National Seminar on “Transforming Industries through Productivity and Sustainability by Use of Artificial Intelligence” Organised in Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar, Aug 22: The Odisha State Productivity Council (OSPC), in association with the National Productivity Council (NPC), Bhubaneswar, organised a National Seminar on “Transforming Industries through Productivity and Sustainability by Use of Artificial Intelligence” at Hotel Crystal Crown, Patia, Bhubaneswar, on 21 August 2026.
Smt. Neerja Sekhar, IAS, Director General, National Productivity Council, New Delhi, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. She was accompanied by Shri Shirish Paliwal, Deputy Director General, National Productivity Council, New Delhi.
The inaugural session was attended by eminent dignitaries and experts, including Dr. Manoranjan Puthal, Managing Director, Odisha Knowledge Corporation Limited (OKCL); Dr. Barenya Senapati, Director (Finance), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bengaluru; and Prof. Rabinarayan Satpathy, Vice-Chancellor, Jagadguru Kripalu University.
The seminar was organised under the chairmanship of Shri Radhashyam Mahapatra. Shri Trijib Chandra Hota, Vice-President, OSPC; Shri Avijit Nayak, Regional Director, NPC Bhubaneswar; and Shri Debabrata Panigrahi, Honorary Secretary, OSPC, were also present.
Focus on Artificial Intelligence, Productivity and Sustainability
The seminar focused on the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in transforming industries, enhancing productivity and promoting sustainable development.
The speakers deliberated on the opportunities presented by AI and emerging technologies, while emphasising the importance of their judicious, responsible and purposeful use. The discussions covered the likely impact of AI on industrial productivity, employment, workforce capabilities, business models and the future of enterprises.
The experts highlighted the need for organisations to integrate technological innovation with human capabilities, sustainability and responsible decision-making to achieve long-term business and industrial growth.
Participation from Industry and Institutions
The seminar witnessed participation from a diverse range of industries and organisations, including Tata Steel Ltd., NALCO, JSW Steel, IMFA, UAL Industries Ltd., BEML Ltd., JSW JFE Limited, IFFCO, Paradip Phosphates Ltd. (PPL), OPTCL, Hindalco Industries Ltd., Odisha Hydro Power Corporation Ltd. (OHPC), and IREL (India) Limited, among others.
Students and representatives from various educational institutions, including Kalinga Bharati Residential Higher Secondary School, also participated in the programme.
The participation of industry professionals, academicians and students provided a valuable platform for interaction and knowledge sharing on Artificial Intelligence, productivity enhancement, sustainability and the future of work.
Leadership Awards
As part of the programme, Leadership Awards were conferred upon distinguished professionals in recognition of their professional achievements, leadership and significant contributions to their respective organisations and fields.
The awardees were:
The awards recognised the recipients for their exemplary leadership, professional achievements and significant contributions in their respective fields.
Eminent Experts Address Technical Sessions
The technical sessions featured eminent experts from industry, technology, academia and professional institutions.
The speakers included:
The technical deliberations provided valuable insights into the practical application of AI, digital transformation, productivity enhancement, innovation and sustainable industrial development.
Strengthening the Dialogue on AI-Enabled Industrial Growth
The programme provided an important platform for interaction among policymakers, productivity professionals, industry leaders, technology experts, academicians and students.
The seminar reinforced the importance of leveraging Artificial Intelligence as a strategic enabler for productivity, competitiveness and sustainable industrial growth, while promoting meaningful dialogue on the opportunities and challenges associated with AI-driven transformation.
