Launched in January 2024, the project aims to establish four Digi-SUSTEACH centers to enhance the instructional capacity of university faculty, students, and early-stage professionals in Sustainable and Circular Economy (SACE). These centers will function as digital hubs for teaching and research, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to provide world-class training and develop comprehensive SACE courses with diverse learning materials.

Initiated under the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) leadership, the project aims to integrate SACE principles into the core curriculum of higher education institutions. The inaugural Kick-Off meeting on January 22, 2024, at Payap University in Thailand marked the beginning of this collaborative effort among partner universities across Finland, Austria, India, and Thailand. The project aims to develop a SACE-skilled workforce for a better business and environmental future.

Dr Veenu Sharma (Project National Lead); Dr Pankaj Priya (Deputy Director, BIMTECH); Dr K K Updhyay (Project Member); Dr Prabiina Rajib (Director, BIMTECH); Dr. Bhavesh Sarna (Project Lead, University of Jyväskylä); Dr Prateek Jain (Project Member); Dr Anupama Singh (Project Coordinator); Ms Svadha Rai ((Project Manager)

Dr. Prabina Rajib, Director, BIMTECH, highlighted the bright prospects of the circular economy in India, emphasizing the project’s role in strengthening knowledge and learning about circular economy education through collaborative initiatives. Dr. Rajib believes that these collective efforts will be instrumental in establishing a foundation for circular economy education in South Asia. The Digi-SUSTEACH centers will serve as digital hubs for teaching and research on the circular economy, equipped with state-of-the-art software and hardware to provide world-class training. The centers aim to develop comprehensive courses on the circular economy, including a wide range of learning materials to cater to different learning styles.

The €790,010.00 EU-funded KODECET project signifies a major step forward for circular economy education and research in India. This 36-month collaboration among six partners from four countries fosters international collaboration and paves the way for innovation in the field. The Digi-SUSTEACH centers are key to achieving the project’s goals. These digital hubs for circular economy teaching and research will be equipped with cutting-edge technology to provide world-class training. They will house comprehensive circular economy courses featuring diverse learning materials to cater to various learning styles. Dr. Veenu Sharma, the project’s National Lead from India, is enthusiastic. She calls the initiative “a significant leap towards sustainable development and circular economy education, fostering innovation and collaboration across borders.”

To achieve its ambitious goals, the project will train 20 faculty members who will then educate 120 students on circular economy principles. Additionally, a social media hackathon will engage students and raise awareness. Further strengthening the initiative, NIRMA University will design intensive workshops to equip faculty members with the necessary skills to effectively teach circular economy concepts. FH JOANNEUM University will develop courses covering waste management, resource efficiency, and sustainable business models – all crucial aspects of the circular economy. Prince of Songkla University plays a key role in establishing the Digi-SUSTEACH centers. These centers, equipped with advanced computing systems, interactive learning platforms, and simulation software, will provide an immersive learning experience. Finally, Payap University takes the vital role of disseminating information about the project. They will ensure the project’s goals and achievements reach a wider audience, promoting greater adoption of circular economy principles.

The KODECET project, with its focus on education and collaboration, is building a strong educational framework for circular economy principles. By empowering educators and students with advanced tools and resources, the project aims to drive a sustainable transformation across South Asia and beyond.

Inspired by its founder late Basant Kumar Birla, BIMTECH pioneered innovative programs like PGDM, PGDM-International Business (IB), PGDM-Retail Management (RM), and PGDM-Insurance Business Management (IBM), nurturing individuals into global leaders. BIMTECH proudly holds the 48th position in the Management Category in NIRF-National Institutional Ranking Framework 2023 and secures the 17th rank among the top private B-Schools in India, as per Business Today-MDRA Best B-Schools Ranking 2023. Also, BIMTECH is now AACSB accredited, joining the Ivy League of Top Globally Recognized B-Schools. Fostering a symbiotic relationship, the institute excels in management education, supported by its globally placed robust alumni network of over 7000 individuals.

Enhancing the BIRLA ETHOS of a future that is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable

3^rd October 2023; Mumbai: Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH) celebrated its 36^th Foundation Day on October 2nd, coinciding with the 154^th Gandhi Jayanti. The celebration underscores the institute’s unwavering commitment to instilling the culture and values of social welfare in its students. The three-day celebration, commencing on September 30th and continuing through October 1st, featured performances by the National School of Drama Repertory group with drama “Maaee Ree Main Kaa Se Kahun”, directed by Shri Ajay Kumar, and the Asmita Theatre Group from New Delhi with drama “Andha Yug,” directed by Shri Arvind Gaur.

The Foundation Day function on October 2 began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by the welcoming of guests. During the event, the institution paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi by playing his favorite bhajan, ‘Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye’.

Shri. Anshu Gupta, founder of Goonj, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. He said, “

Thank you very much to BIMTECH for inviting me to their 36^th Foundation Day. I come from a family of engineers—a very determined family that ensured everyone studied well. There were not many financial resources back then. I often think that being able to speak in more than one language outside the country allows me to communicate with everyone. It is a huge investment for the generation, which never thought of buying a car but invested more in the education of all of us. From a determined family with limited means to witnessing life’s complexities, I learned that challenges come in various forms. My journey through journalism and Indian mass communication unveiled hidden stories of dignity and resilience. Charity, while well-intentioned, should aim for sustainable empowerment, not dependency. We must cherish our education and uphold the dignity of every individual. Let us work together, regardless of our backgrounds, to build a nation where honesty and ambition drive progress. Subsidies are opportunities, not entitlements, and giving back enriches us all. In a world where education remains our most enduring subsidy, let’s ensure it reaches everyone.” 

Dr. Harivansh Chaturvedi, Director, BIMTECH, delivered a welcome speech in which he emphasized the remarkable development of the institute from a small basement in New Delhi to one of the top B-schools. He highlighted the institute’s tireless efforts to raise awareness about ESG in both the corporate and academic spheres.

Also, he welcomed to host Mr. Anshu Gupta, a true disciple of Gandhi who left his corporate career to embark on a transformative journey. His organization, Goonj, exemplifies Gandhi’s principles in addressing pressing global challenges, earning international recognition. It stands as a beacon of hope in the face of climate change, sustainability, and humanitarian issues.

He said, “Mahatma Gandhi’s eleven vows, including truth, nonviolence, simplicity, and duty towards humanity, remain profoundly relevant, not just in India but across the globe. BIMTECH’s choice to commence on October 2nd, Gandhi’s birthday, reflects his enduring impact. Albert Einstein once remarked, ‘Generations to come will scarcely believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth.’ Gandhi’s influence on our world cannot be overstated.”

In keeping with its illustrious heritage of encouraging significant contributions to education, the BIMTECH administration also bestowed various honours, like the Basant Kumar Birla Distinguished Scholar Award, 2022; the Best Researcher and Teaching Excellence Award, 2022; and the felicitation of faculty and staff completing 10 years of service. 

On this occasion, the Insurance India Report, and the Annual Activity Report were also released.

The insurance report has articles from many eminent names in the business, like Shri G.N. Bajpai, ex-Chairman SEBI and LIC; Shri Sakate Khaitan, Senior Partner, Khaitan Legal Associates; and Shri Tapan Singhel, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Co. Ltd. It also suggests regulatory reforms in the insurance sector. It is noteworthy to note that BIMTECH offers a PGDM in Insurance Business Management. The celebrations concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. K. C. Arora, Registrar of BIMTECH.