Mangaluru : The Manel Srinivas Nayak Institute of Management (MSNIM), in collaboration with INTI International University, Malaysia, and the Manipal School of Commerce and Economics (MSCE), MAHE, hosted a one-day international conference titled “Sustainable Development Goals in Action – Empowering Solutions for a Sustainable World” on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at its Bondel campus. The conference attracted a wide spectrum of participants including faculty, research scholars, and students, with over 80 research papers submitted from three countries including the USA and UAE. A CD of the proceedings was released.
Inauguration Ceremony
The conference was inaugurated with the lighting of the lamp. Prof. Dr. P. L. Dharma, Vice Chancellor, Mangalore University was the chief guest. Prof. Dr. Sandeep Shenoy, Director In-charge, MSCE, MAHE and Dr. Wan Hee Cheng, Director of Global Ranking and Institutional Advancement Centre, INTI International University, were the guests of honour. Manel Annappa Nayak, President, Women’s National Education Society (WNES), presided.
In his address, Prof. Dr. P. L. Dharma offered a critical reflection on the prevailing development model. “True sustainability must be rooted in people. It calls for a reversal of values, where community ownership and collective decision-making take precedence over unchecked industrial growth,” he said.
Prof. Dr. Sandeep Shenoy presented a data-backed overview of the Sustainable Development Goals, drawing particular attention to the importance of partnerships. Dr. Wan Hee Cheng, in his online address, framed sustainability as a shared, forward-looking commitment. Manel Annappa Nayak commended the organisers for addressing sustainability, describing it as the urgent need of the hour.
Dr. Suhan Mendon, Additional Professor, MSCE and Dr. Ankitha Shetty, Assistant Director, Centre for Doctoral Studies, MAHE coordinated the conference on behalf of MAHE.
Dr. Molly S. Chaudhuri, Director of MSNIM, welcomed the gathering. Conference Convener Dr. Shilpi Saha introduced the chief guest and presented the overview. Assistant Professors Dr. Aditi Kamath and Divya Achar introduced the other dignitaries, while Dr. Arpita Devadiga proposed the vote of thanks. Dr. Aditi Kamath served as master of ceremonies.
Conference Proceedings
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Suhan Mendon, Additional Professor, MSCE, emphasized that sustainability is the need of the hour, highlighting its critical role in ensuring a balanced and secure future for both people and the planet. He urged individuals, organizations, and governments to take collective responsibility and make conscious choices today to safeguard the well-being of future generations.
Dr. Shilpi Saha and Dr. Aditi Kamath highlighted how key business domains like HR, Finance, Marketing and General Management can align with sustainability goals such as responsible consumption, gender equality and innovation.
An engaging industry panel discussion, moderated by Sachin R. Chandra, Assistant Professor at MSCE, brought together insights from leading professionals: Amith Ananda (Cardolite Speciality Chemicals India), Suresh M. Kunnath (Infosys), Subramanya Prabhu K. (MRPL), and P. C. Ramesh (UnifyCX).
Valedictory Programme
The valedictory session at 3:30 p.m. featured Gaurav Hegde, Managing Director, GR Stone Specialities Pvt. Ltd., and Dr. Rashmi Yogesh Pai, Associate Professor, MSCE, MAHE, as speakers. Mr. Hegde emphasised the need to educate students about sustainability, noting that while nature is inherently sustainable, human activities are often destructive. He encouraged youth to lead in spreading awareness and driving action. Dr. Rashmi Yogesh Pai highlighted the role of innovation, inclusivity, and community participation in achieving the SDGs.
Presiding over the function, Ajith Kamath, Chairman, CII, Mangalore Chapter and governing council member, WNES, concluded with a powerful reminder that “charity begins at home,” appreciating India’s early commitments to carbon neutrality as a national model.
Assistant Professor Dr. Aditi Kamath welcomed the gathering, Prof. Sanath Bhandarkar introduced the guests, Dr. Shilpi Saha presented the conference report, and Dr. Divya Achar announced the awards. Dr. Arpita Devadiga delivered the vote of thanks, and Prof. Manasa compered the session.
Leave a Reply
Leave a Reply
Posted in: Regional News, News, top-featured
