Munish Sood
Mandi: The Him Science Congress Association (HSCA) successfully organised a two-day ‘International Conference on Sustainable Materials and Bioresource Integration: Bridging Technology and Traditional Knowledge’ at the Himalayan Forest Research Institute in Shimla.
The event brought together over 160 researchers and students from leading Indian and international academic and research institutions.
The conference was inaugurated by the Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shiv Pratap Shukla, who graced the occasion as the chief guest. In his inaugural address, he lauded the efforts of the scientific community in harmonising technological advancement with age-old traditional wisdom.
Welcoming the participants, Prof. Deepak Pathania, President of HSCA, emphasised the organisation’s mission to promote scientific thinking, innovation and community development through the dissemination of research and knowledge. He highlighted the need for increased scientific awareness among students, researchers and the general public to ensure socio-economic growth.
Scholarships and school-level science awards presented
At the inaugural session, the Chofla Award Scholarships worth ₹11,000 each were awarded to students Shivaan Chorta and Oshin. The scholarship, supported by Vele’s Food Pvt. Ltd., Chamba, is given in memory of the managing director’s late parents to meritorious Class 12 students from economically weaker sections pursuing science.
In addition, science model-making competitions were held for school students. Saraswati Vidya Mandir, Vikasnagar (Shimla), bagged the first prize of ₹5,000, while Senior Secondary School, Lalpani (Shimla), secured the second (₹3,000) and third prizes (₹2,000). These awards were instituted by Dr. Rahul Kalia, MD of Sudhir Industries Pvt. Ltd., in the memory of his grandfather, to inspire budding young scientists.
Global participation and thought-provoking sessions
The conference featured thought-provoking keynote addresses and sessions by distinguished scientists from institutions including:
• Paris-East Créteil University, France
• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
• Zoological Survey of India
• National Institute of Technology (NIT), Delhi
• Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla
• Central University of Jammu
• Central University of Himachal Pradesh
• Sardar Patel University, Mandi
• Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
• Shoolini University, Solan
• Panjab University, Chandigarh
• Baddi University, and more.
Experts underlined the importance of artificial intelligence integrated with traditional ecological knowledge to address future sustainability challenges. Sessions also explored biodiversity, resource management, and innovations in material science.
Valedictory ceremony highlights unity of science and heritage
The valedictory function was presided over by Ajay Kumar, Director of Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN), who attended as the chief guest. In his address, he emphasised that while modern science is transforming society, India’s traditional knowledge systems hold a priceless heritage that must be preserved and integrated.
“We are all racing ahead with modernisation, but our roots—our heritage and the knowledge passed down through generations—are equally essential for sustainable development,” Kumar noted. He also reaffirmed SJVN’s commitment to supporting academic institutions for the welfare of society.
Prof. Balbir Singh Kanth from NIT Jalandhar attended as Guest of Honour.
Best Research Presentations Recognized
HSCA General Secretary Dr. Sunil Kumar announced awards for the most effective research presentations across multiple disciplines:
Biology
• Oral: Ruchika Kumari (CUHP), Kulwant Rai (HFRI)
• Poster: Dimple Mandla (Punjab Agricultural University), Praveen Rawat (HFRI), Sany Chauhan (HPU), Khushboo (Shoolini Institute)
Environmental Science
• Oral: Preeti Verma (CU Jammu), Neha Bains (HPU)
• Poster: Shilpa Chaudhary (CU Jammu), Satwar Singh & Manjot Kaur (GNDU)
Chemistry
• Oral: Shikha Sharma (NIT Jalandhar), Manjeet Kumari (CUHP)
• Poster: Pankaj Kumar (Shoolini University), Pooja Badsra (MLSU Udaipur)
Material Science
• Poster: Dr. Anand Sharma (Chandigarh University), Dr. Sunam (Graphic Era University)
Step toward future collaboration
Delivering the vote of thanks, Dr. Pawan Rana, Scientist at HFRI and organizing member, expressed deep gratitude to the guests, participants, and volunteers. He emphasized the extensive efforts made behind the scenes to ensure the event’s success.
“This is not merely the conclusion of a conference; it is the beginning of new possibilities,” said Dr. Rana. “Through in-depth discussions, innovations and knowledge-sharing, we have laid a strong foundation for future collaborations and breakthroughs.”
