The Chronicles

On October 18, 2024, NICMAR University Pune’s School of Energy & Environment, with the ASHRAE Pune Chapter, held the Ignite X 2.0 event, connecting leaders, entrepreneurs, and students in HVAC and sustainability.

Keynotes by Dr. Sushma Kulkarni Vice Chancellor, NICMAR University Pune, on innovation in education, Amit Paigude on insulation strategies, and a panel of experts highlighted sustainable practices in energy-efficient buildings and IoT-integrated refrigeration. The event reinforced NICMAR’s role in developing future-ready leaders through industry collaboration and innovation-focused education.

NICMAR University Pune’s Department of Research & Development organized an online workshop on 'Application of AI in Systematic Literature Review' on 23rd October 2024 between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Prof. Przemyslaw Tomczyk, Assistant Professor, Kozminski University, Poland was invited as a resource person for this workshop. Prof. Przemyslaw discussed various AI applications available for doing systematic literature reviews, highlighting techniques for automating data extraction, accuracy and improve overall efficiency in research processes. He showcased the practical examples and tools that researchers can use to implement AI in conducting their research. The session even highlighted about ethical consideration while using AI tools. The workshop was attended by faculty members and research scholars of the University

NICMAR University Pune welcomed Dr. Kanchan C. Khare, Senior Consultant in Water Resources, for a guest lecture on October 9th, 2024, covering vital topics such as water depletion, global water demand, integrated water management, and sustainable strategies. Attended by MBA in Environmental Sustainability students, the session provided insights into the challenges of water sustainability, reinforcing NICMAR’s commitment to preparing future leaders in environmental sustainability.

On October 10th, 2024, NICMAR University Pune welcomed Mr. Nitin Kumar Sharma, Senior Auditor at Aecom, for an insightful guest lecture with MBA in Environmental Sustainability students. Mr. Sharma covered the ISO 19011:2018 Guidelines for Auditing Management Systems and emphasized the integration of environmental and social audits in sustainability strategies. Students also engaged in an Auditor-Auditee roleplay activity, enhancing their confidence in audit practices. NICMAR University extends its gratitude to Mr. Sharma for this valuable learning experience.

On October 14th, 2024, NICMAR University Pune hosted Mr. Siddesh Gosavi, who spoke to the School of Energy & Environment students about the transition from fuel combustion to battery-powered vehicles. He discussed Octarange Technologies' journey, challenges like high costs and infrastructure limitations, and the vital role of funding in advancing clean energy. Mr. Siddesh also highlighted how incubators support startups through mentorship and networking. NICMAR University thanks Mr. Siddesh for inspiring discussions on the future of green mobility.

The seminar was delivered by Shri. Prafulla Govind Pagnis, Bridge Engineer formerly associated with HCC, L & T and Soma Engineering. Shri. Pagnis has over four decades of extensive experience in execution of challenging Bridge Construction projects all over India. The session highlighted the operational aspects of Prestressed concrete applications in Bridge Construction projects. Site layout, operation guidelines and safety protocol to be followed during prestressing operations were explained with the help of case studies.

NICMAR Business School recently hosted an inspiring guest lecture by Ms. Avantika Sharma on October 16th for second-year MBA students. As the Head of Talent and Performance at TATA CLIQ, an online fashion and luxury retailer, Ms. Sharma shared her expertise in Talent Management. She emphasized the strategic importance of attracting, developing, retaining, and optimizing an organization’s workforce. Her insights gave students a deeper understanding of the practices and processes essential for ensuring that the right people are in the right roles to achieve organizational goals.

Following management development programs (MDPs) were organized by the School of Executive Education Programmes, NICMAR University, Pune in October:

Ms. Annapoorni Iyer from Engosym Consultants on October 17, 2024, delivered a guest lecture on Disaster Management. The lecture was attended by NICMAR University Pune’s MBA in Environmental Sustainability students.

