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TERIs three-day digital conference ends today
MUMBAI: With the aim of developing digital libraries and accelerating the process of knowledge management, the three-day conference by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) on International Conference on Digital Libraries (ICDL) 2013 themed ‘Vision 2020: Looking back 10 years and Forging New Frontiers’ concluded today.
The conference brought together many experts and intellectuals from the industry and academic to deliberate on contemporary issues related to Digital Libraries. Some of the eminent speakers included University of Waikato, New Zealand Computer Science professor Ian Witten; P Microsoft Research India MD Anandan; Inflibnet, India director Jagdish Arora among many others.
In the course of three days, the conference conducted nine thematic workshop-cum-panel sessions for intensive deliberations on topics like Applying Standards and Addressing Interoperability for Digital Libraries in a Networked World; National Mission on Libraries; Focus on Open Access; New Trend in e-Publishing; National Virtual Library of India; Digitisation and Digital Preservation; Revolutionising the Publishing Model and Technology For Libraries – Highest-Technology & Best Features, etc.
The conference was inaugurated by the vice president of India, M Hamid Ansari. He said, “Knowledge would be the key driving force in the 21st century. The ability to use and create knowledge capital will determine a country capacity to empower and enable its citizens by increasing human capabilities. In this endeavor, digital library would be a critical instrument as they would enable people to access, share and apply knowledge in a more efficient and effective manner. The challenge before us now would be to overcome the digital divide that exists between north and south countries and also region within national boundaries. Democratisation of access to knowledge and creation a level playing field by bridging the digital divide would be essential for inclusive and sustained development.”
Honorable Minister of Human Resource Development, Dr. M. M. Pallam Raju, who was also present at the opening ceremony, said “I am elated to notice the theme chosen for this important event. To me, most of the topics for deliberation are more relevant for education than ever before. This entails a radical improvement in existing systems of knowledge, as well as the creation of avenues for generating new forms of knowledge”.
The objective of the conference included: To be a single platform for international and national experts, researchers, academics, and students to share and discuss advanced thoughts, experiences and to resolve critical issues relating to Digital Library Movement; to focus on the creation, adoption, implementation, and utilisation of Digital Libraries and their future implications; and capacity building of knowledge professionals.
TERI Director-General and Conference Chair of ICDL 2013, Dr. R. K. Pachauri, said “Digital libraries are a significant outcome of the unprecedented technological changes in the information sector that have taken place across the globe in recent years. These make it possible for documents, publications and knowledge in every field become accessible to every section of society. The International Conference on Digital Libraries (ICDL), which TERI is organising for the fourth time provides a unique global platform on which experts from round the world will be sharing their knowledge and vision of the future related to digital libraries. Developments in this field can revolutionise the systematization of knowledge and access to it for all sections of society.”
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
