University-Level Symposium and Poster Competition on the Theme “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally”

1.INTRODUCTION

The Eco-Club of Manipur Technical University (MTU) proudly organized a University-Level Open Symposium and Poster Competition on May 28, 2025. This significant event was held with the generous support of the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Manipur, and in close collaboration with the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), Manipur Technical University. The chosen venue, the Conference Hall of MTU, provided an ideal setting for this intellectual and creative gathering.

The central theme for both competitions was “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally,” aligning with the critical global environmental agenda for World Environment Day 2025. The event served as a crucial platform, bringing together enthusiastic students from various departments across the university. Its primary aim was to foster discourse, academic encourage innovative thinking, and provide a creative outlet for students to express their concerns and propose solutions regarding one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time – plastic pollution. Through both spoken presentations and visual art, participants were encouraged to deeply engage with the theme and contribute to raising awareness and finding sustainable ways forward.

2.Commitment to the Theme: Eco-Friendly Event Execution

A Practical Step Towards “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally”

In a direct demonstration of its commitment to the event’s core theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally,” Manipur Technical University implemented an eco-conscious approach to event logistics. For this symposium and poster competition held on May 28, 2025, at the Manipur Technical University campus, no printed flex or plastic banners were used.

Instead, all event banners and promotional materials were displayed using projectors. This conscious decision eliminated the need for plastic-based banners, significantly reducing the event’s plastic footprint and reinforcing the message of environmental responsibility that the symposium aimed to promote. This initiative served as a tangible example of how sustainable practices can be integrated into large-scale events, aligning actions with the critical environmental awareness being championed.

3.EVENT OBJECTIVES

The University-Level Open Symposium and Poster Competition were meticulously planned with several key objectives in mind:
• To Promote Environmental Awareness: To significantly enhance environmental consciousness and understanding of pressing issues like plastic pollution among the youth studying at Manipur Technical University.
• To Provide a Platform for Innovative Ideas: To offer a valuable stage for students to articulate their unique insights, innovative ideas, and concerns regarding environmental sustainability.
• To Encourage Diverse Expression: To facilitate the expression of environmental themes through various mediums, specifically through structured speeches in the symposium and artistic representation in the poster competition.
• To Select Representatives for State-Level Competitions: To identify and select talented students who would represent Manipur Technical University at the upcoming state-level competitions organized in observance of World Environment Day.

4.Coordination Team

The successful execution of this university-level event was a testament to the dedicated efforts and collaborative spirit of the organizing team. The roles and responsibilities were clearly defined to ensure a smooth and impactful event:

Overall Event Coordinator:
• Mr. Kosygin Leishangthem, Environment Nodal Officer, Manipur Technical University

Symposium Competition Event Coordinators:
• Ms. Yengkhom Chandrika Devi, Assistant Professor, Department of ECE, MTU.
• Ms. Tayenjam Jeneetaa, Assistant Professor, Department of EE. MTU.

Poster Competition Event Coordinators:
• Dr. Moirangthem Roshini, Assistant Professor, Department of Management, MTU.
• Dr. Sonika Thongram, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, MTU.

The collective efforts of this team were instrumental in planning, promoting, and executing all aspects of the symposium and poster competition, ensuring a high standard of organization and participant engagement.

5.Esteemed Jury Members and Judging Criteria

A panel of distinguished faculty members was invited to serve as the jury for both the Symposium and Poster Competition. Their expertise and impartiality were crucial in evaluating the participants’ contributions and ensuring a fair assessment of their ideas and presentations.
The jury members were:
Symposium Competition Event
1. Pinky Khundrakpam, Assistant Professor, Department of ECE, MTU.
2. Dr. Angom Devadatta Mani, Assistant Professor, Department of Basic Science. MTU.
3. Ngayaiwon Hashunao, Assistant Professor, Department of EE, MTU.
Poster Competition Event
1. Dr. Khwairakpam Selija, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engg, MTU
2. Dr. Rajkumar Kamaljit Singh, Assistant Professor, Department of Basic Science, MTU.
3. Dr. Lourembam Victoria, Assistant Professor, Department of Management, MTU.

The university extends its sincere gratitude to the jury members for dedicating their valuable time and expertise to this event. Their meticulous evaluation played a vital role in recognizing and rewarding the deserving talents.

