Ramesh and Swati Kharmale were felicitated with the Lifetime Achievement Award by Green Solutions
Pune: “Environmental conservation is no longer just a social responsibility; it has emerged as a promising domain for entrepreneurship and industry,” said noted author and entrepreneur Sharad Tandale. He was speaking as the chief guest at the 13th anniversary celebration of Green Solutions, an organisation working in the field of environmental sustainability.
Tandale noted that sectors such as solar energy, waste management, organic farming, environmental consultancy, green construction, water conservation systems, electric vehicles, and EV charging infrastructure are rapidly growing and offer lucrative business opportunities. “With the growing urgency of climate change and depletion of natural resources, the world is now seriously addressing environmental concerns. Green businesses are becoming viable and profitable ventures. Young entrepreneurs must embrace innovation and start-ups to lead in this domain,” he added.
At the event, retired army veteran and environmentalist Ramesh Kharmale and his wife, Swati Kharmale, were honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for their noteworthy contribution to environmental protection.
Present on the occasion were Dr. Vidyanand Motghare, former Joint Director of Maharashtra Pollution Control Board; Sagar Ahivale and Aarti Bhosale-Ahivale, founders of Green Solutions; Dr. Sandeep Meshram, Associate Dean at COEP; and Dr. Prakash Raut, Head of Environmental Science at Shivaji University.
Expressing his views, Ramesh Kharmale said, “Curbing the unchecked use of plastic is the need of the hour. Environmental protection is nothing less than serving the nation. The issue of plastic is more serious in rural areas, where it leads to contaminated food production. Rising pollution and carbon emissions are contributing to the severe climate crisis. Planting more trees and active public participation are essential to save the environment.”
Dr. Vidyanand Motghare lauded the work of Green Solutions in promoting sustainable practices. Dr. Prakash Raut expressed pride in the achievements of his former student working in the environmental field.
Aarti Bhosale-Ahivale delivered the welcome address, while Sagar Ahivale shared insights into the organisation’s future initiatives. Yashodhan Ramteke and Dr. Ganesh Kadam also spoke on the occasion.
