A Career Counseling event for students/young professionals aspiring to make a foray into the fields of Environmental Management and Sustainability organized by Ekonnect Knowledge Foundation in Mumbai on 8th September 2013.

1. Disha, Making Careers in
Environmental Management &
Sustainability

2. Why Disha?
The market for environmental services is growing
Environmental Governance in India has expanded considerably. Government has put in place modern policies and
regulations to protect and conserve the environment while ensuring economic development. These efforts align
well with the international frameworks and benchmarks. Unfortunately, trained human resources and institutional
capacities required to match this governance, have remained weak. This is a serious issue when it comes to
mainstreaming environmental considerations and subsequent implementation of environmental protection
related measures.
The size of the global environmental consulting market today is estimated to be close to 30 billion US$.
Contribution of renewables towards energy generation is expected to rise 80% by 2050. Cities will need to become
“smart” and “green” to respond to the pressures of urbanization. Greendex 2012 survey pegs Indians on top for
sustainable behavior despite the unevenness and insensitivities we often see!
“Today, more than 100 Indian companies practise sustainability reporting. For
the past 10 years, 8,000 to 10,000 green jobs have opened up in India annually.”
Need for career counseling and guidance
We need to strengthen our academic and research institutions, bringing curricula and projects closer to
sustainability-oriented practices. Students and young professionals need to be exposed to the growing
opportunities in this arena. Guidance on how to shape careers is needed to inspire and motivate. As environmental
issues permeate through various sectors of development, these efforts need to be taken across multiple disciplines
such as science, engineering, planning, economics, social development etc.
Partners
Our principal partner
Date & place
Sunday 8th September 2013
First Floor, Seminar Hall, Narsee Monjee
Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS),
Vile Parle, Mumbai
Our supporting partners
K. J. Somaiya College of Engineering (IN PROCESS OF DISCUSSION)
Rachna Sansad's Institute of Environmental Architecture
Ramnarain Ruia College (IN PROCESS OF DISCUSSION)
St.Xavier's College (IN PROCESS OF DISCUSSION)
Thadomal Shahani Engineering College
Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI)
Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research (IN PROCESS OF DISCUSSION)

3. Program
9:00 – 10:00 Registration
10:00 – 10:10 Opening Address by Chief Guest: Dr Deepak Kantawala, Renowned Environmental Consultant
and Ex-President Indian Environmental Association
10:10 – 11:00 Environmental Management: Its Evolution and Emerging Opportunities: Dr. Prasad Modak,
Ekonnect
11:00 – 11:15 Q&A Session
11:15 – 11:30 Break for Tea/Coffee
11:30 – 12:30 Role Models for Making Careers in Environmental Management, Presentations by six
established professionals – moderated by Dr Deepak Kantawala
12:30 – 13:00 Q&A Session
13:00 – 13:45 Break for lunch
13:45 – 14:30 ‘Foundation Course on Environmental Management’ by Ekonnect & Launch of the Jobs Portal,
Dr Prasad Modak and Divya Narain, Ekonnect
14:30: – 14:45 Q&A
14:45 – 15:45 ‘The Employers Perspective’ –Presentations from Employers, moderated by Dr Prasad Modak
15:45 – 16:00 Close
Meet the Practitioners
Our chief guest & moderator
Dr.D.Kantawala, Renowned Environmental Consultant & Ex-President Indian Environmental Association
Some of our esteemed speakers & job providers
Mr. Chaitanya Kalia, Ernst & Young, Sustainability Consultant
Dr. D.B.Boralkar, Ex-Member Secretary, MPCB, Policy & Regulatory Reforms
Mr. Mahesh Patankar, Entrepreneur, Energy & Environment
Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Deputy Director NEERI, Environmental Research
Mr. Rishi Aggarwal, Research Fellow, Observer Research Foundation, Environmental Advocacy
Mr. Vasant Ayyapan, Indian Hotels Company Limited, Sustainability Services

4. E-Learning
Ekolearning, Ekonnect’s blended learning (online + face-to-face) initiative, is proud to unveil its e-learning course
titled ‘Foundation Course on Environmental Management & Sustainability’. Taught online with reputed and
experienced mentors, this one-month course employs a unique ‘case study’ based approach to impart an
understanding of the fundamental principles of Environmental Management - an essential ingredient missing from
most university curricula. Completion of this course will help you in planning your careers and improve prospects
of internship, research positions and jobs. Being a not-for-profit, Ekonnect charges nominal fees for its courses.
Job Portal
We have set up this portal to connect job providers and job seekers. Showcase your resume to potential
employers. Understand the market and seize opportunities. The portal allows you to consult with our Experts for
on career related issues. Services on our Job Portal are completely free of charge.
“Visit www.ekonnect.net for more information
How to register?
Log on to www.ekonnect.net to register on-line for this event.
Group registration of 10 plus get a discount of Rs.500 on the total
applicable registration fees. Student ID is required for entering the hall.
Registration Fees Students Non Students
Before August 25 Rs.600 Rs. 1000
After August 25 Rs.800 Rs.1200
Whom to contact?
Contact:
Sonal Alvares on
sonal.alvares@ekonnect.net or
Divya Narain on
divya.narain@ekonnect.net
Who we are
Ekonnect Knowledge Foundation is a non-profit, Section 25 company established in September 2012 with a goal to
increase awareness and provide learning on the key challenges and solutions in the field of environment and
sustainability.
Ekonnect works through the model of collaboration - using the expertise of its network of associates and working
with communities, business organizations and the government to look closely at the problems faced by society
today. With its Advisory Board consisting of eminent experts in the field of environment, social development and
sustainability, Ekonnect is poised to bring in the desired change in environmental education, policy and
practice.
About Dr. Modak, Director Ekonnect
Dr Modak has been fortunate to span his career across teaching, research, consulting
and implementation - in the areas of policy, planning, projects and investments. He has
worked with almost all key development agencies across the globe such as the UN, The
World Bank, Asian Development Bank and has advised governments including the
Government of India and various State governments. Currently, he functions as Dean of
IL&FS Academy of Applied Development (focusing on sustainability), directs
Environmental Management Centre (a strategic consulting company) and teaches at IIT
Bombay as Professor (Adjunct).
Visit http://in.linkedin.com/in/prasadmodak to view his detailed profile.