Two-day National Conference on
Innovation, Growth, and
Transformation: India @ 75
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Two-day National Conference on "Innovation,
Growth, and Transformation: India @ 75
Report
11 and 12 August 2023
Event: Two-day National Conference on "Innovation, Growth, and Transformation: India @
75
Date: 11 and 12 August 2023
Time: 10:00 am
Venue: Meeting Room (Online Mode)
Target Group: PG Students, research scholars and faculty members
No. of participants: 114
Conference Convenors: Prof. Sharad Rathore, Dr. Ankita Chaturvedi and Dr. Archana Gupta
Objective:
The conference aimed to celebrate India's 75 years of progress since independence while
envisioning its trajectory for the next 25 years leading to the 100th Independence Day. It sought
to acknowledge achievements across sectors, inspire collective determination, and highlight
innovative strategies for growth. Additionally, the conference aimed to encourage knowledge-
sharing, empower future leaders, and contribute to the ongoing Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav
celebrations.
Day 1 : Friday, 11 August 2023
Inaugural Session: 10:00 am to 11:45 am
In the spirit of the ongoing Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, IIS (Deemed to be University), Jaipur,
organized a thought-provoking Two-day National Conference on "Innovation, Growth, and
Transformation: India @ 75." The conference, held in online mode on 11 and 12 August 2023,
aimed to harness the power of innovative ideas to contribute to India's development and
progress as it celebrated the 75th anniversary of its independence.
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The inaugural session of the conference commenced with great enthusiasm and optimism,
reflecting the determination to embrace change and foster innovation. University Chancellor,
Dr. Ashok Gupta stressed on the significance of adapting to the evolving landscape of change.
Dr. Gupta urged participants to explore novel avenues that would lead to transformation, and
he emphasized the importance of collective efforts to drive growth and progress.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor TN Mathur, eloquently outlined the objectives of the
conference. He noted that the event aimed to serve as a platform for sharing diverse
perspectives, fostering collaborations, and generating innovative ideas.
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The chief guest for the session, Mr. Manoj Kumar Sharma, IAS (retired), set the tone for the
conference by emphasising the importance of fostering a culture of expression, citing the
innovative "mujhe kuch kehna hai" box replacing a complaint box as a symbol of
empowerment. He highlighted women's empowerment through the freedom to share ideas. He
delved into historical innovations, while also discussing contemporary subjects like India's
evolving economy. He underscored the need for embracing new and innovative practices,
urging the participants to think beyond conventional boundaries. Mr. Sharma's address
resonated with the theme of the conference, highlighting that the Amrit Mahotsav of
Independence was an opportune time to envision and work towards a better India.
Dr. Raakhi Gupta, Rector and Registrar of IIS (Deemed to be University), expressed gratitude
to Chief Guest Shri Manoj Kumar for his motivational insights and innovative examples. She
also thanked keynote speakers and Chancellor Dr. Ashok Gupta, while urging participants to
embrace the spirit of growth and transformation in the forthcoming conference discussions.
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Day 1 : Friday, 11 August 2023
Technical Session I
Economy & Industries @ 75
Session Coordinator: Dr Varsha Choudhary
Keynote Speaker: Prof. Raj Singh Vice Chancellor, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) ,
Bangalore
Technical Speaker and Judge: Dr. Shobhit Goel, HOD, Dept of Students Support Associate
Professor, Dept of Management & Social Sciences Amity University, Uzbekistan and Prof.
RishiRaj Sharma, Professor, Business management, Associate Dean, Guru Nanak Dev
University, Gurdaspur
Number of Presentations: 20
Time: 12:00 pm – 3:35 pm
The first technical session focused on Economy & Industries @ 75 and was inaugurated by
esteemed keynote speakers: Dr. Raj Singh, Prof. Singh discussed the growth of India's
economy and industry, drawing comparisons between the past, present, and future. He
highlighted the various phases the Indian economy has traversed, from World Wars and the
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Russian Revolution to the Independence movement. Prof. Singh also cited key drivers of the
economy, including initiatives like PM Jan Dhan Yojana, Digitization, and GST.