6.Judging Criteria:

To ensure a comprehensive and equitable assessment, participants in both the symposium and poster competition were judged based on a standardized set of criteria. These criteria focused on both the content and the delivery of their messages:
• Relevance to the Theme: How effectively the participant’s presentation or poster addressed the overarching theme of “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally.”
• Originality and Creativity: The uniqueness of the ideas presented, the innovative solutions proposed, and the creative approach taken in their execution.
• Content and Clarity of Message: The depth of knowledge, accuracy of information, logical flow, and ease with which the core message was understood.
• Visual Appeal (Poster Competition Only): The aesthetic quality of the poster, its design elements, use of colors, graphics, and overall visual impact in conveying the message effectively.
• Presentation Style and Effectiveness (Symposium Competition Only): The participant’s confidence, coherence, clarity of speech, time management, and ability to engage the audience.

7.Symposium Competition Details and Participants

The Symposium Competition provided a dynamic platform for students to delve into the nuances of “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally” through oral presentations. Participants showcased their research, insights, and proposed solutions, engaging in a thoughtful discourse on the theme. The event was highly interactive, allowing for questions and discussions following each presentation.

Symposium Competition Participants:
A diverse group of students from various engineering disciplines enthusiastically participated in the symposium. Their willingness to research and present on such a critical topic was commendable. The participants included:
1. Potshangbam Borrish Kumar – Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), 2nd Semester
2. Thiyam Jogamee Luwang – Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), 2nd Semester
3. Bm Irfan Khan – Department of Electrical Engineering, 2nd Semester
4. Khundongbam Binita Chanu – Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), 4th Semester
5. Laishram Devakar Singh – Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), 8th Semester
6. Kamei Pougui – Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), 8th Semester
7. Ningthoujam Johnson Singh – Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), 4th Semester

Each participant brought a unique perspective and valuable contribution to the symposium, highlighting the multi-faceted nature of the plastic pollution challenge and the diverse approaches to addressing it. Their presentations demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and a keen understanding of global environmental issues.

8.Poster Competition Details and Participants

The Poster Competition offered a creative avenue for students to visually interpret the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally.” Participants utilized their artistic and design skills to convey complex environmental messages in an impactful and accessible format. Each poster served as a powerful visual statement, encapsulating key issues, data, and potential solutions related to plastic pollution.

The posters were displayed prominently in the Conference Hall, allowing the jury and other attendees to engage with the visual narratives presented by the students. This segment of the competition highlighted the importance of visual communication in raising awareness and inspiring action on environmental concerns.

Poster Competition Participants:
Students from various engineering departments, particularly civil engineering, demonstrated their creativity and understanding of the theme through their impactful posters. The participants included:
1. Thiyam Jogamee Luwang – Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), 2nd Semester
2. Ushakiran Mongjam – Department of Civil Engineering, 4th Semester
3. Syed Sadiya Shouquat – Department of Civil Engineering, 4th Semester
4. Ningombam Jinika Devi – Department of Civil Engineering, 4th Semester
5. Bearon Yumnam – Department of Civil Engineering, 6th Semester
6. Laimayum Renish Sharma – Department of Civil Engineering, 6th Semester
7. Jemima Dangmei – Department of Civil Engineering, 4th Semester

The diverse approaches taken by the participants in their poster designs reflected a wide range of ideas and artistic expressions, all aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the global plastic pollution crisis and advocating for effective solutions.

9.Symposium Competition Winners

The Symposium Competition showcased exceptional oratorical skills and in-depth understanding of the theme. After careful deliberation by the esteemed jury, the following participants were declared the winners, recognized for their outstanding presentations, clarity of thought, and innovative solutions to “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally.”
Symposium Winners:
• First Place:
o Potshangbam Borrish Kumar – Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), 2nd Semester
o Awarded for an exceptionally well-researched and eloquently presented discourse on global strategies to combat plastic pollution.

Second Place:
o Laikhuram Dhanaluxmi Devi – Department of Civil Engineering, 4th Semester
o Recognized for a clear, concise, and impactful presentation that provided practical and implementable solutions for reducing plastic waste.
Third Place:
o Kamei Pougui – Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), 8th Semester

o Commended for a thought-provoking presentation that highlighted the socio-economic dimensions of plastic pollution and community-level interventions.

The winners demonstrated a profound commitment to environmental issues and presented their ideas with remarkable confidence and clarity, truly embodying the spirit of the symposium.

