IIM Kashipur hosts Global conference on sustainability at SMSIF 2026
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kashipur concluded the Second International Conference on Sustainability Management Strategies for India’s Future (SMSIF 2026). The three-day event brought together a diverse group of academicians, industry leaders, and policymakers, creating a dynamic platform to discuss and reimagine sustainable development strategies for the country.
The conference featured a rich mix of research paper presentations, keynote sessions, and thematic discussions, enabling participants to engage in meaningful academic exchange and explore solutions to pressing sustainability challenges. Delegates shared innovative ideas and research findings, contributing to the growing discourse on sustainability across sectors.
The inaugural session began with a welcome address by Prof. Somnath Chakrabarti, who reflected on India’s economic progress while emphasizing the importance of inclusive, responsible, and environmentally conscious growth. He highlighted that such collaborative platforms are vital in advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Director Prof. Neeraj Dwivedi further reinforced the importance of sustainability, stating that it must be central to leadership and institutional frameworks, encompassing economic resilience, social equity, and ethical governance.
Prof. Alka Arya presented the conference highlights, tracing the evolution of sustainable development and linking it to contemporary management practices. She also outlined key thematic areas and spoke about the institute’s green initiatives, encouraging continued collaboration among participants.
The conference featured keynote addresses from eminent speakers. Prof. Rama Mohana R Turaga of IIM Ahmedabad discussed governance for environmental sustainability, while Prof. B. Mahadevan of IIM Bangalore highlighted the relevance of Indian Knowledge Systems in shaping modern public policy and management practices. The first day also included several research presentations across multiple thematic tracks.
On the second day, Prof. Haritha Saranga emphasized the growing importance of sustainability in research and policy, particularly in areas such as renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. Adding an industry perspective, Subramanian Chidambaran of Cummins India stressed the need to balance growth with energy efficiency and responsible consumption. The final day continued with multiple academic sessions, offering researchers opportunities to present their work. Overall, SMSIF 2026 underscored the importance of sustained collaboration in building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for India.