Session begin with welcoming of session judges and panellists’ Dr. Rishi Raj Sharma, and Dr.
Shobhit Goel.
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Dr. Shobhit elaborated on the potential of E-commerce and its far-reaching opportunities. He
emphasized how the MSME sector significantly benefits from e-commerce, given its direct
influence on allied industries. The discourse extended to entrepreneurship's pivotal role in
India's economic innovation and growth.
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Delivering an insightful speech, Dr. Rishi Raj Sharma covered diverse topics, including India's
status as the world's largest user of the internet, India's cultural heritage's global impact, social
media marketing, average Indian usage of e-portals, and sustainable development.
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Collectively, the Speaker of the session and panellists provided a wealth of informative and
knowledgeable content, offering fresh perspectives on the economy and industry.
Following the presentations, participants shared their papers, and the audience, along with
educators, engaged in thought-provoking discussions and inquiries.
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Day II : Saturday, 12 August 2023
Technical Session II
Society & Governance @75
Session Coordinator: Dr Ruchi Goswami
Keynote Speaker: Prof. Sanjeev Bhanawat, Prof. & Head Centre for Mass Communication
& Hon. Director, Centre for Jain Studies, University of Rajasthan
Technical Speaker and Judge: Shri Rajendra Bhanawat, I.A.S. (Retd.), Government of
Rajasthan and Prof. Sudheer Soni, State Nodal Officer(Web Radio), ECI, Delhi, Consultant
(Sveep), Election Department, Rajasthan, Secretariat-Jaipur
Number of Presentations: 29
Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
The session was coordinated by Dr Ruchi Goswami, Associate Professor, Department of
Journalism and Mass Communication took place virtually on August 12.
Keynote speaker, Prof Sanjeev Bhanawat, Former Head, Centre of Mass Communication,
University of Rajasthan, shared valuable insights on media and journalism in India.
Acknowledged as the architect of the growth and development of media education in
Rajasthan. Prof Bhanawat, talked of the journey of media in India, from folk to digital.
Speaking of the Bhartendu era, he explained in detail the role media played in the national
freedom struggle.
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Shedding light on media’s role in the present times, Prof Bhanawat opined that the sense and
enthusiasm of the missionary emotion before independence is vanishing and journalism has
become a business. Dynamics of media are changing at every pace. He stressed at the need for
a model code of conduct for media. Concluding his address, Prof Bhanawat emphasized on the
importance of RTI in investigative journalism and media literacy.
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Following his talk, session’s judge and panelist Dr Rajendra Bhanawat, IAS (Retd) delivered
his address. He spoke of the character of administrative reforms in the society that are needed.
As per Dr Bhanawat, reforms align with good governance only when they make lives of
common people easier, an effort that reaches “the last man in the last row” is worthy of being
called a reform. Narrating an anecdote of renewing his driving license, the retired IAS officer
tried to state the role and character of digitization of government services in simple words.
Towards the end of this speech, Sh Rajendra , shared his perception towards the governance
in the form of a satirical poem.
Adding more the second judge and panelist of the session Prof Sudheer Soni, took the stage
and spoke of his experiences derived from his association with the Election Commission of
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India. His prime focus was on the women population, their issues, and their participation in
public affairs. With the help of a few self-written lines, he tried to answer the question as to
why 50% of the world’s population not heard.
Total of 30 research papers were received on various areas of important concern such as women
empowerment, National Education Policy 2020, and India’s role in geopolitics. 29 of these
research papers were presented by scholars and professionals from universities and colleges
across the country and judged by panelists on the basis of research work.
Technical session 2 proved to be an enlightening journey through the realm of society and
governance. A melting pot of ideas, insights and discussions that undoubtedly contributed to
the socio-economic landscape of India, the session stood to the expectation of all its
participants.