10.Poster Competition Winners

The Poster Competition displayed a remarkable array of creativity, artistic talent, and profound messages on the theme of “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally.” The jury faced a challenging task in selecting the winners due to the high quality of submissions. The following participants were recognized for their outstanding visual representations and ability to effectively
communicate complex environmental concerns through art.
Poster Winners:

• First Place:
o Bearon Yumnam & Laimayum Renish Sharma – Department of Civil Engineering, 6th Semester
o Their collaborative poster was lauded for its exceptional visual impact, insightful content, and innovative approach to depicting the lifecycle of plastics and sustainable alternatives.
Second Place:
o Ushakiran Mongjam, Syed Sadiya Shouquat & Ningombam Jinika Devi – Department of Civil Engineering, 4th Semester
o This group’s poster stood out for its compelling visual narrative, clear data representation, and strong call to action regarding plastic reduction and recycling.
Third Place:
o Jemima Dangmei – Department of Civil Engineering, 4th Semester
o Her poster was recognized for its artistic merit, powerful imagery, and concise yet comprehensive message on the urgency of tackling plastic waste globally.

The winning posters effectively merged artistic expression with scientific and environmental awareness, serving as powerful tools for advocacy and education.

11.State-Level Nomination and Future Representation

A significant objective of this university-level competition was to identify and select the most promising talents who would represent Manipur Technical University at the upcoming state-level competitions. These nominations are a testament to the students’ hard work, intellectual prowess, and commitment to environmental causes.

The nominated students will carry the honor of representing MTU at the State-Level Open Symposium Competition, Poster Competition, and Model Exhibition, which are organized by the Department of Environment & Climate Change, Government of Manipur, as part of the World Environment Day 2025 observations.

State-Level Nominations:

For the State-Level Symposium (scheduled for June 3, 2025):
o Potshangbam Borrish Kumar (ECE, 2nd Semester) – Nominated based on his exceptional performance and profound understanding demonstrated in the university-level symposium.
For the State-Level Poster Competition (scheduled for June 5, 2025):
o Bearon Yumnam & Laimayum Renish Sharma (Civil, 6th Semester) – Nominated for their winning poster that effectively conveyed the theme with creativity and clarity.

Official nomination letters, detailing the selected students and their respective competition categories, have been duly prepared and submitted to the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Manipur. Manipur Technical University wishes its nominated representatives the very best in the upcoming state-level competitions.

12.Certificates, Acknowledgments, and Collaborative Support

Certificates and Recognition:

Recognizing the efforts and talents of all participants, Certificates of Participation were awarded to every student who took part in either the Symposium or the Poster Competition. Furthermore, Certificates of Achievement were presented to the winners of both categories, acknowledging their outstanding performance and contributions. This recognition aimed to encourage continued engagement in environmental initiatives and academic excellence.

13.Acknowledgments:

The successful organization of such an impactful event would not have been possible without the invaluable support and cooperation from various entities and individuals. The Eco-Club of Manipur Technical University extends its sincere gratitude to:
• Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Manipur: For their crucial support and encouragement, which formed the backbone of this event and underscored its importance.
• Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), Manipur Technical University: For their collaborative efforts, guidance, and ensuring the quality standards of the event.
• All Supporting Departments of MTU: For facilitating student participation and providing necessary infrastructure.
• The Organizing Faculty: The overall coordinator, Mr. Kosygin Leishangthem, and the event coordinators, Ms. Yengkhom Chandrika Devi, Ms. Tayenjam Jeneetaa, Dr. Moirangthem Roshini, and Dr. Sonika Thongam, for their tireless dedication,
meticulous planning, and seamless execution of the event.
• The Esteemed Jury Members: Dr. Khwairakpam Selija, Pinky Khundrakpam, Dr. Angom Devadatta Mani, Ngayaiwon Hashunao, Dr. Rajkumar Kamaljit Singh, and Dr. Lourembam Victoria for their professional and fair evaluation of the participants.
• Student Volunteers: For their enthusiastic assistance in managing the logistics, registration, and overall smooth flow of the event.
• All Participating Students: For their enthusiasm, dedication, and active involvement, which truly brought the event to life.

14.Conclusion and Future Outlook

The University-Level Open Symposium and Poster Competition, held on May 28, 2025, was a resounding success. It effectively achieved its objectives of raising awareness about “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally” and providing a robust platform for student engagement and expression. The event exemplified the academic prowess and environmental consciousness prevalent among the students of Manipur Technical University.
The quality of presentations in the symposium and the creativity evident in the posters were truly inspiring, reflecting a deep understanding of environmental challenges and a genuine desire to contribute to sustainable solutions. The successful nomination of students for state level competitions further highlights MTU’s commitment to nurturing talent and promoting
environmental stewardship beyond the university premises.
This event strongly reinforces Manipur Technical University’s commitment to fostering a culture of sustainability, innovation, and active participation in addressing global environmental issues. The collaborative efforts between the Eco-Club, the Directorate of
Environment and Climate Change, and IQAC, MTU, serve as a model for future initiatives. We look forward to building upon the success of this event with even greater enthusiasm and broader participation in the years to come, continuing our collective journey towards a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.