College of Home Science Nirmala Niketan hosts international conference on quality of life and sustainability

February 18, 2026 /Posted byPrajwal EW / 0

The College of Home Science Nirmala Niketan (Autonomous), Mumbai, hosted a two-day international conference titled “Enhancement of Quality of Life: Echoes of the Past, Vision for a Sustainable Resilient Future” on 16–17 January 2026 in hybrid mode, bringing together academicians, researchers, clinicians, policymakers and industry representatives from India and abroad.

The conference examined quality of life as a multidimensional concept shaped by health, education, environment, culture, livelihoods and social inclusion. Discussions emphasised that human wellbeing extends beyond economic growth and healthcare access, requiring interdisciplinary approaches and collective action.

The event aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and India’s National Education Policy 2020, highlighting the role of multidisciplinary education, sustainability frameworks, digital health and policy innovation in addressing global challenges.

The conference was guided by Principal and Chairperson Dr Asha Mathew and convened by Prof. Dr Kamini Rege, with support from institutional leadership and academic partners. It was part-sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, along with collaborations from national and international academic and professional organisations.

Plenary sessions addressed topics including adaptive technology and inclusive design, education and childhood development, healthcare communication, biodiversity conservation, industrial sustainability and preventive healthcare. Parallel sessions across specialisations such as Foods and Nutrition, Human Development, Textile and Fashion Technology, and Community Resource Management focused on applied research and practice in areas including nutrition, mental health, digital transformation, sustainable design and governance.

According to organisers, 122 research papers were submitted, of which 105 were presented by participants from 17 Indian states, with delegates from seven countries. The conference concluded with the release of its proceedings and the presentation of ten Best Paper Awards.

A forthcoming edited volume, “Enhancing Life Quality: Resilience and Sustainability from Past to Future,” will compile 22 scholarly chapters based on conference contributions, aiming to support future research, policy development and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The organisers said the conference reaffirmed the role of higher education institutions in advancing sustainable development, resilience and holistic wellbeing through research, education and community engagement.

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College of Home Science Nirmala Niketan hosts international conference on quality of life and sustainability

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