Day II : Saturday, 12 August 2023
Technical Session III
Science, Environment and Sustainability @75
Session Coordinators: Dr Mahesh Sharma and Dr Archana Kumari
Keynote Speaker: Prof. H.P.Garg, Ex-Professor and Head, IIT Delhi, Ex-Principal Secretary,
Government of M.P., Madhya Pradesh
Technical Speaker and Judge: Prof. Tamiz. I. Khan, Dept. of Environmental Science, Indira
Gandhi Centre for Human Ecology, Environment and Population Studies, University Of
Rajasthan, Jaipur and Ms. Shivangi Jha, Sr. Manager Corporate Strategy and Policy Planning
at BHEL, New Delhi
Number of Presentations: 19
Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
The current session focused on science and technology and sustainability & the environment
These are crucial and interconnected concepts that revolve around the responsible management
of resources and the preservation of the natural world for current and future generations.
Dr. Archana Kumari Started the session with welcoming the Keynote speaker Prof. H.P.
Garg, Professor & Former head , Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. He also worked as
principle secretary, Govt of Madhya Pradesh, India. He has been the pioneer in renewable
energy research and education in india and achieved national and international recognition for
his outstanding contributions to the development and design of solar energy technology
applications.
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Prof. H.P. Garg, presented on the topic “Renewable energy for sustainable development”.
Sustainability refers to the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves finding a balance between
social, economic, and environmental factors to create a harmonious and equitable society that
thrives within the limits of the planet's resources.
Addressing sustainability and environmental challenges requires collective efforts from
governments, businesses, communities, and individuals. Strategies may involve adopting
renewable energy sources, implementing conservation practices, reducing waste and pollution,
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promoting sustainable agriculture, and supporting policies that prioritize environmental
protection and social equity.
He also addressed the health related issues like viral diseases, he suggested that we should
adopt some villages and work to solve their basic problems like need of electricity. Rajasthan
has huge source of solar power which can be used generate electricity.
He highlighted the global warming issue and plans of government to solve it like Climate
change conference COP which was held in November, 2022. This is organized every year
approximately 180 countries gathered to discuss the problem. 1.5 degree temperature increases
every year which is a major issue.
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He focused to foster collaboration and innovation towards achieving a sustainable future
through the widespread adoption of renewable energy technologies. He ended with
encouraging words for collaborative work for the growth of India.
Then session was handed over to the first speaker and panelist Prof. T.I. Khan. He is the retd.
Director of Indira Gandhi centre for Human Ecology, Environment studies and population
studies at the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur.
He talked about the biodiversity conservation with special reference to Rajasthan. Biodiversity
conservation refers to the protection, management, and sustainable use of the variety of life
forms and ecosystems on Earth. Rajasthan boasts a wide range of ecosystems, including desert,
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semi-arid grasslands, wetlands, forests, and hilly regions. This diversity has led to the presence
of a rich array of flora and fauna, some of which are endemic and found nowhere else.
He made participants aware about the efforts by the government in the form of various acts and
lows to protect the biodiversity . He also discussed about the four keys of Climate change
Conference COP27 like Mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, climate technology. He told
us that the biodiversity is important for medicine, energy, food, clean water. He told that Forests
cover roughly 30% of the world's land area. According to the United Nations Food and
Agricultural Organisation (FAO), the annual rate of deforestation is about 13 million hectares
per year. Climate change play an important role in extinction or loss of biodiversity.
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Moreover about the importance of Aravali in having good number of minerals, plant species,
animal species and ended his presentation.
Our second speaker and panelist was Shivangi Jha, who is an Electronic engineer by profession.
He delivered her talk on Energy security and sustainability: Addressing the challenges.
She focused on Energy security and sustainability are two critical and interconnected
challenges that the world faces today. As global energy demand continues to rise and concerns
over climate change intensify, finding solutions to ensure a stable and reliable energy supply
while minimizing environmental impact has become a top priority.
The priorities of independent India is energy, infrastructure and transportation, self-sufficiency
in food. She discussed the commitment of COP27 (panchamrit goals) and India’s energy
challenge and how we are contributing.
She explained year wise priorities of India from 1980 to till date. She ended with telling the
use of coal gasification, hydrogen economy, solar energy and carbon capture.
Then the paper presentation by the participants from different institutes of the state were
started. Participants covered various topics like Solar cell technology, Smart clothing
technology, MPTP-Induced Parkinson’s Disease Mice Model, Green Educational Institutions:
Way forward to sustainable development etc. In total 20 papers were presented in this session
and total number of participants in this session were 40.
