The 5th International Conference & Expo on Water and Waste Management, jointly organized by KIIT-DU and Water & Waste Management Consortium, USA, concluded on 24th February 2023.
Gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest, Prof. Sasmita Samanta, Vice Chancellor of KIIT-DU said, KIIT & KISS take Sustainability and Inclusivity seriously. “We have to ensure Sustainability and Inclusivity everywhere. This conference is organized to bring resilience in thought and action. Resilience in the globe is at risk due to population explosion, unceasing war between some nations, Covid pandemic, cross cultural migration etc.”, she said.
KIIT has collaborated with 200 plus institutes of higher education in the state in order to augment their inclusive development, she informed, stating that the institute focuses on instilling a sense of confidence among students. She also said that KIIT has identified 17 social issues as social projects. “One of the most significant aspects which we are working on is education. In fact, education is one of the most powerful tools to reduce poverty. Over the years, KIIT has produced as many as 5000 entrepreneurs”, she added.
In his address, Prof. J.R. Mohanty, Registrar, KIIT DU elucidated that Water and Waste Management has been a global challenge. It is the goal of every policy maker nowadays. “I am sure our faculty members and research scholars especially from Civil Engineering have been inspired by the keynote speeches; and I hope they will follow up the same in their research work”, he said. KIIT will collaborate with the experts present in the conference, Prof. Mohanty stated.
Ms. Patruicia Theressa Flynn, Commissioner-MWRDGC(USA); Mr. Marcelino Garcia, Commissioner-MWRDGC (USA) & Conference Chair presented the vision and mission of WWM, USA and future plans. They said that WWM Team is committed to advocate and help implement the ‘Blended Technologies’ in water and waste management globally. They also appreciated KIIT authorities for partnering and championing the cause of the WWM Conference.
Prof. Prakasam Tata, ED-CTWT & Conference Co-Chairman, referred to Mahatma Gandhi and said that his teaching reminds all of the responsibility towards the environment and the need to act in a responsible and sustainable manner.
At the outset, Prof. S. Moulick, Dean School of Civil Engineering extended welcome address. Highlighting the uniqueness of KIIT Deemed to be University, he said, achieving milestones after milestones has been the hallmark of KIIT DU.
Mr. Syam Pappu, President, WWM (USA) made the concluding remarks, while Mr. Bhaskar Chilukuri CEO- WWM proposed the vote of thanks. More than 50 speakers from different countries presented their views at the conference apart from the participants from academia, industry, government bodies, faculty, staff & students of KIIT.