The corridors of academia resonated with innovation and foresight as the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Nagpur proudly hosted the 1st Symposium on November 24, 2023. Themed “Redefining Research in Amrit Kaal: Golden Opportunities,” the Symposium marked a significant milestone in collaborative research initiatives. Partnering with AIIMS Nagpur, MLNU Nagpur, and IIIT Nagpur, this pioneering event brought together four of Nagpur’s eminent institutions of National Importance with a shared vision for shaping the future of research.
Dr. Bhimaraya Metri, Director of IIM Nagpur delivered the welcome address and introduced about the Symposium. Dr.Metri emphasized on the collaborative efforts within institutions that can wield on societal progress, aligning with the objectives outlined in the National Education Policy 2020.
Distinguished dignitaries graced the occasion, each offering unique perspectives on research possibilities in their respective domains. Dr. M. Hanumantha Rao, Executive Director & CEO of AIIMS Nagpur and AIIMS Madurai, shared profound insights into the realm of medical research, unveiling the prospects for future advancements. Dr.Omprakash G. Kakde, Director of IIIT Nagpur, shed light on the transformative role of information technology and computer sciences in catapulting India into a leadership position within the global knowledge economy in the years ahead. Concurrently, Prof. (Dr.) Vijender Kumar, Vice-Chancellor of Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU) Nagpur, delved into diverse legal fields and the state-of-the-art facilities available at MNLU Nagpur.
The presence of Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, added immense value as the esteemed Chief Guest. Dr. Karandikar underscored the pivotal role of capacity building at the institutional level, emphasizing the significance of quality research and commendable achievements in the realms of science and technology.
Adding to the Symposium’s intellectual fervour, Guest of Honour Dr. Arvind Ranade, National Secretary of Vigyan Bharti and Director of the National Innovation Foundation, elucidated on the ethos of joint research projects and the critical importance of cooperation, collaboration, and coexistence in driving India’s social development.
Mr. Devashish Saraf, the coordinator of the program, played a pivotal role in uniting these institutions on a singular platform, advocating for active collaboration among faculty and researchers for future research endeavors.
Prior to the Symposium, dignitaries were given a tour of the MIHAN campus of IIM Nagpur. During this visit, inFED(IIMN Foundation for Entrepreneurship Development) showcased various entrepreneurial projects to the guests.
In its inaugural edition, the symposium served as a beacon, illuminating the path toward enhanced cooperation, knowledge exchange, and collaborative research initiatives among these distinguished institutions, setting the stage for a promising future of collaborative innovation and societal development.