JAMMU, MAR 21: A two-day international conference on “Achieving Sustainable Development Goals: Prospects and Challenges for India (SUSTIND)” was inaugurated at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) on Friday. The event is a collaborative effort of IIT Jammu, YSI South Asia Working Group, and the School of Economics, SMVDU. YSI is an initiative of the Institute for New Economic Thinking, New York.
The inaugural session was graced by Padma Bhushan Prof. B. N. Suresh, Chancellor of the Indian Institute of Space Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, as the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker. Highlighting the significance of SDGs, he emphasized the role of space data in tracking progress towards sustainability. Shri Shantmanu, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, attended as the Guest of Honour, stressing the importance of individual sustainability in achieving broader development goals.
Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor, SMVDU, delivered the welcome address, focusing on a top-down approach to achieving SDGs. Prof. Manoj S. Gaur, Director, IIT Jammu, in his presidential address, highlighted how technology can bridge gaps in sustainable development. Ms. Sunanda Nair Bidkar, Director, South Asia, INET New York, provided insights into the objectives of YSI and the significance of the conference. Prof. Meenakshi Rajeev, Department of HSS, IIT Jammu, and coordinator of the event, briefed the audience about the planned activities over the two days.
The event witnessed the participation of several dignitaries, including Prof. Ashutosh Vashistha, Dean, Faculty of Management, and Dr. Rooplal Sharma, Head, School of Economics, SMVDU. The organizing team, led by Dr. Pabitra Kumar Jena, Associate Professor, SMVDU, along with Program Convener Dr. Kakali Majumdar and members from IIT Jammu and YSI, played a key role in making the event successful. The conference was supported by NABARD, the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, and CVPP.
Young scholars from across the country attended the conference, presenting their research in parallel technical sessions. Two panel discussions were held, focusing on “Challenges of Achieving SDGs for India” and “Prospects and Challenges of J&K Region in Achieving SDGs”.
Distinguished experts, including Prof. R. Kavita Rao, Director, National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, New Delhi; Prof. Manju Singh, Department of HSS, MNIT Jaipur; Shri Vikramjit Singh (IPS), Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department, J&K; Shri Rahul Sahai, Chairman, Indian Chambers of Commerce, Jammu; and officials from NABARD and other institutions, chaired and deliberated in the sessions.
The conference aimed to enhance the knowledge base across Science, Humanities, and Social Sciences, exploring the relationship between economic growth and sustainable development in the Indian context. The discussions and exchange of ideas focused on practical applications of research findings, contributing to the country’s efforts in achieving sustainable development goals.
