Speaking of ANVESHAN’s state-of-the-art facilities, Prof. Rai said that the Centre of Excellence will also support collaborations, mentorship, and training for startups and various stakeholders to drive impactful change. It will also encourage interdisciplinary research, public-private collaborations, and community-driven initiatives in waste management and the WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) sector. “Our goal with ANVESHAN is to build a robust ecosystem that supports cutting-edge research and drives the development of solutions that are both contextually relevant and globally applicable,” stated Prof. Rai. “By connecting academia, industry, and civic bodies, we aim to make IIM Indore a pioneer in sustainability initiatives, and conferences like these will help us achieve our goal.”
The conference featured a series of keynote addresses by experts from the USA, UK and Italy. Prof. Uttiyo Raychaudhuri, Vice Provost for Internationalization from the University of Denver, shared insights on “Regenerative Futures”. He emphasized the need to Rethink, Reimagine, and Rework our approach towards sustainability and waste management. He encouraged individuals to reflect on their role in the world, considering not just what they consume, but also why they consume it. Prof. Raychaudhuri stressed that with only one blue planet to protect, we need to understand the importance of doing this not just for self, but for our families, communities, and the universe at large. Drawing from his work with the Colorado National Wastewater System, he shared insights on how wastewater surveillance was instrumental in monitoring and managing public health during the pandemic, using advanced testing methods like spit and pool testing. Prof. Raychaudhuri emphasized that achieving more sustainable outcomes requires doing less—conserving resources, minimizing consumption, and adopting a balanced approach to living.
Prof. Andrea Sianesi, Dean, from Politecnico di Milano, spoke on “Fashion, Design, and Luxury Urban Circularity Framework”, showcasing innovative practices in Milan aimed at integrating sustainability into the luxury sector. He emphasized the significance of integrating sustainability-driven business models into organizations, especially within the fashion, luxury, and design sectors. He pointed out that developing a circular and environmentally sustainable industrial paradigm is essential due to its wide-reaching social and economic impacts. To achieve this, education for companies and professionals is mandatory to ensure clear, shared objectives that drive meaningful change. He highlighted that by sharing best practices, the public administration and individual organizations can strengthen Lombardy and Milan’s position as global pioneers in the creation of eco-sustainable business frameworks, setting benchmarks for the broader industry.
Prof. Belgin Okay-Somerville, Senior Lecturer, the University of Glasgow, explored “A Human Sustainability Approach to Waste-Free Cities”, highlighting the importance of human-centered strategies in achieving sustainable urban ecosystems. She also spoke about the importance of innovation for the common good, emphasizing the need to prioritize wellbeing and human sustainability. She noted that people tend to perform better when they are happy and feel a sense of purpose, which underscores the role of Sustainable Human Resource Management (HRM) in creating positive and productive work environments. Dr. Somerville shared insights from her extensive research conducted across 54 countries, including India, where she examined the impact of HRM practices on overall employee happiness and performance. Her message was clear: for businesses and societies to thrive, the focus must be on building systems that support both personal wellbeing and sustainable growth, ensuring that innovation benefits not just individuals, but also communities and the larger ecosystem.
The conference not only addressed waste management challenges but also served as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
The conference also witnessed insightful paper presentations across three key tracks—Solid Waste Management, Sustainability, and SBM 2.0 (Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0). The conference brought together researchers and experts who shared their pioneering studies and strategies for driving sustainable waste management in urban settings.
Through these tracks, the conference highlighted the importance of collaborative research and strategic implementation in creating waste-free urban ecosystems, reinforcing ANVESHAN’s mission to promote sustainable development and innovation in waste management practices. The competition was incredibly fierce, with numerous thought-provoking and impactful presentations showcasing innovative solutions and research. After a rigorous evaluation process, Prathamesh Rale from IIT Indore won the Best Paper Award of Rs. 25,000/-. He has been awarded for his outstanding paper titled “Predicting Solar E-waste Trends in India: An ARIMA Approach to Sustainable Recycling Solutions.”
Prof. Shruti Tewari, the Conference Convenor, highlighted the significance of building garbage-free cities and sustainable urban environments. She emphasized that the theme resonates deeply with the mission of ANVESHAN, IIM Indore’s Centre of Excellence, which was established to drive innovative research and solutions in waste management and sustainability. She shared the story of ANVESHAN’s inception, which emerged from a need to create impactful academic and industry collaborations for a greener future. Prof. Tewari extended her heartfelt gratitude to the Director, Prof. Himanshu Rai, and the keynote speakers for their invaluable insights and support in making the conference a platform for thought leadership and meaningful dialogue.
The conference concluded with a vote of thanks by Associate Dean – Executive Education, Prof. Subin Sudhir. He mentioned that the conference stands reflects IIM Indore’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable solutions and create a garbage-free future for cities worldwide.