: In the pursuit of sustainable chemical transformations, the role of catalysis is paramount. My research journey has revolved around the development of cost-effective and environmentally benign catalytic systems—beginning with manganese-based homogeneous catalysis and evolving into multifunctional heterogeneous platforms. In this talk, I will present my contributions to the development of first-row transition metal catalysts, particularly manganese complexes for atom-economic transformations like dehydrogenative couplings (DHC) for the formation of various C-C and C-heteroatom bonds in an atom-economic and sustainable manner.1 Further, I will also shed some light on the reformation of vicinal glycols,2 and DHC between readily available ethylene glycol and primary alcohols for the synthesis of α-hydroxycarboxylic acids with the emphasis on mechanistic insights and metal-ligand cooperativity. 3 Building upon these foundations, I will then discuss my current work on heterogeneous systems including single-atom catalysts (SACs) and emerging carbon-based frameworks for dual photocatalytic application - hydrogen generation and plastic waste valorization. These systems integrate high surfacearea supports with molecular-level active site engineering, offering sustainable alternatives to precious metal-based photocatalysts. Finally, looking forward, I will outline my vision for future research in designing multifunctional catalysts such as, covalent organic frameworks (COFs), for asymmetric and photocatalytic C–H functionalization—an effort to bridge molecular precision with material robustness. By integrating principles of green chemistry, base-metal catalysis, and material design, my research journey aspires to expand the frontiers of catalysis for sustainable and circular chemical technologies.