Overview: The Student Conclave for Climate Action, part of Yugam’25 at Kumaraguru Campus on March 5, 2025, brought together over 100 students, experts, and stakeholders to discuss climate change and sustainability. The event fostered valuable dialogue, networking, and collaboration for a greener future. Mr. Syed Sirajudeen, Executive Director of Thuvakkam NGO, delivered the keynote on the circular economy, emphasizing the urgent need to shift from a linear to a circular model to tackle environmental and resource challenges in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
Project Description
The Student Conclave for Climate Action, held as part of Yugam’25 at Kumaraguru Campus on 5th March 2025, served as a crucial platform for students, experts, and stakeholders to converge and address the pressing challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability. Over 100 individuals from diverse fields convened at the event, fostering valuable discussions, networking, and collaborative partnerships.
The event’s carefully curated agenda aimed to inspire, educate, and empower participants to take meaningful action towards a more sustainable future. Mr. Syed Sirajudeen, Executive Director of Thuvakkam NGO, presented his Keynote Address on the circular economy, advocating a shift from the linear “take, make, dispose” model. He stressed the urgent need for circular principles to address environmental challenges and resource scarcity in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
Mr. Syed Sirajudeen defined the circular economy, explaining its core principles: designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems.1 He illustrated these principles with real-world examples of successful implementation by businesses and communities.
He highlighted the environmental benefits of transitioning to a circular economy and emphasized the economic opportunities, such as job creation and cost savings.
He concluded his address by stressing the importance of collaboration among governments, businesses, and civil society to overcome challenges. He encouraged participants to explore innovative circular business models for a sustainable future.
Following the keynote, a panel discussion featured Mr. Sathish Kumar Viswanathan, Head of Social Change & Sustainability at Thoughtworks India & Middle East, and Mrs. Divya Shetty, Co-founder and CEO of CercleX. Mrs. Priyadharshini moderated, skillfully guiding the conversation and facilitating audience interaction.
The panel discussion focused on the complexities of sustainability and the market dynamics for eco-friendly ideas and products. The panelists explored the reasons behind the gap between ideological support for sustainability and actual behavioral change. They discussed the challenges of translating sustainable principles into tangible actions and creating a market for sustainable products and services in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
The “Pitch for Planet” competition showcased student innovation in water conservation, energy conservation, waste management, and climate-smart agriculture. Over 30 teams presented to expert evaluators across four parallel venues. Projects ranged from water purification systems to renewable energy solutions, innovative waste recycling, and climate-resilient crops. The evaluators provided valuable feedback, fostering critical thinking and collaboration. Four winning teams received ₹25,000 seed funding at the closing ceremony. Kavin Prasath M G delivered the valediction, expressing gratitude to all participants, speakers, evaluators, and organizers for the conclave’s success in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
Key Highlights
- The report successfully establishes the event’s objective—bringing students, experts, and stakeholders together to tackle climate action.
- It clearly emphasizes networking, discussions, and collaboration as key outcomes.
- Mr. Syed Sirajudeen’s talk on the circular economy is well-documented, outlining core principles, real-world examples, and economic benefits.
- The market dynamics of sustainability and behavioral change challenges are well explored.
Focus Area: Awareness