Berhampur, Odisha: The Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Berhampur — one of Odisha’s leading technical training institutions — has made national and international headlines with its pioneering initiative, “Green Skill for Waste to Wealth.” This innovative project integrates skill development, sustainability, and waste management to convert scrap materials into artistic and functional masterpieces.
Spearheaded by Dr. Rajat Kumar Panigrahi, then Principal of ITI Berhampur, the initiative stands as a benchmark in India’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem. The project has also been featured by UNESCO-UNEVOC as a Promising Practice for its transformative impact on green skills, creativity, and sustainable livelihoods.
A Vision for Sustainable Skill Development
Established in 1957, ITI Berhampur has long been recognized for its excellence in vocational training and innovation. The institute has nurtured over 4,000 trainees annually across 27 sectors, fostering employability, creativity, and environmental responsibility.
The “Green Skill for Waste to Wealth” initiative was launched to bridge the skill gap between industrial training and real-world requirements. It focuses on transforming waste and scrap into valuable products such as metal sculptures, furniture, and artistic installations, promoting both sustainability and self-reliance among trainees.
Core Objectives
The initiative was designed with three major goals:
- Environmental: Reduce industrial waste through creative upcycling and sustainable practices.
- Educational: Enhance trainees’ interest in welding, fabrication, and design through practical application in artistic projects.
- Financial: Enable students to earn while they learn, ensuring self-sufficiency and financial empowerment.
Remarkable Outcomes and Global Impact
The initiative has not only promoted sustainability and skill innovation but also generated tangible socio-economic benefits.
At ITI Berhampur:
- Around 1,000 kg of scrap materials are reused every month.
- More than 4,000 students have gained hands-on experience in creative recycling.
- The institute’s Educational Wonderland, featuring over 1,000 sculptures, has been recognized in the Asia Book of Records as the Largest Open-Air Scrap Sculpture Park in Asia.
The program has attracted visitors from across India and inspired other technical institutes to replicate its model.
Empowering Trainees through Creativity
Trainees from diverse trades — welding, fitting, painting, and electrical — collaborate to convert discarded materials into stunning art pieces. The initiative emphasizes “heart and minds-on” learning, blending technical precision with creativity.
The products are classified under three categories:
- Small-scale art pieces (1–5 kg): High-quality decorative items earning up to ₹5,000 each.
- Medium-scale designs (50–120 kg): Artistic and functional works valued up to ₹50,000.
- Large-scale installations (up to 5 tonnes): Masterpieces fetching up to ₹10 lakh, showcasing the synergy of skill and imagination.
Challenges and Solutions
The journey was not without challenges — from ensuring aesthetic quality to sourcing materials sustainably.
To address this:
- ITI Berhampur established partnerships with municipal corporations and recycling agencies for a steady supply of scrap.
- Specialized training programs were introduced to refine students’ artistic and design skills.
- Continuous mentoring and team-based learning helped overcome creative and technical hurdles.
Scrap Museum – A Living Showcase of Innovation
The Scrap Museum, an integral part of the campus, stands as a living exhibition of the students’ ingenuity. Each sculpture, from intricate figurines to monumental installations like the Giant Scrap “Predator”, tells a story of transformation — of waste into wonder, and learning into livelihood.
Insights and Learnings
The initiative emphasizes:
- Integrating sustainability in daily training practices.
- Simulating real-world industrial environments within the institute.
- Promoting teamwork, ownership, and accountability.
- Fostering entrepreneurship and creativity through environmental responsibility.
Next Steps and Future Vision
- Scale Up and Expand– Plans are underway to train educators and replicate the model across other ITIs in Odisha and beyond.
- Building a National Network– ITI Berhampur aims to establish a digital collaboration platform for ITIs involved in waste management and green innovation.
- Sustainable Growth– The institute continues exploring market opportunities for upcycled products and partnerships with government bodies, NGOs, and environmental organizations to sustain and expand the initiative’s impact.
Leadership and Recognition
The Green Skill for Waste to Wealth initiative is a testament to Dr. Rajat Kumar Panigrahi’s visionary leadership. His commitment to integrating sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship within technical education has transformed ITI Berhampur into a national role model for skill-based environmental action.
Under his guidance, the institute not only trained a generation of skilled professionals but also demonstrated how vocational training can align with the global goals of green growth and circular economy.
About UNESCO-UNEVOC Recognition
UNESCO-UNEVOC has recognized ITI Berhampur’s Waste to Wealth initiative as a Promising Practice in TVET, citing its excellence in fostering employability, creativity, and sustainability.
The initiative is part of UNESCO’s broader effort to promote green skills and innovation in technical education worldwide.