Indo-Japanese Symposium held at UICET PU

Chandigarh, December 8, 2023: An Indo-Japanese Symposium titled “Fostering Soft Skills for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Bridging the Human and Technology Elements” was held on Friday at UICET, Panjab University in a blended mode. The University Institute of Applied Management Sciences, Panjab University (UIAMS), in partnership with DR. S. S. Bhatnagar University Institute of Chemical Engineering and Technology (UICET), organized this event supported by the RUSA grant from the Central Government. Prof. Sanjeev K. Sharma, UIAMS, Panjab University and Prof. Anupama Sharma, Chairman, UICET, Panjab University coordinated the session. Prof. Devinder Singh, Department of Laws was the Chairperson of the session. This symposium is brain child of Chief Patrons Prof. Renu Vig, Vice-Chancellor Panjab University, Chandigarh and Prof. Umehara, Izuru, President, Yokohama National University, Japan.

Continuing a series of collaborations between Yokohama National University, Japan, and Panjab University over the past three years, this session saw participation from national and international delegates in both physical and virtual attendance modes. The symposium aimed to address global concerns necessitating widespread awareness and involvement to ensure sustainability in production, consumption, and disposal practices of goods and services. Prof. Anupama Sharma welcomed attendees, emphasizing the crucial role of soft skills in attaining Sustainable Development Goals. Prof. Atsushi Suzuki, Emeritus Professor, Yokohama National University, Japan gave the expert talk how material science and technology make transition to a global sustainable society. The keynote address, focusing on Sustainability Issues in the Chemical Industry, was delivered by Prof. V.K. Rattan, Vice Chancellor, GNA University. Distinguished speakers from Yokohama National University, Japan included Prof. Takinana Anuantaeka, Prof. Hideaki Yoshitake, spoke on using less energy, less hazards, and less labour in water treatment and discussed the design to maximize the overall efficiency of materials. Prof. Kazuho Nakamura discussed the concept of balance model for understanding global water issues and development of counter technologies, and Prof. Tanabu Motonari discussed the gaming theory and developing business models for sustainable business practices.

Prof. R.K Gupta, Vice Chancellor, Maharaja Agrasen University presided over the Technical Session. Other panellists included Professor Upasana Joshi, UIAMS, Prof. Monika Aggarwal, Director, UIAMS, Dr. Manjushree Sharma, Dr. Pooja Chopra, Dr.Amandheer Kapoor Dr. Prachi Verma, Dr. Rinni, Dr. Mohit Verma along with research scholars including Neeraj Bansal and Bhawna and other faculties. The session comprised paper presentations across two sessions: "Utilizing Soft Skills and Technological Solutions: Collaborative Insights" and "Building Competencies for Grassroots Engagement: Community Involvement in Sustainable Development." It underscored the urgency for tangible action on skills, identifying occupational requirements, addressing skills gaps, and devising strategies for a sustainable future workforce, alongside exploring potential international collaborations to bolster eco-friendly human resources.

Additionally, more than 20 students from SSBUICET presented posters showcasing their work.