Team SHUNYA, the student organization at the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay), recently orchestrated a highly effective orientation program for incoming undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students. This event, held on September 1, 2023, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, saw the enthusiastic participation of 50 students. It provided a distinctive introduction to the world of sustainable innovation while highlighting the structure and vision of Team SHUNYA.
The orientation event commenced with a comprehensive introduction to Team SHUNYA, immersing students in the organization's mission and vision. It incorporated engaging activities and interactive games meticulously designed to create a joyful and memorable experience. Additionally, attendees were privileged to gain valuable insights from Mohd. Saif Ansari, a Growth Analyst at AHEL and a distinguished Team SHUNYA alumnus, who shared his real-world experiences and expertise.
Prabhat Sharma, the dedicated team leader of Team SHUNYA, addressed the students during the event, delivering a speech infused with profound insights into the team's mission, vision, and the critical role of sustainability. Prabhat's words were both inspirational and motivational, emphasizing each student's potential to contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.
Furthermore, the event featured a speech by Professor Gurubalan Annadurai, the Assistant Professor of the Department of Energy Science and Engineering and the esteemed faculty advisor of Team SHUNYA. His address offered an academic perspective and guidance, stressing the importance of student-led initiatives like Team SHUNYA and their alignment with the university's goals. The combined impact of Prabhat Sharma's inspiring address and Professor Gurubalan's insights created an unforgettable and enriching experience for all attendees, nurturing a strong commitment to sustainable innovation and responsible environmental practices among the students.
The orientation event served as a dynamic platform for attendees to directly engage with Team SHUNYA's dedicated members, distinguished alumni, and esteemed faculty advisors. These influential figures shared their valuable insights, experiences, and reflections on Team SHUNYA's orientation. This interactive environment allowed attendees to gain a profound understanding of the team's mission and vision, inspiring active participation in the journey of sustainable innovation.
About Team SHUNYA
Team SHUNYA is a student technical team passionately advocating for sustainability and envisioning a brighter future. Their objective is to revolutionize the construction sector, making it more energy-efficient, less carbon-intensive, and cost-effective. They are guided by the principles of sustainability and a deep reverence for nature, aspiring to create a world where progress harmonizes seamlessly with the environment. It's not just a vision; it's a collective journey where a diverse group of individuals unites with a shared purpose.
The team proudly represents India in the prestigious Solar Decathlon competition, often dubbed the 'Olympics of Sustainable Architecture,' organized by the US Department of Energy. Their involvement dates back to 2014, and they have garnered noteworthy accolades, including the 2nd prize for Project Daksh in the Solar Decathlon Design Challenge 2021, 'Honorable Mention in Sustainability' for Project H-Naught in Solar Decathlon 2014, and the 'Best Participation Award' for Project Solarise in Solar Decathlon 2018.
Most recently, Team SHUNYA secured the 2nd place in the U.S. Solar Decathlon 2023 Build Challenge. The competition assessed various criteria, with the team excelling in seven of them: Engineering, Market Analysis, Thermal Comfort, Occupant Experience, Environmental Impact, Durability and Resilience, and Social Outreach. Their outstanding performance earned them 1st prize in 2 categories, 2nd place in 2 categories, and 3rd place in 3 categories, resulting in a total score of 846 out of 1000, just one point behind the winning team's 847."
