School Students Honored for Innovation in Science and Recycling at IEM's Annual Competition

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, April 28, 2025 , Kolkata : In a bid to encourage environmental awareness and long-term sustainable development, a school-level project competition for 2025 was organized by the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IEM. The event, centered around the themes of "Innovation, Sustainability, and Circularity," witnessed a vibrant participation of over 100 students and teachers from prestigious schools across the city.

The students presented their creative ideas and projects aimed at addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time. A total of five outstanding projects were honored for their innovation, effectiveness, and contribution towards a more sustainable future. These projects ranged across key areas, including clean energy, waste reduction, recycling, eco-design, water purification, and smart city innovations.

Among the winners, Gobindapur Ratneshwar High School, Halisahar Rabindra Vidya Mandir, and Santoshpur Rishi Aurobindo Girls' School were recognized with the Recycling Innovation Award. Special appreciation was also given to Behala Girls' High School and Shibpur Bhavani Girls' School for their significant contributions in the field. The Scientific Innovation Award was presented to Patha Bhavan and Barisha Vivekananda Girls' High School, while Dhanicha High School received special recognition for their exemplary projects.

In his opening remarks, Professor Sadhan Kumar Ghosh, President of the International Society of Waste Management, Air, and Water, stressed the importance of instilling environmental values and innovation skills in young minds at an early age. He highlighted that many students had created models focused on long-term waste management and recycling, inspired by his "Catch Them Young, Zero Waste, and Circular Economy in Campus Mission."

Professor Rahul Vaidya, Head of the Office of Sustainability at IEM, emphasized that this initiative was not just a competition but a movement aimed at building a mindset of responsibility, innovation, and sustainability among young minds. According to him, the competition would inspire students to think beyond textbooks and engage with real-world problems that require creative, practical solutions.

Professor Arun Kumar Bar, Principal of IEM, echoed these sentiments, noting that the true purpose of education lies not only in acquiring knowledge but also in its practical application. Under the leadership of Professor Satyajit Chakraborty, Director of IEM Kolkata, the institute has already undertaken several initiatives to promote sustainable development, including a plastic-free campus, rainwater harvesting systems, solar panels, and the establishment of an environment-focused research laboratory.

The successful event marked a significant step in fostering a culture of sustainability and environmental responsibility among the younger generation. With such initiatives, IEM continues to inspire students to take action and innovate for a greener and more sustainable future.