The 2026 edition of SANMILAN was successfully organised on 26th February, 2026 by the Centre with great enthusiasm, reaffirming its legacy as a flagship industry–academia interface initiative of Dibrugarh University. This year’s theme was The Human Advantage : Skills that will Never be Automated. The programme began with a warm welcome by Prof. Pratim Barua, Chairperson of the Centre. In his address, he highlighted the relevance of this year’s theme and reflected on the remarkable journey of SANMILAN reaching its 18th edition in 2026. He emphasised the pioneering role played by the Centre in consistently organising such impactful academic–industry platforms.
The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Prof. Surajit Borkotoky, Dean, Student Affairs, Dibrugarh University. In his address, he appreciated the Centre as a pioneer in promoting industry–academia convergence within the university and expressed his hope that such initiatives would be broadened further to enable greater student participation across the university. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Kajal Saikia, Senior Chief General Manager, Numaligarh Refinery Limited. He shared valuable insights on leadership and emerging corporate expectations in the context of the emerging role of artificial intelligence in the workplace.
In the inaugural session, Prof. Seema S. Singha, Dean, Faculty of Commerce and Management Sciences, Dibrugarh University and Dr. Bipasha Chetiya, Head, Department of Commerce, Dibrugarh University were also present. A special highlight of the inaugural session was the release of the 18th edition of The Souvenir, commemorating SANMILAN 2026. It was edited by Mr. Chinmoy Chelleng.
After the inaugural session, Straight Talk was held. It featured an engaging and thought-provoking interaction with Mr. Bhaskar Hazarika, technocrat and reputed entrepreneur. The session was ably moderated by Dr. Himadri Barman, Associate Professor at the Centre, facilitating a dynamic exchange of ideas and practical insights. The post lunch session was on Corporate Grooming in the Era of AI. It focussed on preparing students for the evolving AI-driven corporate landscape. The expert speaker, Mr. Raktim Dutta, Director, Zigtal India, delivered a highly relevant session on professional grooming, adaptability, and digital competence. The formal vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Aradhana Borthakur, Assistant Professor at the Centre expressing gratitude to the distinguished guests, organisers, and participants.
Mr. Pransu Raj Kaushik was the Chief Coordinator of SANMILAN 2026 while the Student Coordinator was Md. Imtaj Hussain. SANMILAN 2026 was sponsored by MB’s Sweets & Snacks, Dibrugarh; Frumato, Dibrugarh; Green View Enterprises, Dibrugarh; The Heritage Estate, Duliajan and Riderzone, Sonari. Other faculty members of the Centre, research scholars, and students actively participated in the day-long programme, making it a vibrant academic engagement.
