The PUMBA Gazette An MBA Biotechnology Initiative

THE EDITORIAL
Address,
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Likewise in January 2009 came out the first edition of THE
PUMBA GAZETTE as an MBA-BT (2008-10) initiative. With
feedback from the industry and alumni we incorporated the
changes and tried to better the newsletter. However, now
that we are at the herald of completing our course, it is time
to pass this on to the next batch (2009-11). I would like to
take this opportunity to thank all those who have given us
valuable insights and we hope to keep on improvising upon
the monthly newsletter of the MBA (Biotechnology)
department.
The current issue, to begin with, comprises of a very vital
topic of discussion- the earth itself. With increasing issues
of global warming the entire world is coming together to
take measures at individual, national and global levels.
A project done by the students to understand the take of
farmers on organic farming has been included.
An article on carbon capturing device has also been
included in order to throw light upon this emerging
technique.
An interview by Dr. Anand Karve has also been
incorporated which reflects upon the various aspects
pertaining to reuse of waste and the emerging sources of
energy one can look up to.
The edition also includes the last of the CSR activity out of
the 12 part series. Henceforth there will be another
periodical series.
In the BT news section an article on Agro-terrorism has
been included.
A section upon the recent happenings in PUMBA has been
also included.
Your feedback and suggestions are welcome atthepumbagazette@
gmail.com
“If you leave the smallest corner of your head vacant for a
moment, other people's opinions will rush in from all
quarters.” - George Bernard Shaw
Sincerely Yours,
Chief Editor: Queeny Bubna, MBA-BT (Sem IV)
(The PUMBA Gazette Team)
(The detailed project report shall be provided on enquiry.
Kindly send in your enquiries atthepumbagazette@
gmail.com)
CONTENTS
• Cover Story 3
-- Organic Origin
• Articles/Analysis 4
-- Capturing CO2: A New Approach
• Back to Society 5
-- CSR Initiative of PUMBA
• BT News 6
-- The “Green” Threat
• Candid Talk 7
-- An Interview with Dr. Anand Karve
• PUMBA News 8
-- Risk Management Lecture
-- Pune Marathon
-- Healthcare Advertising
• The Journey 9
Organic Origin
Agriculture in India has a long history dating back to 10,000 years.
Today, India ranks second worldwide in farm output. Out of all
major practices that are followed on Indian fields, organic farming
can be considered the oldest. Organic agriculture is a production
system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It
relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to
local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects.
The process combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit
the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good
quality of life for all involved.
Since 1990, globally the market for organic products has grown at
a rapid pace to reach $46 billion in 2007. This demand has driven
a similar increase in organically managed farmland. Approximately
32.2 million hectares worldwide are now farmed organically,
representing approximately 0.8 percent of total world farmland. In
addition, as of 2007, organic wild products are harvested on
approximately 30 million hectares. In response to the high global
market for organic foods, the Indian Central Government set up a
National Institute of Organic Farming in October 2003 in
Ghaziabad, Madhya Pradesh. The purpose of this institute is to
formulate rules, regulations and certification of organic farm
products in conformity with international standards. The major
organic products sold in the global markets include dried fruits and
nuts, cocoa, spices, herbs, oil crops, and derived products. Nonfood
items include cotton, cut flowers, livestock and potted plants.
Keeping the above in mind, a survey was conducted to estimate
amount of current use of organic farming practice with the farmers
of Maharashtra at the “Kissan Expo” on 14th December, 2009 near
Mulshi (Pune).
There are certain major findings of the study which have been
compiled. There are few standard ratios of combinations of
organic material to inorganic material that are usually used by
farmers. Most of the farmers follow 100% inorganic farming or they
follow 20:80 organic: inorganic ratio. This depicts that our farmers
heavily rely on inorganic farming.
Generally, most of the farmers follow organic farming practice with
the motive of improving land condition rather than keeping
customer demand in mind. Some practice organic farming
because it provides healthy and nutritional food to the customers.