The session covered disaster risk reduction, strategic planning, funding for disaster preparedness, and the importance of rehabilitation and resilience. Ms. Iyer also introduced advanced software like Plaxis and Slide for disaster analysis, especially in landslides, and discussed consultancy steps in disaster management. This insightful session underscored the critical role of proactive planning and technology in effective disaster mitigation.

On October 2nd, 2024, NICMAR University, Pune, honored Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri with activities promoting sustainability and cleanliness. The event featured an oath for campus hygiene led by Registrar Dr. Prashant Dave, a campus clean-up drive, and the "Plant4Mother" tree plantation, all organized under the guidance of Dr. Darshan Mahajan, Dean of Student Affairs.

On October 12th, 2024, NICMAR University, Pune, marked Mental Health Day with an uplifting Zumba session led by Mrs. Swati Kumthekar. The event encouraged students to prioritize wellness through movement, fostering both mental and physical health in a vibrant, community-centered atmosphere.

On 3rd October, 2024, NICMAR University, Pune, commenced its Navratri festivities with a vibrant garba flash mob organized by the Navratri Committee. Students gathered each evening in the community hall for the aarti of Maa Ambe.

The celebration reached its peak on 10th October with a Grand Garba Night, attended by esteemed dignitaries of NICMAR University members ending with festive treats.

The Dasarotsava Celebrations at NICMAR University, Pune, took place from 7th–10th October 2023, beginning with a dynamic Dollu Kunitha flash mob that showcased Karnataka's vibrant culture. Students enjoyed spirited badminton and lagori competitions, and the festivities culminated in a grand cultural evening featuring traditional Karnataka performances, followed by authentic regional delicacies organized by the Dasarotsava Committee.

An impactful site visit for second-year FBM students was organised to Blueridge Township by Paranjape Developers in Hinjewadi, Pune. This visit offered students valuable insights into site waste management and essential functions such as documentation, record keeping, and activity scheduling.

MBA students from NICMAR Business School, NICMAR University, Pune, attended the 2nd Edition of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) NexGen Mobility Show 2024. Themed ‘Integrating the Indian Mobility,’ the event provided an excellent opportunity for students to network with global professionals and explore cutting-edge technologies and businesses in the mobility sector. They gained insights into the EV business ecosystem, sustainable charging infrastructure, automotive aftermarket, materials and logistics, EV manufacturing innovations, rapid metro, high-speed trains, urban air mobility, and infrastructure development.

The recent Pro-Gaming E-Sports Experience brought together gaming enthusiasts for an unforgettable day of competition, skill-building, and camaraderie. Students enjoyed a dedicated gaming zone with professional setups and immersive play. The event drew an enthusiastic crowd, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere as students gathered for an action-packed gaming experience. For NICMAR University’s gaming community, this event not only provided a platform to showcase their skills but also set a benchmark for future e-sports initiatives on campus.

NICMAR University, Pune recently hosted the highly anticipated Under 25 Summit on 19th October, 2024. The Summit featured an impressive lineup of guests, including actors Avinash Tiwary and Anmol Dua, fitness icon Pranit Shimilkar, and comedy creator Arjun Pandey, who shared insights on navigating creative industries. From inspiring keynotes to engaging performances from Trishita Recs and Brendon D’souza, attendees enjoyed a full day of learning and interaction with industry trendsetters. The summit was a dynamic showcase of talent, ideas, and enthusiasm, making it a memorable highlight in NICMAR University’s Campus Calendar.

MBA students from the School of Energy & Environment at NICMAR University, Pune, attended the SIU and InterAct Conference on the Future of Manufacturing in the EV Global Ecosystem. Held in collaboration with Loughborough University, UK, the event focused on Pune’s role in the EV value chain and the impact of Industry 4.0 on manufacturing. Engaging with industry experts, students gained insights into real-world applications, industry challenges, and future trends, equipping them with valuable knowledge for careers in sustainable energy.