Such conferences need of the hours: Director

Srinagar: The 3rd International Conference on Tribology, (TriboIndia 2023) on ‘Sustainable Development through Tribology’ kicks off on Thursday at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar.
The mega conference is being organized by Department of Mechanical Engineering NIT Srinagar under the aegis of the Tribology Society of India (TSI).
The inaugural function of three-day conference was presided over by the Vice Chancellor of University of Kashmir, Prof. Nilofer Khan, who was Chief Guest of the event.
President of the Tribology Society of India (TSI), Prof. Satish Vasu Kailash, Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Sudhakar Yedla, Patron of TriboIndia 2023, Conference chairman, Prof. M.F. Wani, Prof. Adnan Qayoum (HoD MED), Prof. G A Harmain (HAG), Prof. Koshi Adachi, Tohoku University, Japan, Prof. Irina Goryacheva, RAS, Russia and other dignitaries were present in the podium.
In her keynote address, Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, highlighted the collaborative efforts between KU and NIT Srinagar in delivering high-quality education to their students.
She said there is a deep-rooted connection between NIT Srinagar and Kashmir University, formerly known as Regional Engineering College (REC). Now both institutions are gaining recognition on national and international stages.
Prof. Nilofer underscored the considerable efforts invested in organizing this prestigious international conference in Srinagar, acknowledging the pivotal role played by Professor MF Wani in making it a reality.
She lauded the visionary leadership of Professor Yedla at NIT Srinagar, describing him as an exceptional administrator, accomplished researcher, and dedicated academician. She affirmed their commitment to supporting NIT Srinagar professionally.
Prof. Nilofer also highlighted the conference’s theme, emphasizing its relevance and timeliness. Sustainable Development stands as a central focus in every academic institution, she added.
On the occasion, President TSI, Prof. Satish Vasu Kailash highlighted the importance of sustainable development through Tribology in the context of today’s global warming and unpredictable weather patterns.
He expressed his hope that this conference would raise awareness about the concerning global changes and pave the way for sustainable development.
Prof. Kailash also noted that the conference would include workshops and educational courses, offering valuable insights to all participants. He extended his gratitude to Professor MF Wani for his instrumental support in hosting this significant conference at NIT Srinagar.
Patron of TriboIndia 2023, Prof. Sudhakar Yedla said NIT Srinagar has achieved a lot in the field of tribology and has set up a cutting-edge Tribology Laboratory that is considered one of the best in the country.
“This lab has helped us produce excellent research. It is a sign of our commitment to promoting innovation and supporting the next generation of tribologists,” he said.
Prof. Yedla said the theme of this conference is the use of tribology in sustainable development. As the Kashmir region is embarking on sustainable development now, the use of this technology becomes very critical for its success.
He said that it is a very apt time for institutions in Kashmir and the region to organize such conferences which bring a lot of knowledge of technology not only from within the country but abroad.
“In a world dealing with challenges like climate change and the need to manage resources sustainably, tribology can make a big difference. By reducing friction, making machines more efficient, and making things last longer, we can help create a greener and more sustainable future,” he said.
He said it is an honour for the NIT Srinagar to be chosen by TSI for the conference. The discussions and collaborations at this conference will take tribology to new heights, he added.
In his inaugural address, Prof. M.F. Wani, the Conference Chairman, highlighted that the Mechanical Engineering Department at NIT Srinagar is the driving force behind the organization of TriboIndia 2023.
He underscored the conference’s theme as highly pertinent in today’s world, where sustainability is a pressing concern.
Prof. Wani emphasized that sustainability poses a challenge to academia, industries, and society at large. He said that sustainability has become an integral aspect of research, with Tribology playing a significant role in shaping sustainable systems and products over the past six decades.
Furthermore, Prof. Wani said the conference’s primary objective is to inculcate a sense of urgency among budding researchers, urging them to incorporate sustainability into their future endeavours.
A formal vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Sheikh Shahid Saleem. On behalf of the organizing committee, he expressed his gratitude to Director NIT, Prof. Sudhakar Yedla, Vice Chancellor Kashmir University, Prof. Nilofar Khan, Conference Chairman Prof. MF Wani, and other dignitaries for their immense support.
He thanked platinum all sponsors including Defense R&D Organisation, Ministry of Defense, Indian Oil, Green Resolve, Rtec Instruments, Bharat Petroleum, Spinks World, Markolaser Solutions, India SERB, Bruker, Aditya Birla Handalco, CSIR, JKST&IC and VAS Tribo as Media Partner for their support in organising this conference.
The event also featured the launch of the Conference Souvenir and the inauguration of exhibition stalls, presided over by the Chief Guest and other distinguished guests.

KR Desk