84% of the farmers were satisfied with organic farming results,
2.25% of the farmers where not satisfied and 4.95% of the farmers
said the process of achieving the motive is still ongoing.
Considering the awareness about the procedure of certification for
organic farming and the programs for organic farming, 62% said
that they are not aware of them, while the 38% were aware of
them. 32 % of the farmers said that they are benefitted from
organic farming certification while 23% said that they are not
getting any benefits from the certification. Also around 92%
farmers do not have a certificate for practicing organic farming yet
they are continuing with the practice.
Most of the farmers do not know about the USFDA and NPOP
standards and are following general practices passed on from their
forefathers. Around 5 % of the total farmers consulted said that
there have been inspections of their farms, while the rest 95% said
there has been no inspection of their farm from any Government
committee.
Regarding farmers’ experience in practicing organic farming, about
73% of the farmers have more than 3 years of experience in
organic farming, 12% have 3 years experience, 5% have 2 years
experience and 10% have <=1 year experience in organic farming.
Problems faced by farmers during organic farming mainly include
lack of labour. Followed by it are problems regarding availability of
inputs and low yield respectively. Around 60% of farmers think that
products of organic farming have a demand in the market. They
think that as organic farming increases nutritional value of the food
and does not include use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers, the
demand for it is more.
There are some who think that there is no such demand. Reasons
for no or less demand can be less awareness about food from
organic farming and high cost of the products of organic farming,
since their cost is generally high as compared to the cost of
products of inorganic farming. All products usually go in same
market and customer fails to differentiate between products of
organic farming and inorganic farming, which ultimately results in
no specific demand for products of organic farming.
Hence, there is an immense potential that is yet to be tapped and
if the farmers are made aware they would use organic farming and
it would solve the major problems that arise due to chemical
fertilizers. Also, if people are encouraged to use organic food
farmers will be compelled to grow it.
Compiled by: Abhijit Shinde, Aniket Bachhav, Asmita Ranbhise,
Bhagyashree Sangamnere, Harishchandra Satale, Irfan Tamboli, Jayesh
Deolekar, Mitali Sonawale, Nazaneen Saify, Neha Maliwal, Pankaj Patil,
Parag Kambale, Praful Bhalerao, Sachin Dalvi, Satish Bhujbal, Sayali
Kulkarni, Sumantsinh Girase, Sumit Bargat (MBA-BT, Sem II)
Capturing CO2: A new approach
The 21st century has gracefully completed its first decade
with phenomenal advancement in science and technology.
The world economy showing an upward trend, consumers
are queuing up for more and better equipped products. The
world has shrunken with an almost 60% increase in number
of ‘Globe trotters’. However the side effect of all this is the
growing problem of ‘Greenhouse effect.’ This effect is
caused by the increasing emission of CO2 into the
atmosphere. It has been recently brought into the forefront
by Environmentalist groups and has caused a global panic.
Several actions have been taken at individual, community
and national levels; however the lack of commitment and
underestimation of severity of the problem has lead to
inadequate actions. Although in spite of the global
production of CO2 being 28,431,741,000 metric tons and
increasing alarmingly, no serious steps to solve the
problems are taken yet. The recent widely publicized
International Climate Change Summit, Copenhagen, is an
example of the world wide apathy towards the problem.
The focus of all the problem solving undertaken till now has
been the minimization of CO2 emission through control on
its production. However, the researchers are now
approaching the problem from a different angle. Various
new methods are focussed on controlling CO2 in
environment by CO2 absorbing technique (using an
absorbing device) rather than decreasing its emission.
One such technique is invented by Global Research
Technologies, LLC (GRT), a technology Research and
Development company, in collaboration with Klaus Lackner
from Columbia University. They have successfully invented
a bold new technology used to capture carbon from the air.
