The Department of Botany, Carmel College of Arts, Science and Commerce for Women, Nuvem – Goa organized a guest lecture on the topic “Career Orientation in Botany: My Entrepreneurial Journey with Prakrtiveda Ecosolutions” for undergraduate students of F.Y.B.Sc., S.Y.B.Sc. Botany Major and T.Y.B.Sc. Botany classes on 11th February 2025. The aim of the lecture was to share the knowledge and entrepreneurial journey of a successful former student of the Department of Botany, encouraging students to explore entrepreneurship as a potential career path within the environmental and botanical sectors.
The speaker Mrs. Shubra Prabhu Chodnekar, co-founder & proprietor of Prakrtiveda Ecosolutions, based in Sanvordem, Goa is a passionate Botany expert, educator and entrepreneur with a deep commitment to sustainable gardening. An alumnus of the Botany department of Carmel College, she graduated in 2017 and earned a master’s degree in 2019. Before embarking on her entrepreneurial journey, she served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Botany at the Government College of Arts, Science, and Commerce, Quepem-Goa, for five years. In September 2024, alongside her husband, she founded Prakrtiveda Ecosolutions, a brand focused on simplifying gardening while making it enjoyable and environmentally responsible. Prakrtiveda Ecosolutions has become a trusted name for its organic potting mixes, curated plant collections and plant pot gift solutions as well as landscape design for both indoor and outdoor spaces, integrating sustainable greenery into homes and businesses.
Mrs. Chodnekar spoke about how her academic background in Botany laid the foundation for her business venture. She discussed the challenges and triumphs encountered while starting and growing Prakrtiveda Ecosolutions. She emphasized on the importance of extensive study into organic potting mixes tailored to specific plant needs. She also shared valuable insights for aspiring botanists and young entrepreneurs, stressing the significance of innovation in the botanical field, particularly in creating environmentally sustainable solutions. Additionally, she highlighted the growing career opportunities within botany, which extend beyond traditional roles in research and teaching to fields like environmental consulting and sustainable product development.
The lecture offered an insight into applying academic knowledge in creating sustainable entrepreneurial ventures. The session was both informative and engaging, with 21 students and faculty members in attendance.