Rourkela, Apr 4: The Department of Ceramic Engineering and the InCerS (Indian Ceramic Society) Student Chapter of NIT Rourkela inaugurated MRITTIKA 3.0, a prestigious national conference on ‘Trends and Challenges in Ceramics Sectors for Sustainable Development.’

The three-day event, spanning from April 3 to April 5, 2025, brings together industry leaders, academicians, researchers, and students to discuss advancements in ceramics and their role in sustainable development. MRITTIKA 3.0 is the third version jointly organised by the InCerS Student Chapter NITR & the Department of Ceramic Engineering, NIT Rourkela and it serves as a convergence point for experts and young researchers, encouraging discussions on modern trends and scientific advancements in ceramics.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Dr. Atanu Ranjan Pal, President of the Indian Ceramic Society and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of TATA Steel, along with Guest of Honour Shri Atanu Bhowmick, former Director-in-Charge of Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP). The event also witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao (Director of NIT Rourkela), Head of the Ceramic Engineering Department, Prof. Ranabrata Mazumder, Chairperson of the InCerS Student Chapter, Dibyarchana Nayak, and Convenors Prof. Swadesh Kumar Pratihar and Prof. Partha Saha.

The event with over 80 participants, including industry delegates, faculty members, scientists, and students from reputed institutions such as NIT Rourkela, GCECT Kolkata, Bikaner Technical University, BITS Pilani, CSIR-CGCRI, and Bhagalpur University, MRITTIKA 3.0 serves as a premier platform for collaboration and innovation in the ceramics sector.

At the inauguration, Chief Guest Dr. Atanu Ranjan Pal emphasized the importance of sustainability in ceramic manufacturing: “As industries shift toward eco-friendly and high-performance materials, ceramics plays a crucial role in making the eco-friendly & sustainable manufacturing. With AI creating new possibilities across various fields, the ceramic industry also has the chance to leverage technology to enhance innovation, improve efficiency, and advance sustainable solutions. This conference offers a valuable platform to discuss challenges and drive outcomes toward a greener future.”

Guest of Honour Shri Atanu Bhowmick highlighted the evolving landscape of the ceramics industry: “From traditional applications to cutting-edge ceramics have transformed our world. With Industry 4.0 integration in ceramics manufacturing, incorporating renewable energy sources, including hydropower-based production, holds the potential to be a key driver of sustainability. ‘Green production’ must prioritize Cost-effective innovations while ensuring high performance, durability, and affordability. A balance between efficiency and sustainability will drive a more economically viable ceramic industry.”

Addressing the event, Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao said, “MRITTIKA 3.0 strengthens collaboration between industry and academia, shaping the future of material sciences in the ceramics industry. I appreciate the conference team for highlighting the key aspects of sustainable manufacturing. I encouraged students to focus on energy conservation in their innovations and production processes while contributing towards shaping the future.”

The conference features discussions on crucial themes, including:

●             Future scopes in refractory industries

●             Innovations in glass science and technology

●             Advancements in sensors, actuators, and biomaterials

●             Industry 4.0 integration in ceramics manufacturing

●             Sustainable manufacturing and carbon footprint reduction

●             Ceramic applications in energy storage, water treatment, and nuclear sectors

●             The role of AI and machine learning in material science

With industry exhibitions, technical sessions, and student activities like material auctions and pottery workshop, MRITTIKA 3.0 promises to be an engaging and intellectually stimulating experience.