The "air extraction" prototype has successfully
demonstrated that indeed carbon dioxide (CO2) can be
captured from the atmosphere. The company began the
development of the device in 2004 and has recently
successfully demonstrated its efficacy. The device is in the
form of cuboids with its upper part exposed to the
environment, while its lower part forms a base and has
proven to capture atmospheric CO2, thereby reducing the
‘Global Warming’ effect.
The advantage this technique projects as compared to
others is that it requires less space, as well as it is cost
effective. It can be cheaply installed and used to fight
Global warming. It is predicted to be one of the
breakthrough solutions required to help the world reduce
dangerous amounts of CO2 in the air. The device can be
installed in the open environment, where the concentration
of CO2 is more, and will help in fulfilling the dream of
pollution-free cities.
This technology may prove to be a miracle not only for the
world’s global warming problems, but will also remove the
current environmental barriers in progress. It will help in
stopping the blame game between countries about the
contribution and restrictions in CO2 emission. Developing &
developed countries can continue with their growth because
of the removal of restrictions on CO2 emission.
Every side has two coins. Similar is the case with this
technique. A counterview is being put forth that as far as the
new technology is concerned, the method of handling the
device is very risky & dangerous.
Environmentalists suggest that the introduction of this
technology will be disastrous as it may provide the industry
with a license to produce CO2 in any amount. Regulations
and restrictions on CO2 production will be removed and an
exponential increase in CO2 production will be the result. It
may lead the world into a new disastrous and dangerous
era which cannot be imagined.
Another point to be considered is a political one. The USA
so far has refused to play a major role in climate change
summit. In fear of losing its industrial edge, the USA has
refused to conform to CO2 emission norms. There is an
apprehension that to avoid the brunt of the ‘Greenpeace’,
USA may try to divert the world’s attention towards this new
innovation. The CO2 absorbing device is hence feared to be
just a way of avoiding immediate responsibility. However, if
not controlled, in future the CO2 emission may go beyond
control.
The Greenhouse effect has been reported to have reached
an apex stage. It has been reported that the glaciers will
melt and disappear by 2035 and the resulting climatic
changes will be catastrophic. The time for experimentation
is far gone and immediate measures need to be taken to
reverse the CO2 levels in the atmosphere, which are said to
be the highest ever reported. A consolidated worldwide
effort is required in order to salvage the climate.
Compiled by: Surendrakumar Patil (MBA-BT, Sem II)
Back to Society: CSR initiative by
PUMBA
A business entity and the society coexist. The business entity is
present in order to serve the society and even the society needs a
business unit. Whatever a business does is for the society and in
doing that it retains its own share in the form of the profit that the
business makes. CSR of an organization, however, is what the
company does for the people and is a philanthropic move as
perceived by the masses in general.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is adopted by most
organisations, irrespective of its size. It is an effort on the part of
the business community to accept the responsibility of the impact
of their business on the society, encompassing factors like
environment, communities and employees. However, the CSR
activity does not only fulfil social responsibilities, but also helps the
company build good social relations and have an impact on the
consumers, thus in a way it serves the purpose of gaining
recognition for the company as well.
Organisations proactively undertake various causes that will enrich
the society. Various CSR activities range from setting up schools,
healthcare camps, creating AIDS awareness, promoting R & D,
and organising training programs to elections etc.
In the past editions of The PUMBA Gazette, the CSR activities of
companies like TATA, Torrent Group, Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd.,
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Panacea Biotec, etc. were covered.
Each of these activities have touched the lives of the people and
aim at building a better tomorrow for them. The efforts of these
organisations are appreciated and hope that other organizations
will emulate them. In this last edition of the year, we would like to
focus on the Corporate Social Responsibility of PUMBA.
