Nagaland University’s School of Engineering and Technology (SET) in collaboration with Tetso College, Dimapur, is hosting an international conference on “Biologically Inspired Techniques in Many-Criteria Decision-Making (BITMDM 2024)” during 6-7 December 2024 in hybrid format.
The PRO, NU, Peter Ki informed that an inaugural ceremony was held at Lorin Hall, Tetso College, on 6th December 2024, with the theme “Advances in Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation” with Vice Chancellor of Nagaland University Prof. J.K. Patnaik as the Chief Guest.
In his online speech, Prof. Patnaik emphasized the conference theme’s contemporary relevance, highlighting technology’s role in governance and international relations. He noted that artificial intelligence, considered the fourth industrial revolution, is driving advancements across all facets of human life. However, he posed the critical question: Are we happier than our ancestors? He further observed that AI’s progress presents novel challenges, necessitating innovative solutions, techniques, and interventions.
Prof. (Dr) A. Elayaperumal, Director, National Institute of Technology (NIT), Nagaland, in his keynote address, stated that historically, all inventions originate from biological principles. Noting that economic and social progress is driven by advancements in education, he asserted that, in essence, education is the catalyst for all development through high-quality research and development. With innovation being crucial for economic growth, investment in R&D and education should remain a primary focus for comprehensive progress, he asserted.
The Director challenged the educated Naga youth to come out of their comfort zones and compete with others from outside the state and beyond. He also highlighted the significant advancements in the healthcare sector, stating that the demands of new emerging diseases require the development of novel medicines through investment in bioscience and biotechnology. This, he said, presented Northeast India with abundant forest resources, including medicinal plants, a unique opportunity. Using these resources for economic gain necessitates strong research and development, and such innovation can enhance social welfare and make significant contributions to public health, education, infrastructure, and overall quality of life, Prof. (Dr) A. Elayaperumal said. He also cited a paradox: “Medical technology has advanced, the number of medicines has increased, the number of doctors has risen, and the number of hospitals has grown, yet the number of diseases has also risen,” mainly due to lifestyle changes and the resulting rise in lifestyle-related diseases. He concluded by saying that, alongside economic, educational, and social progress, we must also focus on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being, as these are the three pillars of a fulfilling life.
Prof. Prabhakar Sharma, Organizing Committee Member, Nagaland University, presided over the opening ceremony. Delivering the welcome and introductory address, Prof. Sujata Dash, Programme Chair, BITMDM 2024, pointed out that the conference provides a forum for experts, researchers, and practitioners from various fields to explore advancements in biologically inspired techniques and data analytics for addressing the complexities of multilateral decision-making. She shared that the conference will encompass ten technical sessions across six tracks.
The conference was officially declared open by Prof. V.K. Vidyarthi, Dean, SET, Nagaland University. The ceremomy ended with a vote of thanks from Er. Shanchamo Yanthan, Asst. Professor, Dept. of IT, Nagaland University, and Co-Chair of the Inaugural ceremony. The rapporteur for the inaugural ceremony was Imsuenla Tzudir, Asst. Professor, Dept of Economics, Tetso College, Chümoukedima.
