Sri Vijaya Puram, November 14: A one-day multidisciplinary national conference on ‘Innovative Ideas in the Fields of Science, Technology, Social Sciences and Humanities’ (IISTSSH-2026) was held today at Mansha Palace, Sri Vijaya Puram. It was organised by the Dr. Ashok Chavan Research Foundation (ACRF), Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, in collaboration with the Society of Science, Technology and Humanity (SSTH), Kalyan, Maharashtra, and drew participants from teaching and research organisations in different parts of India.
The conference opened with the lighting of the lamp and the release of the abstract book. Additional Director and Head, Botanical Survey of India, Andaman and Nicobar Regional Centre, Dr. Lal Ji Singh was the Chief Guest at the inaugural session. Head of the PG Department of Botany, JNRM, Dr. Dipon Sharmah and Assistant Director (Finance) Mrs. Kusum Chavan were the Guests of Honour. ACRF President Prof. Dr. Ashok Chavan introduced the Foundation and explained the purpose of holding a multidisciplinary conference in the Andaman Islands. SSTH Convener and Secretary Dr. Vasant Mali introduced the Society.
Dr. Sharmah delivered the inaugural address on the bond between forests and human well-being. Dr. Lal Ji Singh gave the keynote address, highlighting the Islands’ floral diversity. A plenary session was followed by three technical sessions in which delegates from the mainland and the Islands presented research papers in the sciences and social sciences.
Principal Narayan Phadke was the Chief Guest at the valedictory function. Awards were presented for innovative research, best paper presentation, academic excellence, young scientist and lifetime achievement. The SSTH Lifetime Achievement Award 2026 was conferred on Dr. Lal Ji Singh for his contribution to the life sciences and on Dr. Deepak Raverkar, former Principal of Sunderrao More Arts, Commerce and Science College, Poladpur, for his contribution to commerce. Dr. Sharmah received the SSTH Best Academician and Researcher Award 2026 for his research in plant science. The ACRF Academic Excellence Award 2026 went to Principal Dr. Vasant Pandit Mali of Sant Gadge Maharaj College of Commerce and Economics, Mumbai, for his contribution to administration, research and academics in the life sciences.
