Valedictory Address Emphasizes Circular Economy at IDIC 2026
NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044
Mangaluru, March 18, 2026:
St Aloysius University, in collaboration with Mar Baselios Christian College of Engineering and Technology, hosted the Interdisciplinary International Conference IDIC 2026 on March 17 and 18, bringing together scholars, researchers, academicians, and industry experts from across the world.
Valedictory Address Calls for a Shift in Thinking
The valedictory ceremony held at Mar Baselios College, Peermade, was marked by a compelling address from Rev. Dr. Praveen Martis, Vice Chancellor of St Aloysius University.
In his address, he highlighted the urgent need to move away from a linear model of production and consumption towards a circular economy. He pointed out that the current system of using resources and discarding them is no longer sustainable in a world with limited natural resources and a rapidly growing population.
Drawing from his background in chemistry, he explained how modern products such as smartphones contain a large number of elements, including rare materials that are difficult to recover once discarded. This, he said, makes it essential for scientists and engineers to design products that can be repaired, reused, and recycled.
He also emphasized that nature itself provides the best example of a circular system, where nothing is wasted and every output becomes an input for another process. In contrast, human practices have disrupted this balance through excessive consumption and waste generation.
Stressing that sustainability is not only a scientific concern but also a matter of values, he called for a change in mindset. He urged individuals to reflect on their needs, reduce unnecessary consumption, and adopt responsible practices.
He further underlined the importance of collaboration among institutions and disciplines, noting that meaningful solutions to global challenges can only emerge through shared knowledge and collective effort.
Dr. Oommen Mammen, The Director of Mar Baselios Christian College of Engineering and Technology and the Director of the Conference highlighted the need of Collaboration over Competition. There is no room for competition in the educational scenario of our country. We should collaborate with every other educational and other establishment to grow together. How can we promote Competition in the Education Environment, he asked. He suggested the students to grow up to the need of the time. Learning is a team work. Take guidance from your teachers to get the right kind of direction in your career and life.
The idea of a circular economy becomes truly meaningful when we approach it from a human perspective. Moving from a linear model to a circular one is not merely a theoretical shift; it represents the widening of participation and opportunity. In a circular system, value flows through many hands before returning to its source, much like a single rupee circulating among many individuals before completing its journey. This circulation strengthens communities, distributes benefits, and sustains livelihoods. Too often academic discussions become trapped in complex vocabulary and technical expressions, losing sight of the fundamental purpose of research and innovation, which is to improve lives and create sustainable systems.
The circular economy reminds us of the simple yet profound logic of the wheel. Once the wheel is created, it continues to move and generate momentum. In a similar way we see circular and cyclical movement in the solar system itself. Economies too must therefore evolve from static patterns into dynamic and regenerative systems. In this sense circularity is not merely a concept but a natural pathway towards sustainable development.
This conference is a meaningful collaborative initiative jointly organized by St. Aloysius Deemed to be University, Mangalore and Mar Baselios Christian College of Engineering and Technology, Peermade. The partnership between our institutions reflects a shared commitment to promoting academic dialogue, research excellence, and global engagement. Hosting sessions across two campuses symbolizes cooperation and collective effort in addressing complex sustainability challenges.
Conference Begins with Strong Academic Engagement
The conference commenced on March 17 at the LCRI Auditorium of St Aloysius University. The inaugural session was presided over by Rev. Melwin Joseph Pinto, Pro Chancellor of the University.
The Chief Guest, Prof. Dr. Balwant Singh Mehta, spoke on the importance of interdisciplinary research in addressing contemporary global issues. He encouraged participants to engage in meaningful academic dialogue and collaborative research.
Prof. Dr. Jolly Jose, The Conference Director, in her address, explained Circular Economy, welcomed the gathering and emphasized the role of higher education institutions in promoting research, innovation, and social responsibility.
Keynote Sessions and Research Presentations
The conference featured keynote lectures by Dr. Amena Mahmoud and Dr. Thomas Han, who addressed important global themes related to sustainability, resilience, and interdisciplinary research.
Over the course of two days, around 80 research papers were presented by participants from various institutions. The sessions provided valuable insights into emerging trends and innovations across disciplines, offering students and researchers an opportunity to learn from diverse perspectives.
Valedictory Session and Conclusion
The valedictory session also featured keynote addresses by Dr. Manu Korulla and Dr. Biju K, who highlighted the role of research and technology in shaping future development.
The conference concluded with a strong emphasis on sustainability, collaboration, and innovation. The organizers expressed confidence that the event has strengthened academic partnerships and inspired participants to work towards building a more sustainable and inclusive future.
The conference was guided by a distinguished team of directors included Dr. Oommen Mammen, Director of MBCE Peermede, and Dr. Jolly Jose, Professor and Chair of Strategic Engagements, Research and Innovation at St Aloysius Deemed to be University, Mangaluru.
Supporting them, the Conference Co Directors brought together expertise from diverse academic and professional domains. The team comprised Dr. Rose Veera, Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities, Mr. NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV, Dr. Rajani Suresh, Dean of the School of Business and Management, Dr. Ruban S, Dean of the School of Engineering, and Dr. Oommen Tharakan KT, Dean of MBCE Peermede, whose collective efforts ensured the successful organization of the international conference.
