Three-day int'l. Conference on “Sustainable business practices & social responsibility” begins at NIT Srinagar
17/07/2025
Srinagar, July 16 (KIP)- The 5th International Conference on Contemporary Business Trends, themed “Sustainable Business Practices & Social Responsibility” began on Wednesday at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar.
The three-day event, running from July 16 to 18, 2025, is organized by the Department of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Management (HSS&M) and has brought together distinguished academics, researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to explore the evolving role of businesses in a rapidly changing global landscape.
This year’s theme, "Building Tomorrow: Sustainability and Social Responsibility in Business Management," focuses on how businesses can integrate sustainability, ethics, and inclusive practices to address pressing global challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and social justice.
The inaugural ceremony was graced Dean Academic Affairs Prof. B.A Mir, Dean Alumni and International Affairs Prof. Mohd Ashraf Shah, Dean Students Welfare Prof. Mohammad Abid Bazaz, Head, Training & Placement, Prof. Ajaz Mir, Prof Anisa Jan from Islamic University of Sciences and Technology Awantipora, Dr. Jaya Shrivastava (Chairperson and HOD, (HSS&M) and other dignitaries.
Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia, is the Chief Patron of the event, Prof. Roohie Naaz (Dean, R&C) serving as Patron. The organizing team includes Dr. Jaya Shrivastava (Chairperson and HOD, HSS&M), Organizing Secretaries Dr. Tahir Ahmad Wani and Dr. Mohd. Rafiq Teli, Conveners Dr. Nufazil Altaf and Dr. Sumaira Jan, Coordinators Dr. Aijaz Ul Islam and Dr. Shahnawaz Ahmad, Coordinator Dr. Fouzia Jan, and Student Coordinators Mr. Arsalan Riyaz and Mr. Sarim Qureshi. The Azka Namkeen is the food partner of the conference.
In his message, Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia, said that conferences like these are the need of the hour. In order to succeed in today’s competitive market and ensure people’s well-being, we must adopt sustainable practices that do not compromise the future, he said.
Prof. Kanaujia further said that if we ignore this responsibility, it will lead to irreversible damage for both society and the planet.
Institute's Registrar Atikur Rehman underlined the growing relevance of sustainability in the business world.
“In today’s world, where we face mounting environmental and social challenges, businesses must think beyond profits. Sustainability and social responsibility are no longer optional; they are essential for long-term growth, public trust, and global cooperation,” he said.
Prof. Anisa Jan from the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) delivered the keynote address and lauded the organizers for hosting a conference that tackles the pressing challenges faced by both industry and society.
She emphasized that such events are essential for shaping academic discourse around ethical leadership and innovation-driven development.
Prof. Anisa Jan further highlighted the global shift toward sustainable development, stating, “Organizations across the world are increasingly aligning their strategies with sustainability goals.
"In today’s dynamic business environment, no enterprise can afford to operate without considering the multiple dimensions of sustainable development and Corporate Digital Responsibility (CDR). These elements are no longer optional; they are critical for long-term success, ethical governance, and social accountability," she added.
Prof. B.A. Mir, Dean Academic Affairs NIT Srinagar, lauded the Department for organizing a platform that addresses crucial issues faced by the industry and society today. He emphasized that such conferences are essential in shaping the academic discourse around ethical leadership and innovation-driven development.
Prof. Mohd. Ashraf Shah, Dean Alumni and International Affairs, highlighted that the business world is undergoing a revolution, where many companies will emerge while others may decline.
He further said that the heart of this transformation lies in sustainability. “No business can run successfully without integrating sustainability into its core practices. This principle is not only vital for long-term growth but is also deeply rooted in Islamic teachings, which stress our responsibility toward society and the environment,' Prof. Shah added.
In her welcome address, Head (HSS&M), Dr. Jaya Shrivastava said that in today's market, rapid change and complex global challenges, the themes of this conference could not be more timely.
"Sustainable business practices are no longer a matter of corporate choice; they are an imperative. Social responsibility must be embedded into the core of every organization’s operations. From climate change to inclusive growth, from ethical governance to stakeholder well-being, these are concerns that transcend national boundaries and disciplines," she said.
Dr Shrivastava further believes that true progress lies at the intersection of ethical thought and pragmatic action. This conference represents our ongoing commitment to fostering scholarship that is both intellectually rigorous and socially relevant, she added.
A formal vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Mohd. Rafiq Teli. He expressed his gratitude to the key speaker, Prof. Anisa Jan from IUST Awantipora, all Deans, Registrar, and other dignitaries for making the inaugural session of the conference successful