded with a lively interaction, where participants reflected on their environmental values and shared their own green initiatives.
Refreshment Break and Activity Session
Following a short refreshment break, participants reassembled for a unique and interactive segment of the program—the “Zero Waste Campus Simulation” activity. This session was again led by Dr. Ashish Polkade, who designed the activity to help participants understand the complexities of managing campus-level waste through simulation-based learning.
Participants were grouped virtually and presented with hypothetical campus scenarios involving waste generation, segregation, composting, and recycling. They were tasked with proposing a zero-waste management plan using green technologies and behavioral strategies. The simulation was conducted using digital whiteboards and breakout rooms for discussions.
Dr. Polkade offered feedback and guidance throughout the session, pointing out best practices and common pitfalls. The simulation gave students a first-hand look into decision-making, planning, and team collaboration in the context of sustainability.
Hands-On Demonstration
By: Mr. Suraj Bhagat
Immediately after the simulation, a hands-on demonstration session was conducted by Mr. Suraj Bhagat, who showcased real-world applications of hybrid control systems in environmental monitoring and green infrastructure. He demonstrated the use of simple programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensor-based systems, and mobile tools that can be deployed for monitoring air and water quality.
He also presented the working model of a hybrid system combining IoT-based devices with manual monitoring techniques—offering a practical and cost-effective solution suitable for schools, colleges, and community centers.
The demonstration was streamed live, and participants were invited to interact, ask questions, and even simulate configurations using online software provided during the session. The live demo brought an element of technical realism to the webinar, connecting theoretical discussions with tangible, real-world solutions.
Valedictory Ceremony
The concluding session of the two-day event took place in the afternoon of 28th April 2025. The valedictory ceremony began with a summary of the two-day program delivered by Dr. Pratibha Wankhade, co-coordinator of the webinar. She highlighted key takeaways from each session and appreciated the active participation of attendees.
This was followed by the Certificate Distribution Ceremony, wherein all registered participants received digital certificates of participation. The organizers also shared a link to the feedback form, encouraging attendees to provide input for future improvements and suggest topics for upcoming events.
Mr. V. D. Bute, Asst. Prof. of Shri Shivaji Science College, delivered closing remarks, thanking the resource persons, participants, and the organizing team. He emphasized the importance of continuing such collaborative efforts to nurture innovation and responsibility in the field of environmental science.
The event officially concluded with a “Way Forward” session where future plans for workshops, eco-clubs, and technology-based projects were discussed. Both institutions expressed their intent to maintain ongoing collaboration with Besteco Solutions for future academic-industry exchanges.
Conclusion
The two-day webinar on “Green Economy and Hybrid Control Technology to Achieve Sustainable Development” was a comprehensive and enriching experience. It successfully merged academic learning with practical application, providing valuable insights into the evolving landscape of sustainability, green innovation, and behavioral change.
With the support of the DBT STAR Scheme, the collaboration between Shri Shivaji Science College, Matoshree Vimlabai Deshmukh Mahavidyalaya, and Besteco Solutions demonstrated how interdisciplinary dialogue and skill-building initiatives can empower the next generation to become responsible stewards of the environment.
Outcomes:
- 1. Participants gained a clear understanding of the principles of the green economy, circular thinking, and their application in real-world environmental and economic policies.
- 2. Students and faculty learned about hybrid control systems, including IoT-based monitoring, PLC applications, and how these can be utilized for efficient environmental management.
- 3. Practical sessions allowed participants to experience simulation-based learning and hands-on demonstrations, boosting their technical competencies in smart environmental systems.
- 4. The webinar fostered a mindset shift among participants, encouraging them to adopt sustainable practices in their personal and professional lives, particularly through behavioral change.
- 5. Through interactive sessions and expert talks, attendees explored real-life examples and industry-led projects that successfully implemented green technologies.
Photos:
 Participation of participant in activity |  Participants of webinar |
 Group activity |  Dr. Suraj Bhagat conducting session |
 Dr. Smita Deshmukh mam addressing inaugural session |  Dr. Ashish Polkade address |
Attendance Sheet:
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