PUMBA, as an institution, is involved in a host of activities that not
only reach out to the society but also instil a feeling of
responsibility in students towards others. One such activity
involves active participation of the faculty and the students in the
academics of Queen Mary’s Technical Institute (Kirkee). The
Institute trains Disabled Ex – Servicemen, those rendered unfit for
service in the Armed Forces due to medical reasons and those in
service who are under prolonged Medical Treatment for severe
disability. The Dean, Dr. (Capt.) C. M. Chitale, the faculty
members and the students conduct lectures for the soldiers who
enrol for the Diploma in Industrial Administration and Services
Management. This is a course uniquely designed by Dr. (Capt.) C.
M. Chitale and aims at training the soldiers for their smooth
integration into the prevailing corporate or industrial environment.
PUMBA has also been a regular contestant in the AIDS Charity
Run conducted every year during Pune International Marathon in
order to raise awareness of AIDS. The AIDS Charity Run (ACR)
was introduced for the first time, as a part of the 19th Pune
International Marathon and was a great success. The purpose of
the ACR is to involve citizens in participating for the cause of
spreading HIV / AIDS awareness. Many prominent citizens and
celebrities from all walks of life participate in the ACR. Many
companies like TCS, Cognizant Technology Solutions, Emcure
and educational institutes like IBMR, IIEBM etc. participated in the
event. PUMBA has won the award for “The Largest Participating
Group from an Educational Institute” for two years in a row.
Through this endeavour the department tries to raise awareness
about AIDS with the help of handmade posters and placards with
innovative slogans suitable to the occasion & its cause.
This year, the students visited the Gyanankur Foundation, a
school of about 500 underprivileged children, at Kharadi.
PUMBAites raised funds which were used to purchase books,
stationery and chocolates for them. Along with distributing the
goodies, students interacted with the children and played various
games to amuse them. Poona School & Home for Blind Boys was
also visited.
The students also participated in large number in Walkathon rally
for awareness of Arthritis organised by Sancheti Joint
Replacement Hospital, Pune. It was arranged with a motive to
apprise people about the prophylaxis of Arthritis. The programme
was witnessed by various institutes of Pune along with PUMBA.
PUMBA aspires to continue serving the society with an ever
increasing zeal and dedication in the future as well. These
endeavours enable students of PUMBA to be socially responsible
managers in future.
Compiled by: Chime Mishra, Dhananjay Khedekar, Hitesh Patil,
Paritosh Agrawal, Shradha Bakare, Vinayak Acharekar, Snehal Shinde (MBA-BT,
Sem II)
The “Green” threat
A lot of Y2K problems that were expected have been
neutralized in the first decade by 2010. The IT and BT
boom continues with the internet making the world a global
village. However, there has been a not-so-pleasant but
widely existing threat that has been increasing, making its
presence felt- ‘Terrorism’. During this decade, we have
seen terrorism metamorphosing into an apocalyptical
phenomenon. The decade had a very horrifying start with
the 9/11 attacks. Since then terrorism in various parts of the
world has been constantly manifesting itself constantly.
With the advancement in technology the previously simple
weapons warfare has taken malicious forms like mechanical
warfare, strategic warfare as well as biological warfare. The
view that society has somewhat become desensitized to the
acts of violence perpetrated with guns and bombs has
prodded the terrorists to resort to more gruesome Biological
warfare. An example of this was the delivery of anthrax
spores to strategic US Government officials via post.
AGRO-TERRORISM
A threat that looms over India, we being a primarily agrarian
economy is of Agro-terrorism, a part of Bio-terrorism. “Agro
terrorism is the malicious use of plant or animal pathogens
to cause devastating diseases in the agricultural sector.”
The motivating factors being a huge economic impact and
helplessness of people in such situations. Agro Terrorism
has relatively less severe consequences (i.e. not
necessarily loss of human life). Hence it mainly serves to
cause chaos and as a “warning” to the people. It is also an
easier mode of attack as the technical and operational
challenges are reduced since the biological agents rapidly
reproduce and are easily disseminated. The ease of
concealment and potential for mass casualties increases its
attractiveness for terrorist groups.
