Dehradun : School of Management & Liberal Arts, IMS Unison University, Dehradun formally inaugurated the two-day International Conference on “Redefining Value Creation: Digital Transformation for a Sustainable and Human-Centric Economy (ICON 2026)” on 10th April 2026 at the university campus. The conference brought together eminent academicians, industry experts and researchers from across the globe to deliberate on emerging paradigms of value creation in the digital era.
The inaugural session featured addresses by eminent academic leaders. Prof. (Dr.) Anitha Ramachander, Pro Vice Chancellor, IMS Unison University, Dehradun highlighted the importance of digital transformation in shaping modern economies and its alignment with sustainability and human-centric values. Prof. (Dr.) Anil Subba Rao Paila, Vice Chancellor, IMS Unison University, Dehradun emphasized the role of academic institutions in addressing rapid technological change while promoting innovation, ethical awareness and responsible knowledge creation. The Chief Guest, Sr. Prof. (Dr.) K. S. Chandrashekhar, Vice Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu, spoke on how digital transformation is redefining value creation across sectors, stressing inclusivity, sustainability and Swadeshi principles for balanced growth.
Special addresses were delivered by Mr. Keshar Nath Dhakal, Lecturer, Royal University of Bhutan, who highlighted responsible digital citizenship. Mrs. Sarada Maganti, Skyline University, Nigeria (Online), who emphasized technology for human good and Dr. Mark Davis, University of West Alabama, USA (Online), who underlined the role of emotional intelligence in leadership. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. (Dr.) Sunil K. Jakhoria, Conference Chair and Dean, School of Management & Liberal Arts, IMS Unison University who encouraged active participation and meaningful knowledge exchange throughout the conference.
The technical sessions were conducted across four thematic tracks with strong participation from leading national and international institutions. A total of 91 research papers were presented across all four tracks on the first day, while 214 papers are scheduled across both days of the conference. The participating institutions included Marwadi University, Chandigarh University, Alliance University, Graphic Era Hill University, SRM University, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), KLE Technological University, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Jaipuria Institute of Management, Darshan University, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Graphic Era (Deemed University), Doon University, Trinity Institute of Professional Studies, Maharishi Markandeshwar Deemed to be University (MMDU), Mullana, LTSU, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Universal Group of Institutions, Lalru (Dera Bassi) and Babu Banarasi Das University along with international participation from Skyline University, Nigeria. The participating institutions represented a diverse geographical spread including universities from Uttarakhand, Punjab, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and international participation from Nigeria.
A panel discussion on “Sustainability in the Digital Age: Balancing Innovation with Responsibility” was also organized featuring Dr. K. S. Chandrashekhar, Vice Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu;Mr. Anoop Kumar, Chairman, ISTD Dehradun Chapter; Dr. K. R. Pillai, Professor & Director, Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration (WGSHA), Manipal Academy of Higher Education; and Mr. Keshar Nath Dhakal, Lecturer, Government College of Business Studies (GCBS), Royal University of Bhutan. The session was moderated by Dr. Mahendra Babu, Professor, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, and hosted by Dr. Vijay Kumar, Associate Professor, School of Management & Liberal Arts, IMS Unison University.
The sessions were chaired and coordinated by eminent academicians from participating institutions, ensuring smooth conduct of presentations and scholarly discussions across all thematic areas.
