Mumbai – Vivekanand Education Society’s College of Architecture (VESCOA) hosted an engaging session titled “Down to Earth” as part of the Harit Prem Bharat Mahotsav, commemorating the birth anniversary of Shri Prem Jain, a pioneer in environmental sustainability. Organized in collaboration with the Prem Jain Memorial Trust (PJMT) and the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Mumbai Chapter, the event brought together over 500 VESCOA students, 100 students from other institutions, and a wider audience via live YouTube streaming.
The session featured distinguished speakers, including Dr. Prof. Anand Achari (Principal, VESCOA), Dr. Mala Singh (Chairperson, IGBC Mumbai Chapter), Ar. Sandeep Shikre (Immediate Past Chairman, IGBC Mumbai Chapter), Mr. Padmanabh Subramanian, Ms. Sneha Zagade, Ar. Gargi Priyamwada, and Mr. Bhavesh Mehta (Core Committee Member, IGBC Mumbai Chapter), who shared diverse insights on sustainability. Discussions revolved around integrating sustainability into daily life, the importance of structured Net Zero frameworks, and practical approaches to carbon, water, energy, and waste management. The conversation also highlighted how sustainability can be embedded in architectural design while respecting historical and cultural contexts. Experts encouraged students to translate sustainability aspirations into action, explore career opportunities in the field, and embrace sustainability as an ongoing learning process.
The VESCOA Green Club presented the institution’s commitment to sustainability, inspiring other institutions to follow suit. The event also saw the recognition of the Department of Business School and the Institute of Management Studies & Research with IGBC Student Chapters for their dedication to sustainable initiatives.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Dr. Prof. Anand Achari – Principal, VESCOA remarked, “Today’s session reaffirmed that real change begins with individual action. By embedding sustainable practices in our daily lives, we can collectively create a lasting impact. At VESCOA, we strive to instill this mindset, empowering our students to lead the way toward a sustainable future.”
Distinguished guests, including Shri Suresh Malkani Ji, President of VES, attended the event, further highlighting VESCOA’s dedication to nurturing future leaders in sustainability. The session was a part of VESCOA’s broader commitment to integrating environmental consciousness into education through various initiatives, including research-driven projects, student-led sustainability programs, and industry collaborations.