‘Agro-terrorism’ uses several techniques for striking the
agricultural sector which includes – contamination of crops
or livestock; contamination of animal feed using organic
pesticides or herbicides; the use of adulterated seeds; and
contamination of municipal water supplies.
Dispersed cases of ‘Agro-terrorism’ have been reported
now and then around the world. Chemical attacks against
agricultural targets include a 1997 attack by Israeli settlers;
who sprayed pesticides on grapevines in two Palestinian
villages, destroying up to 17,000 metric tons of grapes. In
1978, the Arab Revolutionary Council poisoned Israeli
oranges with mercury, injuring at least 12 people and
reducing orange exports by 40%.
AGRO-TERRORISM IN INDIA
An instance of Agro-terrorism on Indian soil was that of
Coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei) which was first
reported in the Gudalur area of Nilgiris District in Tamil
Nadu, in 1990. The pest was believed to have been
introduced through infested coffee beans brought by Sri
Lankan repatriates. Surveys carried out in 1992 have
revealed incidence of the pest in coffee-growing areas of
Wyanad District of Kerala and Kodagu (Coorg) District of
Karnataka.
In India, there are no established emergency measures to
detect and combat Agro-terrorism. This branch of terrorism
has been generally ignored since there haven’t been any
such insidious attacks in the recent past. However,
response machinery needs to be put in place, especially in
India a country where agriculture and allied sectors
contribute 22% of the total GDP. Almost 124.10 hectares of
land in India is under cultivation and almost 65% of the
population depends on agriculture as their only means of
livelihood. In case of an Agro-terrorist attack on India, the
effects on the developing economy will be drastic and far
reaching.
According to an EXIM Bank report, National Commission on
Farmers (NCF) has given the following recommendations to
combat agro terrorism:
1. Creation of a National Agricultural Bio security System
(NABS) characterized by highly professional, public, and
political credibility.
2. NABS to have following three mutually reinforcing
components-
§ National Agricultural Bio security Council (NABC)
§ National Centre for Agricultural Bio security (NCAB)
§ National Agricultural Bio security Network (NABN)
3. Creation of a National Agricultural Bio security Fund of
about Rs.1,000 crores with an initial contribution by the
Government of India.
PREVENTION OF AGRO-TERRORISM:
• Conducting regular tests on random samples for
known pathogenic agents.
• Identifying crop growing areas most susceptible to
infection.
• Government networking with farmers for rapid
detection and prevention of crop and cattle
diseases.
• Allocation of appropriate resources for fostering
R&D to combat agro terrorism.
i.
ii. Agro-terrorism is a colossal threat which will keep on getting
sophisticated with the advancement in technology. The
source of origin is hard to pinpoint and its consequences
are long term. Hence, Public awareness is one of the best
counter-active methods.
iii.
iv. Compiled by: Irfan Tamboli & Shalet M Koshy (MBA-BT,
Sem II)
“Global warming is a non–issue”
Dr. Anand Karve is a Ph.D in Botany from University of Turebingen,
Germany. Sir has continuously headed
organizations and Research projects. He has
also been on the Board of companies like
Indrayani Biotech Ltd., Technical Assistance
and Industrial Co operative Ltd., Phaltan,
Samuchit Envirotech P, Shri
Dhootpapaeshwar Ayurvedic Research,
Syngenta Foundation India. He also has to
his credit many prestigious awards like
J.L.Bajaj award for Application of Science, Ashden award for Sustainable
Energy, London.
The PUMBA Gazette team got the opportunity to interact with Sir and
obtain his views about the recent global warming issues in discussion.
Q1. With respect to the current environmental changes, do you
think the world is moving in the right direction to cope with the
emerging energy issues?
Yes & No. In a country like India, although the energy
requirements are high, biomass is an untapped form of energy. In
western countries there are two aspects. First, they have a large
number of industries & hence high energy demand to run them.
Secondly, the climate is very cold. Thus a lot of energy is
consumed in keeping their houses warm. Therefore, most of these
countries cannot use biomass as a source of energy, but India
can.
