The Department of Commerce, Jagannath Barooah University, in collaboration with Assam Chamber of Commerce, organized a two-day International Conference on “Innovation, Challenges, and Opportunities in Commerce and Management for Sustainable Growth” on 29th and 30th January, 2026.
Day I of the conference began with a successful inaugural session where Porag Sarmah, Dean, Faculty of Commerce, delivered the welcome address followed by the inaugural address from the Honourable Vice Chancellor of Jagannath Barooah University, Professor Jyoti Prasad Saikia.
Appreciating the timely and relevant topic of the conference , the Chief Guest, Mr. Anjan Kumar Gogoi, Retired Admiral, Indian Airforce and Ex Member of NEC, emphasised that the innovation must adjust in every sector for sustainable development of the national economy. He also emphasised that the introduction of Internal National Security in the curriculum of the University education. He was deeply concerned over the growing threat of cybercrime and drug addiction and emphasised that without having strong internal security of such anti- social elements, sustainability could never be achieved.
Accordingly, the Guest of Honour, Dr. P.K. Mishra, Vice Chancellor, The Kaziranga University emphasised on the restructuring of the curriculum by incorporating entrepreneurship and other skill-based courses to make the education more relevant. Mr. Rupam Thakur, Vice President of Assam Chamber of Commerce, appreciated the Department of Commerce for providing the opportunity for active participation in this academic exercise.
Dr. Shad Ahmad Khan, Associate Professor, Faculty of Business and Management, American University of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, presented an insightful keynote speech on “Sustainability Beyond Slogan: Rethinking Business Education for Behavioural Change.” Prof. Santanu Borah, University of North Alabama, USA, presented his thoughtful presentation on “Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Opportunities and Challenges for Sustainable Growth.” Finally, the session ended with a vote of thanks by Dr. Rajlaxmi Bardoloi, Head of the Department of Commerce, Jagannath Barooah University.
Six technical sessions were carried across the two days of the conference, which were clubbed together under three distinctive themes – “Digital Transformation, Emerging Business Trends, and Global Trade”, “Entrepreneurship, Innovation, MSME’s and Sustainable Development”, and “Indigenous Knowledge, Rural Economy, Agro Business and Inclusive Growth” respectively. The sessions were chaired by Professor Amalesh Bhowal, Professor S. S. Sarkar, Dr. Debanuj Khound, and Dr. Farah Hussain, where the paper-presenters deliberated on numerous topics related to finance, BRICS+, digital market, AI investment, CSR, market-based innovation, tourism, HR trends, green finance, gender-budgeting etc.
A panel discussion on second day of the conference was also held, where dignitaries including Dr. Mantu Bhuyan, Mr. Abinash Hazarika, Mr. Prosenjit Baidya, and Mr. Rajkumar Borthakur, highlighted important aspects related to Assam’s rich cultural heritage, role of technical innovation, sustainable industry practices, grassroot entrepreneurship and available opportunities in commerce etc.
The Valedictory session finally put a closure to the two-day long conference on 30th January. The gathering was addressed by the Registrar of Jagannath Barooah University, Dr. Utpal Jyoti Mahanta, along with the Dean of Student Affairs, Subhasish Sarmah, and Dean, Faculty of Commerce, Porag Sarmah. Distinguished speakers Dr. Debanuj Khound and Dr. Farah Hussain also remarked on the success of the event, and few of the participants also shared their experience. Three best papers were selected from each technical session, and certificates were presented to the participants. The conference was formally adjourned after the vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Ujjal Bhuyan, Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, Jagannath Barooah University.