The two-day programme on “Science and Technology Intervention for the Development of the North East Region Involving Women” was held at the North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) campus in Shillong on June 14 and 15.
Organised by the National Academy of Sciences India (NASI) NER Chapter in collaboration with NEHU, the inaugural session was graced by eminent scientists from across the country. The event took place at the Golden Jubilee Auditorium of NEHU, with the inauguration held on June 14, 2024.
The ceremony began with the traditional lighting of the lamp by Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. P.S. Shukla, Prof. N. Saha, Dean of the School of Life Sciences, and Prof.Anupam Chatterjee, Chairperson of the NASI NER Chapter. Prof. S.R. Joshi, Secretary of NASI NER Chapter, delivered the welcome address.
In her speech, Dr. Manju Sharma, Former Secretary to the Government of India, elaborated on the genesis of the programme, emphasising its role in showcasing the contributions of women scientists from North East India.
She stressed the importance of motivating the younger generation and the need for higher enrollment in mainstream science to develop human resources essential for science and technology.
Dr. Sharma also highlighted the significant impact of North East women in scientific development.
In his keynote address, NEHU vice chancellor Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla thanked NASI for organising this relevant programme at NEHU. He praised the contributions of women in Meghalaya and discussed how technological interventions at the grassroots level can enhance their societal and national contributions.
Prof. Shukla also linked the Sustainable Development Goals with the role and contribution of women, advocating for the strengthening of grassroots human resources to achieve these goals.
Prof. Nalin Mehta, Director of NEIGRIHMS, in his special address, focused on the role of institutions in the North East in regional development, particularly in health and hygiene. He emphasised the importance of science education and the preservation of cultural and natural heritage through traditional knowledge.
The inaugural address was delivered by Prof. Balram Bhargava, Former Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research and Secretary of the Department of Health Research.
Prof. Bhargava, renowned for his contributions during the Covid-19 pandemic, spoke on the critical role of science and technology in development and encouraged youngsters to take initiatives for sustainable development in the region.
Dr. Archna Pant, a young woman scientist at NASI headquarters in Prayagraj, proposed the vote of thanks, acknowledging the efforts of participating scientists and NEHU for hosting the event.
The academic session titled “Status of Biodiversity and Agriculture in North East India: Problems and Prospects” featured remarks by Prof. Paramjit Khurana, a renowned Plant Molecular Biologist from Delhi University, and Dr. Subhra Chakraborty, Director of NIPGR, New Delhi.
Prof. Pramod Tandon, Former VC of NEHU and CEO of Biotech Park, Lucknow, delivered the first invited talk, presenting an overview of Northeast India’s rich biodiversity and its potential for bioeconomic development.
Prof. S R Joshi discussed women empowerment at the grassroots level through scientific interventions in agriculture, while Prof. Madhumita Barooah from Assam Agriculture University highlighted indigenous knowledge and traditional practices inherent to Northeast India.
The afternoon session focused on “Health Issues of Women: Focus on Malnutrition in North East India,” chaired by Dr. Renu Swarup, Former Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, and co-chaired by Prof. Madhumita Barooah. Dr. Swarup emphasised the growth of institutions in the North East and their role in developing human resources and technology.
Dr. Bharti Kulkarni from ICMR-New Delhi discussed women’s health and nutritional relevance, while Prof. M V Padma Srivastava from AIIMS, New Delhi, elaborated on cardiovascular health and the increasing trend of strokes among the younger generation. Dr. A Laxmaiah from ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, provided insights on a balanced diet and its importance for maintaining good health. Dr. Smita Mahale, Former Director of ICMR-NIRRH, Mumbai, highlighted issues of early marriage, malnutrition, and the importance of education on vaccination, diet, and menstrual health.
