MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), Pune added yet another event to its calendar by venturing into a conference on science and technology as it hosted the inaugural National Scientists Round Table Conference (NSRTC 2024) from July 19 to July 21 on the theme of “Science and Technology for Viksit Bharat 2047”.
The conference was organized around eight key themes: Artificial Intelligence, addressing ethical frameworks, regulations, AI for social good and healthcare, and future job impacts; Biotechnology, focusing on synthetic biology, bioinformatics, biomedical devices, biopharmaceuticals, and bio-manufacturing; Digital Transformations, covering grid technology, quantum computing, blockchain, cybersecurity, and digital inclusion; Advanced Materials and Processing, including nanomaterials, organic electronics, biomimetic designs, sustainable materials, and 3D printing; Healthcare, exploring tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, wearable devices, and affordable high-tech healthcare; Science, Scientific Temper & Spirituality, examining the role of scientific temper, brain-mind-consciousness relationship, and spiritual practices; Agri-Tech, focusing on precision agriculture, genetic engineering, climate-smart agriculture, urban farming, and agritech startups; and Climate Change, addressing climate modeling, the circular economy, sustainable mobility, green buildings, and managing transitions.
The three-day conference brought together some of the top academicians, scientists, researchers, and scholars. The focus was on exchanging insights and research across Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Engineering & Technology. Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technology, Science & Spirituality, Sustainability, Healthcare and World Peace were discussed as the exchanges aimed to spark innovative ideas, especially among young researchers, and promote interdisciplinary and global collaborations for new discoveries and sustainable development.
NSRTC 2024 witnessed the presence of prominent 130 scientists from across the country and notable figures, including Dr. Ashok Joshi, Padmashri Dr. Thallapai Pradip, Prof. Dr. M.S. Ramachandra Rao, Dr. Richard Lobo, Prof. Dr. Ajit Kulkarni, Dr. Umesh Waghmore, Dr. Dipankar Das Sharma, Dr. Dinesh Aswal, Dr. Tata A. Rao, Dr. Bhushan Patwardhan, Prof. Anil Sahasrabuddhe, Dr. Niraj Khare, Dr. K. Sami Reddy, Dr. Atul Verma, Dr. Ashok Khandkar from the USA, Dr. Sumitra, ISRO scientist Dr. Ilangovan, Prof. Krupanidhi of IAS Bangalore, Prof. Anik Kumar, ICER Director Ashok Ganguly, Dr. Rajat Mona, Prof. Das Gupta, Dr. Nag Hanumaiah, Sameer Director Hanmantrao, Sydney University Prof. Dr. Kautubh Dalal and Purdue University Prof. Sachin Pol.
Dr. Sujata Chaklanobis, Former Advisor/Scientist G, DSIR, New Delhi, was the Chief Guest at the Valedictory function of NSRTC-24. Distinguished attendees included Padma Vibhushan Dr. R. A. Mashelkar, Mr. Ganpati Yadav, Former Vice-Chancellor of the Institute of Chemical Technology; Padma Bhushan Dr. Vijay Bhatkar, Founder Director of C-DAC, Pune; UNESCO Chair Holder Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad, Founder President of MIT-WPU; Shri. Rahul V. Karad, Executive President of MIT-WPU, Dr. Sunil S Bhagwat, Director, Indian Insititute of Science Education and Research, Pune and NSRTC National Convener Prof. Dr. Milind Pande and Prof. Dr. Bharat B. Kale.
Dr. Sasikumar M. Executive Director, C-DAC, Mumbai said ” This conference has fostered valuable interdisciplinary collaboration and set a new benchmark for advancing our vision of a sustainable, equitable future. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved and excited about the path ahead.”
Dr. Sujata Chaklanobis, Former Advisor/Scientist G, DSIR, New Delhi, and Chief Guest at the Valedictory function of NSRTC-24, emphasized the vision of Vikasit Bharat @2047. She highlighted that this dream can be achieved through science and technology interventions, urging scientists and young scholars to engage in cutting-edge research to address the nation’s challenges. She congratulated MIT-WPU for organizing the NSRTC 2024, where the nation’s brightest minds deliberated on crucial topics.
UNESCO Chair Holder Revered Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad, Founder President of MIT-WPU said, “The convergence of eminent scientists, researchers, and visionaries at MIT-WPU underscores our collective commitment to fostering innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. As we strive to build a sustainable and equitable future, NSRTC 2024 has truly exemplified the spirit of scientific exploration and the pursuit of excellence, setting a precedent for future endeavours in advancing frontier technologies for the betterment of society.”
