Odisha Research Conclave concludes with a call for youth-led innovation for Viksit Bharat

Berhampur: The Odisha Research Conclave-2025 concluded with a strong call for youth-driven and purpose-led research aimed at building a Viksit Bharat by 2047 at Berhampur University on Saturday. The three-day event was jointly organised by Odisha State Higher Education Council (OSHEC) and Berhampur University.

Speaking as the Chief Guest at the valedictory ceremony, Berhampur MP Dr. Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy said research conclaves serve as vital platforms to steer India’s developmental ambitions. “To make India a developed nation by 2047, young researchers must step forward and address the complex global challenges related to environment, nutrition and livelihood. Research will remain the key driving force in making India a Vishwaguru,” said Dr. Panigrahy.

The BJP leader also praised the OSHEC and Berhampur University for successfully organising the State’s largest research gathering.

Padma Shri awardee and former Vice-Chancellor of Central University of Tamil Nadu, Prof Aditya Prasad Dash stressed the importance of innovation and knowledge-skill development in research. “To fulfil the dream of a developed India, we need ethical, well-planned strategies in research that focus on new knowledge systems and innovation,” asserted Prof Dash.

The valedictory ceremony witnessed the presence of Prof. Susmit Prasad Pani, Executive Member of OSHEC, and Berhampur University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Geetanjali Dash.  Among others, Prof. Sukanta Kumar Tripathy, Chairman of the Post-Graduate Council, Sachidananda Nayak, Registrar, and Conclave Nodal Officer Prof. Siddhartha Shankar Panda graced the event.

The concluding session of the conclave opened with a special roundtable on “Excellence in Research through Collaboration, Culture & Creativity.” Directors from leading national institutions — such as IIT Bhubaneswar, NISER Bhubaneswar, IISER Berhampur, IOP, IMMT, IMA, and ILS — came together to deliberate on advancing research quality through stronger partnerships, cultural exchange, and knowledge sharing.

The day concluded with a special session featuring eminent experts, including Prof. Prashanta Kumar Panigrahi, former Director of IISER Kolkata, and Prof. UC Mohanty, retired Professor of IIT Delhi, who shared insights on emerging technological approaches in research and development.

Marking its most successful edition yet, the fifth edition of the conclave recorded the participation of 657 researchers, faculty members, and academicians from state universities — the highest turnout in its history. Over three days, eight technical sessions highlighted pioneering research across diverse fields. The valedictory ceremony also honoured outstanding young researchers and faculty members with certificates and accolades, celebrating their significant contributions.

Expressing gratitude to all participating universities and knowledge institutions, Prof. Geetanjali Dash, said, “The conclave has successfully brought together some of the finest academic minds of the state and the country. This collective effort will contribute significantly to shaping a stronger research ecosystem in Odisha.”

She also revealed that the conclave’s key recommendations and outcomes would be submitted to the Higher Education Department of the Government of Odisha.