Workshop on grassroots innovation held at FAC

Mokokchung, September 12 (MExN): A one-day workshop on "Scouting, Documentation, and Dissemination of Local Grassroots Innovators from Nagaland" was held at Fazl Ali College (FAC), Mokokchung. The event, organized by the Department of Environmental Science and the Research and Development Cell (RDC) of the college in collaboration with the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) - India, aimed to promote grassroots innovations in the region.

Dr Vivek Kumar, Scientist and National Coordinator at NIF-India, inaugurated the workshop, emphasizing the importance of nurturing local innovators. He stated that grassroots innovations have significantly benefited local communities across India and underscored the need for more interactions to better understand local challenges and foster innovation. Dr. Kumar also encouraged students to engage with local innovations and explore internship opportunities with NIF.

The workshop featured two technical sessions. In the first, Prof Ashutosh Tripati, Head of the Department of Environmental Science, Nagaland University, discussed the potential of bio-waste as a resource, highlighting Nagaland's rich biodiversity and how it can be utilized for innovative livelihood opportunities. The second session included a presentation by Dr Akumtoshi Lkr, Managing Director of Sutsung Enterprise Pvt. Ltd, who shared his entrepreneurial journey.

The event also featured an interactive session with local farmers, innovators, and healers, fostering a connection between traditional knowledge and modern innovation. Dr E Benrithung Patton, Convener of the RDC, delivered the closing remarks, emphasizing the importance of combining ancestral wisdom with contemporary creativity. He urged stakeholders to provide ongoing support for grassroots innovations and to create environments that encourage creativity and experimentation.

The workshop was led by project investigator Nohochem Sangtam, Assistant Professor of the Environmental Science Department.