The flagship event addressed the sustainability concerns regarding a safe and clean environment and equitable social development. It also aimed to gather and share ideas, knowledge, experience and best practices among researchers, public authorities and experts that will merge into a vision of a smart city for sustainable and intelligent development. The program witnessed thematic approach to discuss various solutions and ways to overcome barriers in order to reach the objective. Delegates from various fields shared their expertise and knowledge on achieving sustainable development of Kochi.
Prof. Sunanda Muralidharan, Chairperson, Department of Management, delivered the welcome address. Sampoojya Swami Purnamritananda Puri, General Secretary, Mata Amritanandamayi Math, delivered the benedictory address. He conveyed “success in life comes with accepting failures and learning from it. It rests not only in intelligence, but also in intuition which could be achieved through spiritual practise”. ASTHRA 2015 was officially inaugurated by the dignitaries by lighting the lamp followed by the release of the souvenir “DRISHTI” by Shri. Ajith Kumar IPS.
Mr. M. G. Rajamanickam, IAS, District Collector, Ernakulam gave the Inaugural Address. In his short speech he pointed out that for any city to be smart and sustainable, a collective effort is required from both the bureaucrats and the individuals to bring out the revolutionary change. Mr. Ajith Kumar, IPS, IG of Police, Kochi gave an elaborate note on the Role of Traffic and Transportation in Smart City Development. Dr. Prem Nair, Managing Director of Amrita Institute of Medical Science and Research Center delivered the felicitation address. He pointed out that sustainability can be achieved through efficient utilization of energy and resources. Mr. Jose Thomas, Chairman, Indo American Chamber of Commerce discussed about the Role of Industrial Sector in Boosting Economic Stability. He mentioned the need to develop a sense of adventure and intention to do something good to the society.
Mr. Anil Kumar, Company Secretary, Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. (KMRL) made a presentation on behalf of Elias George, IAS, Managing Director, KMRL. He gave an overview of the project Kochi Metro Rail and how Kochi as an ideal place for investment will be transformed with the introduction of Metro Rail. Dr. Saravanan Subrahmanian, Senior Researcher ZEF, University of Bonn, Germany talked about how urbanization, sanitization and healthcare could contribute to the sustainable development of Kochi. Mr. Rajinish Menon, CIR and Director Startups, Microsoft shared his technical expertise and knowledge on the role of technological advancement in the sustainable growth of Kochi. This was followed by the concluding remarks by Prof. Jay Misra, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham where he summarized the entire event. Mr. A.J. Rajan I.A.S., Kerala Chamber and Commerce gave the valedictory note. He discussed the various challenges faced by Kochi city. He congratulated the entire Asthra team for organizing the event successfully.
Run Kochi Run- A Pre- Launch Event Of Asthra 2015
Students of Department of Management, Kochi organized the 2nd edition of Run Kochi Run,held on 7th December 2014, as a pre-launch event of ASTHRA 2015.
