K. J. Somaiya College of Science and Commerce has designed a course entitled “Capacity Development Program for Environment Management” in collaboration with Mumbai Metropolitan Region- Environment Improvement Society (MMR-EIS). This program was officially inaugurated at the hands of Prof. Sanjay Deshmukh, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of University of Mumbai, on Saturday, 27th August, 2016 evening in the Seminar Hall of K. J. Somaiya College of Science in the presence of Shri Samir Somaiya, President, Somaiya Trust, Shri V. Ranganathan, Former Chief Secretary to the Govt. of Maharashtra and Hon. Secretary, Somaiya Trust, Dr. Rajan Velukar, Pro-Vost, Somaiya Vidyavihar, Architect Prasad Shetty, Secretary, MMR-EIS and Dr. Vijay Joshi, Principal, K. J. Somaiya College of Science and Commerce.

The program started with invocation of Goddess Saraswati through Somaiya Campus Prayer recited by Mrs. Savita Moghe. After this, Ar. Prasad Shetty addressed the audience explaining various schemes and projects being carried out by the MMR-EIS for the past 20 years since its inception under the aegis of MMRDA, Mumbai. He spoke about the necessity of research on various environmental issues for bridging the gap between discussions and planning. He explained the significance of imparting formal education for active engagement of the researchers, engineers, policy makers, planners etc. for which, for which such long term programmes are extremely necessary. He ended his speech by appreciating and thanking the college for taking this initiative and launching this highly ambitious program.

This was followed by a PowerPoint presentation by Dr. Sugandha Shetye, Coordinator of the program and Dean (Academic Affairs), K. J. Somaiya College of Science and Commerce. Through her presentation, she explained the course curriculum, different modules, the prospective target group, the mode of enrollment for the course etc. She also introduced all the coordinators for different modules who are stalwarts and experts in different aspects of environment.

Next speaker was Shri V. Ranganathan, Hon Secretary, Somaiya Vidyavihar. He also congratulated the organizers for this course. He spoke about his experiences while he was Chief Secretary, Govt of Maharashtra, when dealing with various environmental issues. He suggested that, the scope of the curriculum should be made broader with inclusion of pollution related issues.

This speech was followed by the Chief Guest, Prof. Sanjay Deshmukh, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor University of Mumbai. In his highly informative and inspirational speech, he spoke about mangrove conservation, current status of mangrove forests in coastal Maharashtra and similar places. He explained the role of satellite images in interpretation of mangrove cover. He spoke about the need to change the perception that Science can be learned only by the Science students especially when it comes to environment. Environment is not to be studied; it has to be imbibed through continuous observations in proximity with nature and through experiential learning. While talking about Distant Education Programs, he mentioned the need for designing a program in such a manner that it will reach the unreached. He suggested a seven point agenda to make environmental education program more effective. He gave the information about ‘Sindhu Swadhyay’ project initiated by Dr. Velukar when he was Vice Chancellor of University of Mumbai. Dr. Deshmukh further urged the organizers of the program to include the people who may not be having formal degrees or knowledge of the environment, but they have a reach experience and vast treasure of traditional knowledge in this program. Blending of traditional and contemporary or modern knowledge and technology will enrich this program. He also mentioned the need for introduction of the online course. He ended his speech by congratulating the college for taking this initiative and wished all the success for the programme.

Finally, Shri Samir Somaiya delivered his Presidential address. He spoke about his recent visit to the city of Prague in Czech Republic. He told the audience how well they manage their drinking water resources without ever using bottled water. He had been to Prague some 20 odd years ago when it was in Czechoslovakia. He told that it was very dirty city then. But now it has become a cleanest city. He also appreciated this initiative of K. J. Somaiya College of Science and Commerce to take this responsibility of designing and conducting this course.

Programme ended with vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Sanjay Joshi, Dept. of Environmental Science, K. J. Somaiya College of Science and Commerce.

Dr. Unnati Padalia, Associate Professor, Dept of Microbiology K. J. Somaiya College of Science and Commerce anchored the program.