The Department of Environmental Science, Nagaland University, organized a One-Day Symposium on Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Environmental Science for a Sustainable Future on March 18, 2025. The first-of-its-kind event was aimed to inspire students and professionals to explore sustainable business opportunities and innovative solutions for environmental challenges, stated PRO, NU, Peter Ki in a press release.
The symposium was inaugurated in the presence of chief guest, Prof. J.K. Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor, Nagaland University, Registrar Dr. Abemo, Dean Sciences, Prof. M.S. Rawat, Prof. M.K Sinha, Dean of School of Social Sciences and Dr. Kevezai Tureng, Director CDC.
In his welcome address Prof. Ashutosh Tripathi, HoD, Department of Environmental Science, motivated the audience to use the opportunity to learn, collaborate and share innovative ideas for entrepreneurship ventures.
Delivering the inaugural speech, Chief Guest Prof. J.K. Patnaik applauded the pioneering initiative, emphasizing its importance in fostering innovation and benefiting students. The VC also highlighted Nagaland’s rich natural resources and encouraged students to explore eco-friendly entrepreneurship, particularly through local sustainable products.
The PRO informed that first technical session, chaired by Prof. Ambrish Singh, Department of Chemistry and moderated by Dr. Eliza Khwairakpam featured talks by Dr. Dhrubajyoti Bordoloi (Coordinator, Entrepreneurship Development Centre, Nagaland University), Dr. Akumtoshi Longkumer (Founder, Sutsung Enterprise, Nagaland), and Peihauding Zeliang (Founder, Ngurie Organic, Nagaland.
Dr. Bordoloi discussed the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, including key business steps, incubation support, and startup opportunities in Northeast India. Dr. Longkumer shared his journey in green entrepreneurship, highlighting the growing demand for eco-friendly products and sustainable business models. Zeliang spoke about turning a college project into a thriving organic business, while also sharing insights on funding opportunities for young entrepreneurs. In concluding remarks, Prof. Singh encouraged the students to develop eco-friendly products, particularly using local handmade materials that hold cultural and economic value.
The second session was chaired by Prof. C.R. Deb, Director, IQAC and moderated by Dr. Pranjal Bharali. It featured Bendangwala Walling (Founder, E-Circle, Nagaland), Garima Capoor Nanda (Co-Founder, Plantables, Agra – Online), and Himanshu Tyagi (Water Resources Specialist, INRM Consultants), the press release stated.
Walling shared her experience of establishing Nagaland’s first authorized e-waste collection and management service, discussing the challenges of logistics and the need for perseverance in the green business sector. Nanda explained how her eco-friendly wedding card startup grew from a personal project into a successful venture producing plantable seed paper products. And, Tyagi discussed entrepreneurship in water resource management, highlighting technology-driven solutions for sustainable water conservation.
The symposium concluded with a valedictory session graced by Prof. M.S. Rawat, Dean of Sciences, Nagaland University. The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Ashutosh Tripathi, Department of Environmental Science.
