JAMMU/BENGALURU Rabindranath Tagore University (RNTU), Bhopal, successfully concluded the 5th edition of its landmark international conference, “Shodh Shikhar 2026.” Centered on the theme “Innovation for Impact: Advancing Green Technologies and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” the two-day summit emerged as a premier global forum for academicians, scientists, and industry leaders to align cutting-edge research with grassroots societal needs.

Inauguration: Geospatial Tech and Digital Empowerment

The summit was inaugurated by Dr. Aparna N., Group Director, NRSC (ISRO), who emphasized the transformative role of remote sensing in agriculture, disaster management, and environmental conservation. "Research must transcend the acquisition of knowledge to become a tool for solving human problems," she stated. Shri Santosh Choubey, Chancellor of RNTU, reflected on the AISECT Group’s journey from a single computer book to a nationwide movement for digital empowerment. Highlighting the university's alignment with 'Digital India' and 'Startup India,' he stressed that universities must act as catalysts for social change through "practical and society-oriented research.

Global Perspectives on Agriculture and Sustainability

Industry veterans, including Mr. Michael Schlowsky (Venture Founder, Bayer Crop Science) and Dr. Vinod Shivrain (Syngenta India), highlighted the "Vision 2047" for Indian agriculture. Discussions focused on the deployment of Farmer-Producer Organizations (FPOs) and AI-driven tech-transfer to ensure that innovation reaches the "last mile" farmer.

Strategic Collaborations and Academic Excellence

In a significant move to bolster scientific outreach, RNTU signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PI-RAHI (Northern Region S&T Cluster), Chandigarh. This partnership will facilitate joint research projects, skill development, and industrial-academic coordination.

Key highlights of the summit included:

  • Scientific Recognition: The prestigious C.V. Raman Vigyan Samman was conferred upon luminaries like Dr. Manoj Kumar Pateria and Dr. Manish Mohan Gore for excellence in science communication.
  • Literature & Publications: Release of the Shodh Shikhar 2026 souvenir and books on Digital Skilling and AI by Chancellor Santosh Choubey and Dr. Rachna Chaturvedi.
  • Science Poetry (Vigyan Kavi Sammelan): A unique session where scientists and poets used verses to simplify complex concepts like Gravity, AI, and Cellular Biology.

Innovative Solutions: Awards and Recognition

The conference saw the presentation of 800 research papers across 10 technical tracks. The Idea Commercialization Projects showcased market-ready innovations, with top honors going to:

  • Healthcare: A fungal melanin-based cream for tissue damage (CVRU, Bilaspur).
  • Sustainability: Eco-friendly pencils made from banana stem waste (CVRU, Khandwa).
  • Social Impact: Ultrasonic glasses for the visually impaired (Ganpat University, Gujarat).
  • Women-Centric Innovation: Sustainable utilization of Water Hyacinth (RNTU, Bhopal).

Closing Remarks - A Vision for Green Technology

The valedictory session, graced by Dr. Mithilesh Tiwari and Dr. Aditi Chaturvedi Vats (Pro-Chancellor, RNTU), reinforced the university’s commitment to Green Science. Dr. Siddharth Chaturvedi, Chancellor, SCOPE Global Skills University, noted that "Green innovation and skill-based education are the dual pillars of modern industry.

Dr. Prateek Nigam, Convener of Shodh Shikhar 2026, concluded the event by thanking the global delegation, noting that the 800 papers presented have set a new benchmark for multidisciplinary research in India.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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