The Open Symposium Competition on “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience”

Introduction

On June 21, 2024, Manipur Technical University (MTU), in collaboration with the Department of Environment & Climate Change, Government of Manipur, successfully organized an Open Symposium Competition focusing on the theme “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience.” The event aimed to raise awareness, inspire innovative solutions, and provide a platform for knowledge exchange among students and faculty members. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the event, including its objectives, structure, outcomes, and future recommendations.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the symposium were:
• To raise awareness about land degradation, desertification, and drought.
• To encourage students to develop and present innovative solutions to these environmental challenges.
• To provide a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among participants.
• To select a university representative for the State Level Open Symposium Competition.

Event Structure

The symposium was meticulously planned and executed by the organizing committee, led by Mr.Kosygin Leishangthem, Assistant Professor, and his team. Originally scheduled to be held in the Incubation Centre, the event was relocated to the 6th Semester classroom of the Civil Engineering Department, near the pond.

Participants

A total of 12 students participated in the competition, representing various departments of MTU.
Each participant delivered a 6-minute presentation on their chosen topic related to the symposium theme.

Sl	Name	Course	Branch	Semester
1	Alonika Langhu	B.Tech	Civil Engineering	6th Sem
2	Babysan Ngangom	B.Tech	Electrical	6th Sem
3	Kharibam Manithoi Devi	B.Tech	Civil Engineering	6th Sem
4	Khundrakpam Abebisana Devi	B.Tech	ECE	6th Sem
5	LAIKHURAM DHANALUXMI DEVI	B.Tech	Civil Engineering	4th Sem
6	Longjam Romita Devi	MBA	MBA	2nd Sem
7	Ningthoujam David Singh	B.Tech		6th Sem
8	Rosia Langpoklakpam	MBA	MBA	2nd Sem
9	Sristie Oinam	B.Tech	Civil Engineering	6th Sem
10	Thumningtha	MBA	MBA	2nd Sem
11	Wilson Thangjam	B.Tech	Electrical	6th Sem
12	Wilson Thangjam	B.Tech	Electrical	6th Sem

Jury and Moderation

The symposium featured a panel of three esteemed jury members who evaluated the presentations based on criteria such as relevance, innovation, clarity, and impact. Experienced faculty members moderated the event, ensuring smooth proceedings and facilitating engaging discussions.

Outcomes and Impact

Selection of University Representative
Ms. Laikhuram Dhanaluxmi Devi was selected as the representative of MTU for the State Level Open Symposium Competition. This achievement not only recognizes her excellence but also highlights the university’s commitment to addressing environmental issues.

Knowledge Exchange
The symposium facilitated a rich exchange of knowledge and ideas among participants, jury members, and attendees. It provided an opportunity for students to showcase their research and receive valuable feedback from experts in the field.

Awareness and Engagement

The event successfully raised awareness about land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience among the university community. It also motivated participants to engage in further research and initiatives related to environmental sustainability.

Future Recommendations

Based on the success of this symposium, the following recommendations are proposed for future events:
• Increased Participation: Encourage more students from diverse departments to participate in future symposiums to broaden the range of perspectives and ideas.
• Workshops and Training: Organize pre-symposium workshops and training sessions to help participants enhance their presentation skills and deepen their understanding of the themes.
• Extended Collaboration: Strengthen collaboration with external organizations, government bodies, and NGOs to provide participants with more resources and exposure.
• Follow-up Initiatives: Implement follow-up initiatives to support the continued development and implementation of the innovative solutions presented during the symposium.

Conclusion

The Open Symposium Competition on “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience” was a resounding success, achieving its objectives and making a significant impact on the participants and the university community. The event not only highlighted the importance of addressing critical environmental challenges but also showcased the talent and dedication of the
students of Manipur Technical University. We look forward to future symposiums and continued efforts towards environmental sustainability.