Germany today has concrete goals to replace 20% of the fossil
fuels using wind & biomass energy because of the windy climate
on the North Sea coast. Owing to the large number of cattle in the
past, the farmers produced a considerable amount of fodder. But
today, despite the reduction in the number of cattle, the same
amount of fodder is produced. The Government buys this fodder &
converts it into biogas to meet the energy requirements. The
technology being costly, this option is feasible only in rich
countries. In India, the biogas program failed because a biogas
plant is not affordable for a farmer. Also, preparing 80 litres of
slurry everyday & disposing the spent slurry increases the work
load for a housewife. Moreover, 1kg of dung gives 2600 kCal of
energy. Whereas the same amount of biogas gives only 600 kCal
of energy. Thus, instead of going for fancy things like biogas,
burning biomass directly is a more practical option, even though
biogas is a more refined fuel.
Q2. What can be the role of the Government in encouraging this
acceleration process?
Ours is the only country with Renewable Energy Ministry. It is now
time for the Government to make India self-sufficient in terms of
energy.
In India, every year 800 million tons of agricultural waste & 200
million tons of urban waste are produced. Thus, instead of
importing 110 million tons of petrol, these 1000 tons of waste can
be converted into energy to reduce the imports. The only hurdle is
the modification of technology so that vehicles can be run on
electricity produced by biogas / biomass. For example, the car
Reva runs on electricity. Although this task is difficult, it can be
done gradually. India has the technology but an inability to
implement it at the right places.
Q3. What can the Indian industries do to channelize the
commercial usage of renewable resources to meet the exponential
energy demands? How long do you think will it take to accelerate
this commercialization process? What can be the role of
corporations in conservation of the environment?
I have already mentioned about the large amount of agricultural
waste generated in our country. This waste, if utilized by the
industries for generating energy & using it for their operations, will
drastically reduce the energy consumption by the industries. For
example, Mr. B.B. Thombre of Latur owned a sugar factory. The
waste generated from this factory was used for electricity
generation which was used to satisfy the energy requirements of a
steel furnace that he owned. Also, the excess electricity produced
was sold to other factories close by. In the year 1972-73 sugar
production came to a standstill due to drought. In order to keep the
furnace functioning Mr. Thombre bought agricultural waste from
farmers at the price of sugarcane and continued generating
energy. Thus, if he can do it, the Government can certainly do it.
Also, installing sophisticated effluent treatment units at production
plants can help check pollution at individual level. The industrial
waste can be converted into charcoal which can be further used in
other industrial processes. This is a onetime investment but
beneficial in the long run.
Q4. After winning the prestigious Whitley Golden Award or the
‘Green Oscar’, what kind of response have you received from
Government or any private institution?
Nothing at all. We import technology for generating solar & wind
energy and the exporters end up making money out of it. I am
offering technology to generate energy from renewable sources
free of cost, but there are no takers.
Q5. How is the idea of ‘clean fuel’ further being implemented?
There are two industries namely, Vanaz & Indian Petrochemical
Corp. Ltd. (IPCL) at Nagothane who have applied this technology.
They produce charcoal from waste such as dry leaves & utilize it
for their processes. It has not been well-accepted as yet, due to
the labor-intensive nature of the processes.
Q6. What kind of problems/hurdles did you face while your ideas
took shape?
Earlier, my ideas were not accepted. People did not pay heed to
the significance of my work. But, eventually all have realized the
importance & need for renewable energy and now everyone wants
to switch to clean & eco-friendly fuels.
Q7. Is carbon trading a feasible option to resolve the
environmental issues? If not, what according to you are the other
viable options? How will it benefit rural India? What will be the role
of Government & corporate entities?
From the point of view of India, it is futile. The advanced countries
want us to avoid use of fossil fuels because they want to use it, for
which they are willing to pay us a price. In turn we will have to
resort to alternative technology which will be bought from them,
thus making them even richer. Moreover, the products
manufactured using the imported technology will be far more
expensive than those produced by the advanced countries.
