Kolkata, February 24 The Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, organized an international conference on Tuesday to initiate a new global dialogue on how countries and institutions can collaborate for shared growth.
The conference, titled "Renaissance 2.0: Parliament of enlightened thoughts towards collaborative prosperity," was held in collaboration with the US-based non-profit organization, "The Boston Pledge," which comprises eminent public service professionals.
"The objective of the meeting is to initiate a fresh global dialogue on how countries and institutions can work together for shared growth, ethical innovation, and human well-being," the institute stated in a press release.
The program was held at the IIT Kharagpur Research Park in New Town, Kolkata, as part of the institute's platinum jubilee celebrations.
The idea for the conference was inspired by the historic Chicago Parliament of the World's Religions, where Swami Vivekananda delivered his famous speech, which brought global attention to India's spiritual thought, it said.
The organizers said the conference aims to initiate a similar intellectual movement, emphasizing spirituality, to address the challenges of the 21st century.
Union Minister of State for Education, Sukanta Majumdar, attended the inaugural session and spoke about improving education to develop well-rounded individuals and strengthening spiritual values to promote the idea of "one humanity."
Others present included IIT Kharagpur Board of Governors Chairman T V Narendran, the institute's director, Professor Suman Chakraborty, chairman of "The Boston Pledge," Dr Partha S Ghosh, former IIT Bhubaneswar director Professor Madhusudan Chakraborty, industrialist Harshvardhan Neotia, president of IIT Alumni Foundation, US, Dr Asoke Deysarkar, and noted classical singer Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty.
Speaking at the event, IIT Kharagpur Director, Professor Suman Chakraborty, said the institute wants to play a larger role in shaping not only technology but also the moral direction of society.
"The future demands institutions that not only respond to change but consciously design it for the greater good of humanity," he said.
Delegates at the conference pledged to work together on research projects, policy ideas, and partnerships across sectors to translate the discussions into practical action.