Kumaraguru College of Liberal Arts and Science (KCLAS) recently organised a Conclave on Social & Eco Entrepreneurship for Sustainability, bringing together entrepreneurship, sustainability and experiential learning to encourage students to develop socially responsible and environmentally conscious business solutions.
The programme commenced with the Welcome Address by Deepesh, Principal, followed by an overview of the course and its learning framework by Nanjan Balu, Associate Dean, School of Management.
The formal launch of the course was held in the presence of Chief Guest Sundar Murugandhan, MD, Versa Drives, who shared valuable insights on balancing personal and professional life while pursuing entrepreneurial and professional aspirations.
He emphasised the importance of environmental consciousness, ethical business practices and conducting business with integrity and responsibility. He also encouraged students to develop the resilience to face failures and setbacks, viewing them as an integral part of professional and entrepreneurial journeys.
Panel Discussions
Under the theme: “From Resources to Impact – Is Social Service Reaching the Last Mile?” a panel discussion was held.
This session examined whether social service initiatives truly reach marginalised communities and create meaningful change.
Panellists Pratim Roy, Founder Director, Key stone Foundation, and Rtn. Mylsamy, District Chairman of Rotary & MD, MM Gears, shared experiences from grassroots projects, Rotary initiatives, and NGO-led programs.
The discussion highlighted the importance of resource allocation, community participation, and accountability in ensuring last-mile delivery.
The panel emphasised bridging the gap between policy frameworks and practical implementations. The panel was moderated by Saravanan, Assistant Vice President, MicroCosm, Kumaraguru Institutions.
Another panel discussion was themed: “Impact on Social Entrepreneurship in Nation Building – From Personal Purpose to Social Impact.”
The session focused on how individual vision and purpose can evolve into collective transformation through social entrepreneurship.
Panellists Jestin Paul, CEO, Aadhimalai Pazhangudiyinar Producers Company; Prasanth, Director of Recompose; and Hari Prasad, CEO of Beyond Sustainability, shared their entrepreneurial journeys in building sustainable enterprises rooted in community empowerment.
The conversation explored eco-friendly business models, rural enterprise development, and leadership for inclusive growth.
The panel reinforced that social entrepreneurship is not just about enterprise creation but about aligning personal values with societal needs, thereby contributing to nation-building and sustainable development.
The Panel was moderated by Kishore Chandran, Founder & Director, Dr Kalm Foundation.
Both panels offered insightful perspectives on sustainability, leadership, and social impact.
Panel 1 stressed the need for effective delivery of social services to the last mile, while Panel 2 highlighted the transformative role of social entrepreneurship in nation-building. Together, they underscored the importance of innovation, responsibility, and community engagement in shaping a sustainable future.
As part of the initiative, the School of Management, KCLAS, conducted the “From Social Problems to Sustainable Business Solutions” Idea Pitch Competition.
Following a preliminary round held on September 22, shortlisted student teams presented innovative solutions addressing challenges such as sanitary napkin disposal, food waste management and accident prevention.
The ideas were evaluated by James Solomon, General Manager, Sustainability, Nova Gas Techniques, Coimbatore, based on innovation, feasibility and social impact.
The student perspective was represented by the Student Representative of the React Team, who shared the anticipation of the course and the learning experience.