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The session was ended with the vote of thanks of Dr. Archana kumari. Prof T.I khan and Dr.
Shivangi said words of appreciation for the presenters and conference organizers.
Day II :Saturday, 12 August, 2023
Valediction- 03:15 pm – 04:15 pm
The Two-day National Conference on "Innovation, Growth, and Transformation: India @ 75"
culminated on the 12th of August 2023 with a dynamic and insightful valedictory session. The
session was graced by eminent personalities, scholars, and delegates, marking the conclusion
of an intellectually stimulating and thought-provoking event.
The valedictory session was initiated by Professor Sharad Rathore, the Convenor of the
conference, who extended a warm welcome to all delegates, keynote speakers, and participants.
She emphasized the significance of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav as a celebration of India's 75
years of independence and progress. Professor Rathore provided a succinct overview of the
five themes of the Mahotsav, underlining the crucial role the conference played in
commemorating this milestone. He expressed gratitude for the active participation, enriching
discussions, and invaluable insights shared during the two-day event.
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The Vice Chancellor, Professor TN Mathur, addressed the gathering, acknowledging the
achievements and advancements showcased throughout the conference. He highlighted the
importance of each theme - economy and industry, society and governance, science,
environment, and sustainability - in shaping India's growth and transformation journey.
Professor Mathur lauded the contributions of keynote speakers, analysts, and participants,
underscoring the significance of their ideas and discussions. He took pride in the progress India
has made in various sectors and expressed optimism about its future trajectory.
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The valedictory address was delivered by the esteemed Chief Guest, Professor Ashok
Kumar(Former, Vice Chancellor, DDU Gorakhpur University). In his comprehensive speech,
he highlighted India's accomplishments and challenges over the past 75 years. He commended
India's achievements in politics, governance, economics, education, health, sports, culture, and
defence. Professor Kumar acknowledged India's vibrant democracy and emphasized the
country's growing prominence on the global stage. He also delved into the recently introduced
National Education Policy 2020, highlighting its transformative potential and the emphasis on
holistic education and research.
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Professor Kumar touched upon critical issues like poverty, climate change, and inequality,
emphasizing the need for collective action to address these challenges. He urged the youth to
play an active role in shaping India's future by harnessing their talents, innovative spirit, and
passion for positive change. Professor Kumar expressed optimism in the potential of India's
youth to build a better future and encouraged them to be open-minded, dedicated, and
committed to their dreams.
Following the valedictory address, the Vice Chancellor announced the winners of the Best
Paper awards for each theme. The recipients were recognized for their exceptional
contributions to the conference discussions:
Best Paper in the theme: Economy and Industry @75 - "Effect of Trade Openness on
Economic Growth of India: An ARDL Model Analysis" by Ritu Shekhawat & Prof. C
R Bishnoi.
Best Paper in the theme: Society and Governance @75 - "Women Empowerment in
India @75 Years of Independence" by Saloni Vijay Mehak Sharma.
Best Paper in the theme: Science, Environment, and Sustainability @75 - "A Review
on Sustainable Agricultural Waste Management" by Mahima Jain.
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The valedictory session concluded with heartfelt thanks from Prof. Sharad Rathore to all
participants, speakers, delegates, and contributors for their invaluable presence and insights.
The session concluded with a rendition of the national anthem, symbolizing unity and pride in
India's journey of innovation, growth, and transformation.
Outcome:
Overall, the conference fostered an environment of knowledge-sharing, dialogue, and
inspiration. It encouraged participants to envision a prosperous future for India, underpinned
by innovation, growth, and transformation. The conference's outcomes will undoubtedly
contribute to shaping policies, strategies, and initiatives that align with the goals of India's
centennial celebrations and beyond.
The conference's resounding success owes much to the dedication of the organizers, the
insightful contributions of keynote speakers, and the active participation of delegates and
participants. As the conference concluded, it left a lasting impact by reigniting a collective
resolve and determination to shape India's destiny, making a significant contribution to the
ongoing Amrit Kaal journey.
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