On March 19, 2024, the STEAM Exploratorium of Excel Group of Schools hosted the remarkable ECO-FEST, an event organized by Excel Management to inspire Grades 9 and 11 students about environmental conservation and the role of emerging green technologies. Two distinguished experts, S. Boustine and Dr. Mylaudy Rajadurai, shared their insights and experiences in combating climate change and promoting sustainable technologies.
Meet the Speakers
S. Boustine, M.Sc., M.Phil, Environmental Biologist and Activist
S. Boustine, an environmental biologist and activist, holds a B.Sc. from St. Xavier’s College, Palayamkottai, and an M.Sc. from Sri Palani Aandavar Arts College, Palani. He has also completed extensive coursework in environmental studies and business management from Loop College and Truman College, Chicago. As a renowned environmentalist and author focusing on climate change, Boustine has conducted significant research at the Center For Marine Science And Technology (MSU). His notable work includes studying the impact of thermal water effluent from the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant on algal community and diversity. During the event, Boustine urged students to raise awareness and take action against environmental issues, sharing personal experiences and efforts towards rectifying environmental problems.
Dr. Mylaudy Rajadurai, Chairman, Rajadurai Foundation
Dr. Mylaudy Rajadurai, Chairman of the Rajadurai Foundation, is a Gold Medalist in M.Sc. Chemistry from Kerala University and holds a Ph.D. from IIT Chennai. His illustrious career includes teaching positions at prestigious institutions like The American College Madurai, Loyola College Chennai, and the University of Notre Dame, USA. With 43 years dedicated to research on pollution control and exhaust system development, Rajadurai has pioneered numerous technologies for emission control in vehicles, significantly reducing CO2 emissions and pollutants. He has also mentored thousands of engineers on pollution control and environmental conservation and established an R&D Center in Mahindra City, providing job opportunities and training to underprivileged engineers. At ECO-FEST, he shared life experiences emphasizing resilience and personal development and offered free education opportunities to Excel students in his academy, showcasing his commitment to fostering future environmental leaders.
Impact on Students
The presence of such distinguished personalities left a profound impact on the students of Grades 9 and 11. They were inspired by the speakers’ dedication to environmental causes and technological innovation. S. Boustine’s call to action urged students to become advocates for change in their communities, while Dr. Rajadurai’s emphasis on personal growth resonated deeply with the audience.
Future Collaboration
Dr. Rajadurai’s generous offer to provide free education to select Excel students demonstrates a promising avenue for collaboration between academia and industry in nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards and technologists.
ECO-FEST served as a platform for students to engage with real-world environmental challenges and innovative solutions. The event reinforced the importance of education, advocacy, and collective action in addressing climate change and building a sustainable future. With the guidance of experts like S. Boustine and Dr. Rajadurai, Excel Management is poised to continue its efforts towards environmental stewardship and technological advancement.
By fostering a culture of environmental consciousness and technological innovation, ECO-FEST has empowered students to become agents of positive change in their communities and beyond.
