Three-day int’l conference on ‘Sustainable business practices & social responsibility’ begins at NIT Sgr

Srinagar, Jul 16: 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 organised 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 organising team includes Dr. Jaya Shrivastava (Chairperson and HOD, HSS&M), Organising 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. “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. “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 organisers for hosting a conference that tackles the pressing challenges faced by both industry and society.She highlighted the global shift toward sustainable development, stating, “Organisations across the world are increasingly aligning their strategies with sustainability goals.Prof B.A. Mir, Dean Academic Affairs NIT Srinagar, lauded the Department for organising a platform that addresses crucial issues faced by the industry and society today. “Such conferences are essential in shaping the academic discourse around ethical leadership and innovation-driven development,” he said.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.