First hybrid international meet focuses on women’s role in technology and sustainability
Key Points:
- Conference receives 150+ research papers from India and abroad
- Seven distinguished speakers address gender inclusion in STEM fields
- Student innovation exhibition SUSTAINOVATE 2025 showcases green technology projects
JAMSHEDPUR – NIT Jamshedpur launched its first hybrid international conference WASTEEM-2025 on November 15, focusing on women’s participation in agriculture, science, technology, education, engineering and management.
The Centre for Innovation and Incubation Council organized the two-day event. The theme was “A Roadmap to Sustainability, Skill Development & Innovation.” The conference aims to highlight women’s global contributions.
Prof. Vinita S. Sahay, Director of IIM Bodh Gaya, attended as chief guest. Prof. G. Aghila from NIT Tiruchirappalli joined as distinguished guest. Prof. Sudha Goyal from IIT Kharagpur also participated.
Ms. Manju Kumari from Tata Consulting Engineers spoke at the event. Dr. Suparna Mukhopadhyay from NTPC Limited attended as guest of honor. Prof. Gautam Sutradhar, Director of NIT Jamshedpur, served as patron.
Prof. Amaresh Kumar and Prof. M.K. Sinha chaired the conference. Dr. Madhu Singh from Electrical Engineering Department coordinated proceedings. Dr. Rashmi Sinha from Electronics and Communication Engineering co-coordinated.
Meanwhile, Dr. Shweti Sudha, Dr. Mayuri Barua and Dr. Debasree Swargiaryy worked as co-conveners. Dr. Shubhranshu Kumar Tiwari, Dr. Sushil Kumar and Dr. Anushree Dutta managed organizational duties.
The conference featured keynote speakers from international institutions. Dr. Keerti S. Kappagantula from PNNL USA delivered address. Prof. Mausami Roy from NIT Durgapur shared insights.
Ms. Vatsala Upadhyay from AI Junoon USA spoke remotely. Dr. Swati Dhir from IMI Delhi presented research findings. Ms. Sonia Saldanha from London Business School addressed participants.
Ms. Swagata Datta from Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank joined virtually. Their presentations enriched academic depth and global relevance. The speeches covered diverse aspects of women’s leadership.
Mrs. Mausami Kusum from IBM Silicon Valley Lab attended. Dr. Nirmala Soren from Jharkhand Technical University participated. Mrs. Navita Prasad from Inner Wheel Club Jamshedpur was present.
Advocate Mamta Singh praised the initiative. They emphasized empowering women researchers and promoting achievements. The conference strengthens academic and social leadership opportunities.
RSB Global sponsored the event through founder R.K. Behra. DCB Bank contributed with State Head Mukesh Kumar and Branch Manager Manish Sinha. Adhunik Power CEO Arun Mishra provided support.
Prof. Sahay emphasized women’s crucial role in sustainable society. She stressed providing future-oriented skills to women. The chief guest discussed confidence building and creative leadership.
However, she noted growing anxiety among Generation-Z and Generation-Alpha. Educational institutions must provide sensitive guidance, she said. Women’s participation remains essential for national development.
Dr. Catherine Black from University of Hartford sent congratulations. Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz from Connecticut extended greetings. The Governor Council on Women and Girls appreciated efforts.
Prof. Aghila highlighted increasing women’s participation in technical education. But challenges persist including work-life balance and limited leadership opportunities. Institutions must provide flexible policies and mentoring support.
Prof. Sutradhar shared statistics about women faculty representation. Women comprise 43% of faculty nationally. In contrast, NITs show below 20% in STEM fields.
The director announced plans to increase female student enrollment. The target is raising it from 20% to 30%. Long-term goal reaches 35-40% representation.
Prof. Goyal emphasized sustainable engineering and industry-academic collaboration. Ms. Kumari discussed leadership opportunities in engineering sectors. Dr. Mukhopadhyay focused on energy and innovation leadership.
The conference received over 150 high-quality research papers. Submissions came from India and foreign countries. This demonstrates multidisciplinary significance and global impact.
On the other hand, offline technical sessions occurred on day one. Selected researchers presented their work. They engaged in meaningful dialogue with experts.
SUSTAINOVATE 2025 ran simultaneously with main conference. The theme was “Student Innovations for a Greener Tomorrow.” UG and PG students showcased creativity through posters.
Students displayed concept models and innovation demonstrations. Prof. Goyal and Dr. Mukhopadhyay evaluated presentations. Their inspiring feedback encouraged students to develop ideas further.
Mrs. Indrani Sutradhar, institute’s First Lady, shared perspectives. She discussed women’s evolving role in education and society. Collective efforts must continue for women’s empowerment.
Evening cultural program featured music and dance performances. Creative presentations energized the atmosphere. The event reflected NIT Jamshedpur’s cultural richness.
Dr. Debasree Swargiaryy proposed vote of thanks. The opening ceremony concluded successfully. Day one established strong foundation for conference goals.
The second day continues with hybrid technical sessions. Online research presentations will occur throughout November 16. Plenary lectures and expert dialogues are scheduled.
Moreover, student-centered activities will take place. Networking opportunities and research excellence discussions are planned. The conference demonstrates NIT Jamshedpur’s commitment to women-led innovation.
The event promoted inclusive excellence across disciplines. It advances multidisciplinary global research initiatives. WASTEEM-2025 marks significant milestone for gender inclusion in academia.
