The Department of Law, Nagaland University, is hosting an International Conference on “Synergy between Deep Tech and Socio-Legal Transformation: Strategies for Viksit Bharat@2047” on April 29 and 30, bringing together legal scholars, policymakers, technologists, and students to critically examine how emerging technologies are reshaping legal systems, governance structures, and societal norms in India and beyond.
The inaugural ceremony, held on April 29, was chaired by Dr Sentikumla, Assistant Professor, Department of Law, Nagaland University. In his welcome address, Convenor Dr Kuldeep Singh Panwar, Head, Department of Law, set the tone for the conference by emphasizing that the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and other deep technologies demands not only technical understanding but also strong legal and ethical frameworks.
He underscored the role of law students and researchers as key stakeholders in safeguarding responsible innovation and ensuring that technological progress aligns with constitutional values and societal well-being.
Dr Abemo, Registrar of the University, and Prof B Kilangla Jamir, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, both conveyed their appreciation for the initiative, noting that the conference addresses one of the most pressing contemporary concerns—the intersection of law and technology. They highlighted the significance of interdisciplinary dialogue and acknowledged the diverse participation from across the country, which enriched the academic discourse.
Dr Tsielhoutuo Rhutso, MLA, Kohima Town, was the Chief Guest. In his speech, he provided a culturally grounded perspective by drawing parallels between modern artificial intelligence systems and the traditional Naga “morung,” as well as the village council, which function as collective knowledge and decision-making institutions.
He encouraged participants to reflect not merely on technological capability but on ethical responsibility, stressing that the key question is not whether technology can be developed, but whether it should be developed and used in particular ways. His address foregrounded the delicate balance between technological advancement and fundamental rights, particularly the interplay between the right to privacy and the right to life under Article 21.
Guest of Honour, Nellayappan B, OSD to the Chief Minister of Nagaland and Deputy Director (Legal), Government of Nagaland, expanded on the theme of justice and legal empowerment. He emphasized that the strength of a legal system lies in its ability to encourage questioning, accountability, and independence of thought.
Highlighting the responsibilities of young advocates, he spoke about the need for confidence, ethical commitment, and a deep understanding of law as a tool for social transformation, particularly in representing and defending the rights of others.
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The keynote address by Prof MK Bhandari, Founder Director of GALTER, provided a comprehensive exploration of deep technology as a cluster of advanced innovations, including artificial intelligence, blockchain, and quantum computing. He stressed that while these technologies are transforming economies and governance systems, human agency must remain central to their development and application.
Prof Bhandari highlighted critical issues such as data sovereignty, arguing that data generated within the country should be protected and managed domestically to ensure national security and autonomy. He also addressed concerns of algorithmic bias, the widening digital divide, and the implications of quantum computing as a future challenge to existing security frameworks.
Providing an international dimension to the conference, Mankiranjit Kaur, Director, National Legal Academy, Malaysia, delivered an engaging speech on “Data Protection Law in Malaysia and AI-related Developments.” She explained the structure and scope of Malaysia’s data protection regime and its approach to regulating artificial intelligence. Particular emphasis was placed on the Malaysia Online Safety Act 2025, which mandates proactive monitoring and regulation of harmful online content, including cyberbullying, scams, and child sexual abuse material. The legislation also introduces stringent penalties and child-specific safeguards, reflecting a proactive and preventive regulatory model. Her speech highlighted the importance of comparative legal perspectives in strengthening domestic frameworks.
The inaugural address by Prof Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor, Nagaland University, was insightful and forward-looking, setting a compelling intellectual foundation for the conference. He eloquently underscored the centrality of deep technology in shaping India’s developmental trajectory towards Viksit Bharat@2047, emphasizing that technological advancement must be guided by a strong socio-legal framework to ensure equitable and ethical progress.
Drawing attention to transformative digital innovations such as UPI, he highlighted how technology has significantly enhanced financial inclusion, accessibility, and efficiency in governance. At the same time, he demonstrated remarkable foresight in acknowledging the complex challenges that accompany rapid technological growth, including issues of misuse, ethical dilemmas, and regulatory gaps. He stressed that the true measure of progress lies not merely in technological capability but in the ability to regulate and channel it responsibly for societal benefit.
Prof Patnaik’s address was particularly notable for its balanced and visionary perspective, as he called for a harmonious integration of innovation with accountability, and technological advancement with human values. He emphasized the role of academic institutions as crucial spaces for critical inquiry, policy development, and capacity-building in emerging areas of law and technology. His remarks reflected both intellectual depth and administrative leadership, inspiring participants to engage with the theme not only as scholars but as contributors to national development.
The inaugural ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr Sentikumla.
