Professors address future of Research & Technology at BITMDM 2024

Nagaland University’s School of Engineering and Technology (SET), in collaboration with Tetso College, Dimapur, is hosting the international conference “Biologically Inspired Techniques in Many-Criteria Decision-Making (BITMDM 2024)” on December 6-7, 2024, in a hybrid format. The inaugural ceremony took place on December 6, 2024, at Lorin Hall, Tetso College, with the theme “Advances in Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation.”

In his keynote address, Prof A Elayaperumal, Director of NIT Nagaland, emphasized the foundational role of biological principles in all inventions. He highlighted that economic and social progress is driven by advancements in education, particularly through research and development. “Education is the catalyst for all development,” he asserted, underlining the importance of high-quality education as the bedrock for innovation and economic growth.

He urged the educated Naga youth to move beyond their comfort zones and compete on a global scale, noting the rich natural resources in Northeast India, especially its medicinal plants.

He emphasized that utilizing these resources requires strong research in bioscience and biotechnology, offering a unique opportunity for economic advancement. Prof. Elayaperumal also pointed out a paradox in healthcare: “Medical technology has advanced, the number of medicines has increased, the number of doctors has risen, and the number of hospitals has grown, yet the number of diseases has also risen,” mainly due to lifestyle changes. He concluded by stressing the need to focus on physical, mental, and emotional well-being, which are the three pillars of a fulfilling life.

Prof JK Patnaik, Vice Chancellor of Nagaland University, delivered his message online, reflecting on the contemporary relevance of the conference’s theme. He highlighted the significant role technology plays in governance and international relations, noting that artificial intelligence, dubbed the fourth industrial revolution, is driving advancements across all areas of human life. However, Prof. Patnaik raised a thought-provoking question: “Are we happier than our ancestors?” He pointed out that while technology brings progress, it also presents new challenges that require innovative solutions and techniques.

Prof Sujata Dash, Program Chair of BITMDM 2024, opened the ceremony with a welcoming address, emphasizing the conference’s importance in providing a platform for experts and researchers to explore biologically inspired techniques and decision-making solutions. She shared that the conference would feature ten technical sessions across six tracks.

The opening ceremony was presided over by Prof Prabhakar Sharma, an Organizing Committee Member from Nagaland University. Prof VK Vidyarthi, Dean of SET, Nagaland University, officially declared the conference open.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Er Shanchamo Yanthan, Assistant Professor in the Department of IT, Nagaland University, and Co-Chair of the Inaugural Ceremony. The rapporteur for the ceremony was Imsuenla Tzudir, Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics, Tetso College, Chumukedima.

MT