National Institute of Technology Meghalaya inaugurated its maiden workshop on “Viksit Bharat @2047 – AtmanirbharNorth East” at its permanent campus, Saitsophen, Sohra, East Khasi Hill, Meghalaya in association with Shiksha Sanskriti UtthanNyas, New Delhi and North Eastern Hill University Shillong.
The prestigious “Viksit Bharat @2047 – Atmanirbhar North East” workshop was inaugurated on November 15, 2024, at the National Institute of Technology Meghalaya (NITM), Saitsophen, Sohra (Cherrapunji), Meghalaya, India. The event marked the beginning of a two-day journey dedicated to envisioning a self-reliant and prosperous Northeast India by 2047. The ceremony commenced with a traditional lighting of the lamp, symbolizing the illumination of knowledge and progress. Chief Guest of the event, Dr. Atul Kothari, National Secretary of Shiksha Sanskriti UtthanNyas, delivered a keynote on under the umbrella of NEP-2020 highlighting traditional and modern systems for holistic progress. Guest of Honour, Prof. Mukul S. Sutaone, Director of IIIT Allahabad, underscored the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in NEP-2020. Guest of Honour, Prof. US Dixit, IIT Guwahati, highlighted the role of traditional knowledge in sustainable development. Key dignitaries graced the occasion, delivering inspiring speeches that resonated with the workshop’s theme of fostering sustainability and self-reliance in NE.
Prof. Pinakeswar Mahanta, Director of NIT Meghalaya, outlined the workshop’s goal of fostering a self-reliant Northeast by 2047, emphasizing the integration of traditional knowledge with modern science. Prof. Ayon Bhattacharjee, NIT Meghalaya, welcomed attendees, stressing the importance of regional knowledge and community-driven development for Atmanirbhar Bharat. Dr. A. P. Singh concluded the inaugural function with a heartfelt vote of thanks.
In the workshop,discussion was made on “Indian and Traditional Knowledge Systems” and “Traditional Practices of the Northeast”, which was conducted by experts, such as SwAnuragananda, Secretary RKM Sohra, Shri Lanu Ignatius, Prof. Pankaj Kalita, IIT Guwahati, Dr. Juri Gogoi Konwar, Tezpur Univ., Prof. Narayan Chandra Talukdar, Prof. Borgohain, NEIGHRIMS, Smt. Alka Kharsati, Khasi Traditional Healer, Dr. Vishnu Choudhury, NEIAH, Dr. Anju Sehgal, Prof. Mousumi Guha Banerjee.They highlighted the value of indigenous knowledge for technological and social advancements, while interactive brainstorming sessions led to actionable recommendations for integrating these systems into mainstream education and innovation.
The event was quite engaging with vibrant participants (120) across the country including the members from various states such as Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat etc.
The event concluded with a cultural showcase celebrating the rich heritage of the Northeast. This provided a unique opportunity for networking and fostering connections among attendees.