Eventually, the demand for these products will be minimal thus
increasing the demand & sales of their products.
Q8. What is your opinion on the Copenhagen Summit which did
not yield desired results?
I haven’t followed it completely. But according to me, global
warming is a non-issue. 10,000 years ago, the Earth registered an
Ice Age which changed the geography of the world. It is a cyclic
event and the humans are helpless about it. We are at the
beginning of the next Ice Age and there is nothing much to worry
about it. In fact, things will ‘cool’ down. I am sure the other
countries are also aware of this phenomenon. There was even a
BBC report which said that London, New York & Moscow will
become inhabitable by 2050 due to ice cover.
Compiled by: The PUMBA Gazette Interview Team
PUMBA News
RISK MANAGEMENT SEMINAR
Excessive risk-taking that leads to the economic slowdown has
resulted in a general drop in risk taking appetite across
industries and B-Schools alike. This has led the corporate
sector to focus more on risk mitigation and keeping this in
mind, Alumni Cell, PUMBA organized a lecture on Risk
Management on 19/12/2009 by Mrs. Jagruti Holkar, Manager-
Mumbai, KPMG.
The lecture focussed on various aspects of an Organization
and the attendees were briefed upon the major aspects of the
processes. Mrs. Holkar shed some light on — Human Assets,
Technology, Community, Logistics and Finance and the
various aspects involved thereof. An overview of each process
was presented along with the risks involved in them viz.:- HR
was studied on the following parameters: Selection,
Negotiation, and Appraisal being a few of them.
The one and half hour lecture gave a good overview of the
various processes and the possible ways to mitigate them. At
the end of the lecture the entire class was divided into groups
and were given assignments on - HR, Finance and Operations.
24th PUNE MARATHON
The 24th Pune International Marathon was flagged off with
great enthusiasm from the Alka Talkies chowk on a chilly
Sunday morning. The participants ran for a cause, some for
fun, a few to test their fitness, while others just wanted to be a
part of the grand event. The main race, the 42 kilometer run,
was flagged off by Union Minister of State for External Affairs
Shashi Tharoor, at 7:45 am. Soon after the main race started,
Puneites readied for the Maharashtra Golden Jubilee Run
dedicated to Maharashtra for completing 50 years of formation,
followed by the AIDS Charity run.
Banners were held high bearing various social messages on
HIV and the stigma associated with it. Corporate groups,
college students, a team of electronic media and individuals
participated in the AIDS charity run in large numbers.
More than 150 students of PUMBA participated in the AIDS
charity run. They carried banners with the message: "They
don’t need mercy, They don’t need sympathy; All they need is
care, so lets take this dare". "PUMBA has participated in the
marathon with the same enthusiasm that they have shown in
the past years and it is a way in which PUMBA promotes CSR
activities" said Dr. (Capt.) C. M. Chitale, Dean, Faculty of
Management, University of Pune.
The Head of Department, Dr. B. V. Sangvikar urged students
to spread awareness about the dreadful disease.
Suresh Kalmadi said, "Next year promises to be even bigger
as the Pune International Marathon enters its silver jubilee
year." Ramesh Bagwe, Minister of State for Home,
Harshavardhan Patil, Minister for Cooperation, Marketing and
Parliamentary Affairs, Mahesh Zagade, Commissioner of Pune
Municipal Corporation, Mayor Mohansingh Rajpal, besides
actors Neha Dhupia, Rajat Kapur and Saurabh Shukla were
also present.

The PUMBA Gazette An MBA Biotechnology Initiative

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

The PUMBA Gazette December 2010 edition Released

Thursday, March 18, 2010

ANNIVERSARY ISSUE January

SEPTMBER ISSUE

INTRODUCTION TO MBA BIOTECHNOLOGY

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