ISTE Kerala Section State Convention at Vidya explores AI’s potential for achieving Sustainable Development Goals

Indian Society for Technical Education (ISTE) brought together eminent academicians, professionals, and researchers every year with its prestigious ISTE Kerala Section State Convention & National Seminar every year. Vidya Academy of Science & Technology has the privilege to host 36th ISTE Kerala Section State Convention and National Seminar on ‘AI as an Accelerator to SDGs: Pathways and Possibilities’ on 17 January 2026 to discuss emerging trends, research findings and practical applications of AI in supporting sustainable development. The event featured keynote addresses, technical paper presentations, and deliberations aimed at enhancing academic excellence and encouraging AI-driven solutions for societal benefit
The inaugural function began with a prayer by Ms. Akhila R (Asst. Prof – Sr. Grade, EEE Dept) that set a solemn and reflective tone for the proceedings that followed. Dr. Sunitha C (Principal VAST, Chairman ISTE VAST) delivered the welcome address, warmly greeting the dignitaries and participants and emphasizing the transformative role of AI-driven innovations in higher education and societal progress. Delivering the presidential address, Dr. Anil B (Former Chairman, ISTE Kerala Section) underscored ISTE’s role in promoting technical education and research aligned with national and global priorities.
The convention was formally inaugurated through the lighting of the lamp, followed by the Inaugural Address by Mr. Muraleedharan Manningal, (Chief Executive Officer, ICT Academy of Kerala). In his address, he highlighted the transformative potential of AI as a catalyst for sustainable development and capacity building, particularly in addressing contemporary global challenges.He appreciated the ISTE Kerala Section’s initiatives in promoting academic excellence, faculty and student development, research and innovation, and knowledge exchange activities.
Dr. Achuth Sankar S. Nair (Former Professor and Head, Department of Bioinformatics, University of Kerala)  released the souvenir.The souvenir is enriched with messages from Hon’ble Ministers, ISTE personnel, and other eminent dignitaries, and showcases the achievers, award winners, and papers selected for presentation at the conference.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Achuthsankar S. Nair (Former Professor and Head, Department of Bioinformatics, University of Kerala) highlighting the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in addressing global challenges and accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Award Ceremony, led by Prof. Biju M. J. (Secretary, ISTE Kerala Section) recognized significant contributions and achievements in technical education.Dr. Vijayakumar K (Chairman, ISTE Kerala Section) graced the occasion with his presence.

                                  ISTE KERALA SECTION AWARDS 2024-25
Best Teacher Award (Engineering Colleges) Dr. Asha Joseph,Federal Institute of Science and Technology, Angamaly,
Faculty Chapter Award (Engineering Colleges) Vidya Academy of Science and Technology Thalakottukara, Thrissur
Chapter with the Maximum Number of Activities Award Federal Institute of Science and Technology, Angamaly
Chapter with a variety of Activities Award Marian Engineering College, Thiruvananthapuram
Faculty Chapter Awards (Polytechnic Colleges) -Consolation Awards Malabar Polytechnic Campus, Cherpulassery
JDT Islam Polytechnic College, Kozhikode
Special Appreciation Award
Marian Engineering College, Thiruvananthapuram
Dr. Shalij P. R. (Director -Academics, Vidya International Charitable Trust), delivered the felicitation address and he  emphasized the role of quality education, emerging technologies and value-based learning in shaping future-ready professionals. Mr Sarath Babu Ramachandran (Secretary, ISTE VAST, Asst Prof – Sel. Grade, ME Dept) delivered vote of thanks, extending sincere appreciation acknowledging the contributions of dignitaries,moderators, participants  and organizing committee members in ensuring the smooth conduct of the seminar. The inaugural session concluded with National Anthem.
Academic Presentations and Discussions on AI Innovations
National Seminar Paper Presentation on ‘AI as an Accelerator to SDGs: Pathways and Possibilities’, showcased researchers and academicians presenting AI-driven methodologies, innovations, and case studies focused on sustainable development. Moderated by the judging panel Dr Abhilasha P S (Prof  & HoD , CE Dept) and Dr Rakesh Hari (Prof & HoD,ME Dept), the session featured interactive discussions with participants, fostering knowledge sharing, critical evaluation and collaborative dialogue between the presenters, audience, and panel members.
The Annual General Body Meeting and Valedictory Function took place  where key decisions related to ISTE Kerala Section activities were discussed and the convention was formally concluded.
The 36th ISTE Kerala Section State Convention and National Seminar provided a vibrant platform for knowledge sharing, collaborative discussions, and exploring the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence for sustainable development. It contributed meaningfully to academic enrichment and strengthened the professional network of all participants.
The ISTE VAST Organizing Committee, led by Dr. Sunitha C (Principal, VAST and Chairman, ISTE VAST), with Dr. Shalij P. R. (Director – Academics) as Patron and Mr. Sarath Babu Ramachandran (Secretary, ISTE VAST, Asst Prof – Sel. Grade, ME Dept) as Organizing Secretary, along with the wholehearted support of ISTE Programme Committe, Ms Akhila K  (Asst Prof – Sr. Grade, EEE Dept) as MC successfully organized the  ISTE Kerala Section State Convention and National Seminar.
The Editorial Team of News & Events joins the entire Vidya fraternity in extending hearty congratulation to Dr. Shalij, Dr Sunitha, Mr Sarath and all staff members  on this laudable feat of successfully conducting ISTE Kerala Section State Convention that  promotes knowledge sharing, interdisciplinary research, innovation, and collaboration in emerging AI technologies aligned with sustainable development !!!
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