Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar), and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), in collaboration with the Research and Entrepreneurship Park, IIT Bhubaneswar, celebrated World Standards Day 2025, by organizing Manak Mahotsav-2025, on the theme “Shared Vision for a Better World: Spotlight on SDG 17-Partnerships for the Goals.” The event brought together distinguished dignitaries, policymakers, academicians, and industry leaders to highlight the role of standards in driving innovation, sustainability, and collective growth.

The celebration was graced by Shri Krushna Chandra Patra, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister, Science & Technology Department and Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Department, Government of Odisha, as the Chief Guest. Other eminent dignitaries included Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar Nayak, Vice Chancellor, Ravenshaw University; Dr. Anup Kumar, Chief Scientific Services, Tata Steel Limited; and Mr. Akshay Kumar Purohit, Senior Director, BIS Bhubaneswar Branch.

Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Minister Shri Patra said: “Standards are the silent strength behind a nation’s progress. They ensure that innovation is reliable, technology is safe, and consumer trust remains strong. As Odisha advances toward becoming a hub of science and technology, collaborations between institutions like IIT Bhubaneswar and BIS are vital to building a culture of quality and sustainability that aligns with our national and global goals.”

In his address, Prof. Karmalkar said: “Standards are the unsung heroes of progress- they build trust, ensure quality, and enable innovation across borders. At IIT Bhubaneswar, we are committed to fostering standards literacy and integrating standardization into education and research to shape a future defined by quality, safety, and shared prosperity.”

Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar Nayak said: “Standards are the backbone of innovation and industrial growth. Bringing students, researchers, and industry together in the process of standard formulation will ensure that India’s standards reflect our own scientific strengths and sustainability goals.”

In his address, Mr. Purohit introduced the theme of the programme and said:” To make our research globally relevant, we must align every experiment and innovation with national and international standards. Collaboration between academia, industry, and BIS is essential to create standards that truly reflect India’s needs and strengths.”

Dr. Anup Kumar from Tata Steel also highlighted the importance of standards and said: “Standardization is essential for progress-from autonomous mobility to space exploration. But while everything else can be standardized, the human mind must always remain creative.””

A key highlight of the day was an exhibition by students and start-ups. This initiative aims to strengthen awareness and accessibility of standards among students, researchers, and industry professionals, fostering a culture of quality and innovation on campus.

At the outset, Dr. Palas Roy, Convenor of the programme introduced the dignitaries and welcomed the gathering. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Manas Ranjan Pattnayak, Convenor. The event was organized under the chairmanship of Prof. Umaprasana Ojha and co-chairmanship of Dr. Naresh Chandra Sahu and Dr. Soobhankar Pati.

The event featured technical talks, panel discussions, and an ideathon designed to encourage creative, sustainable, and standards-based solutions to real-world challenges. A science exhibition organized for school and college students showcased innovative ideas and projects, with the most outstanding entries receiving awards and recognition.