SAIT Jabalpur and ECOSOFTT, a Singapore-based social enterprise, have launched ANKURAN 2013 – a competition platform that challenges students to come up with solutions for sustainable development. Launched on World Water Day on 22 March 2013, ANKURAN will conclude on Earth Day on 22 April 2013 to showcase winning student entries.
Rev. Fr. Davis, the Executive Director of SAIT, commented, “SAIT is a pioneer in the field of technical education. ANKURAN is just one more example. This is not just another competition; it is an opportunity for students to realize their potential, while encouraging them to come up with ideas and solutions that will have an impact on the future of our planet. I am looking forward to positive outcomes led by the participating students.”
Mr. Ravindra K.Anand, the Chairperson of the ECOSOFTT Committee at SAIT, is shaping many of the initiatives within the purview of the MOU signed in January 2013. He emphasized – “With ANKURAN,-2013, students are given a platform to better understand the issues our planet and society are facing today and the invaluable role engineers can play in addressing such challenges.”
Dr. S.G. More, Principal of SAIT believes that “such a unique initiative will provide opportunities to students to apply their knowledge, learning and acumen to solve real world issues. SAIT we will lead this initiative and mobilize other institutions to make this an inter-college event in the future.”
The Founder of ECOSOFTT Pte. Ltd., Stanley Samuel, briefed students, Faculty and Staff of SAIT. Ltd., on the context, needs and the imperatives before us, especially on environmental issues through a ‘quiz’, and a presentation specially designed for the students.
The themes selected for ANKURAN 2013 are Water, Waste, Energy and Livelihoods & Earth. ECOSOFTT has instituted four prizes for this year’s competition. The first prize being Rs. 3,000, 2nd prize is 2,000 and 3rd prize is 1,000. A very special prize for the most innovative and original idea of Rs. 2,000.A certificate and a special trophy will accompany each prize.
“SAIT has signed an MOU with ECOSOFTT to develop its campus into a model eco-friendly campus by putting in place a series of technological innovations that will reduce its carbon footprint over the next 5-7 years. The range of solutions that ECOSOFTT will offer are in the areas of integrated water and waste management, renewable energy, recycling waste water to recharge ground water sources including making a SAIT a zero-discharge campus. The goal is to put in place low cost but highly efficient solutions as the institution evolves. The additional benefit of such and approach will give the students a practical laboratory to learn more about sustainable development” – said Fr. Davis.
The shared vision that Fr. Davis and Samuel have outlined is to engage students, faculty and staff of SAIT in implementing solutions on campus. The learning and experience will then be extended towards transforming neighboring villages and communities over time.
Mr. Samuel, emphasized that through ANKURAN 2013 we aim to increase awareness on environmental issues, engage every cross-section of the society, mobilize young minds and facilitate the implementation of sustainable solutions based upon global best practices. In the context of SAIT and the future of such an initiative – “With this competition, the students will be challenged to bring real world issues to the class-room and take the class-room to the real world. Thus going beyond textbooks, lectures and grades. ANKURAN 2013, will prepare students for the future and empower them make a difference as global citizens” said Samuel.
EARTH DAY is an annual day on which events are held worldwide to demonstrate support for environmental protection. Earth Day is observed on April 22nd each year after a resolution was adopted by the United Nations in 2009. Earth Day is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network and is celebrated in more than 192 countries every year.
Media Contact:
SAIT, Jabalpur
- Dr. S.G. More, Principal: sgmore63@gmail.com
- Mr. Ravindra K. Anand, Advisor: ravindraanand@yahoo.co.in
ECOSOFTT Pte. Ltd.