Report on the International Conference on Humanities and Social Sciences hosted by Higher and Technical Institute, Mizoram (HATIM)

31^st July, 2025

July 30-31, 2025 | Lunglei

The Higher and Technical Institute, Mizoram (HATIM), in collaboration with the Centre for Humanities and Social Sciences Research (CHSSR), successfully hosted a Two-Day International Conference on the theme “Navigating Diversity: Identity, Culture, Belonging, and Transhumanism” on 30th and 31st July, 2025 at the HATIM campus in Lunglei.

This prestigious academic event brought together eminent scholars from six countries (Australia, Bangladesh, France, Italy, Papua New Guinea, and Turkey) and from thirteen Indian states, including Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

The inaugural programme was graced by Rev. Vanlalmuankima, Associate General Secretary (Service), Baptist Church of Mizoram, who served as the Guest of Honour and officially inaugurated the conference. The Keynote Address was delivered by Dr. Sabitra Kaphle, Senior Academician from Central Queensland University, Australia, on the topic “Culture, Diversity and Equity”.

A plenary session followed with a lecture on Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) by Prof. N.V.R. Jyoti Kumar of Mizoram University, serving as the Plenary Resource Person.

The conference featured a total of 14 Technical Sessions, held in both online and offline modes over the two days.

•⁠  ⁠38 papers were presented in offline sessions by 67 authors,

•⁠  ⁠⁠84 papers were presented in online sessions by 160 authors.

These sessions allowed for vibrant academic exchange and multidisciplinary engagement across a wide range of topics within the domains of identity, culture, and emerging concepts such as transhumanism.

The Valedictory Ceremony featured an inspiring address by Ferigul Gungoren, Innovative Leader at Turkish Aerospace, and concluded with closing reflections by Rev. Dr. H. Lalthlamuana, General Secretary of the Baptist Church of Mizoram.

The conference marked a significant academic milestone for HATIM, fostering international collaboration, academic dialogue, and a deeper understanding of the complexities of human identity and cultural belonging in a rapidly transforming global landscape.