NIT Raipur Inaugurates 5th International Conference on Computing, Communication, and Learning

Raipur (BNIKHABAR) The Department of Computer Science & Engineering at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Raipur today inaugurated the 3-day 5th International Conference on Computing, Communication, and Learning (COCOLE-2026). The international forum brings together global researchers, academicians, industry professionals, and students to deliberate on emerging paradigms in computing, next-generation communication, and intelligent learning systems.

The inauguration commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and the rendering of the National Song in the presence of Chief Guest Prof. Bidyadhar Subudhi, Director, NIT Warangal and Professor, IIT Goa. The event was presided over by Dr. Samir Bajpai, Director (I/C), NIT Raipur, alongside Prof. Narendra D. Londhe, Registrar, NIT Raipur; Prof. Dilip Singh Sisodia, Head of Department (CSE); Prof. Siba K. Udgata, Central University of Hyderabad; and Prof. Prasanta Kumar Jana, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Prof. Bidyadhar Subudhi highlighted the rapid evolution across smart grids, power systems, healthcare, and manufacturing. He stressed the imperative for robust cybersecurity, trustworthy AI, and ethical technology adoption, urging researchers to leverage artificial intelligence as a force multiplier for academic research and problem-solving.

Dr. Samir Bajpai emphasized aligning technological advances—such as Quantum Computing and AI—with grassroots societal needs. He called for interdisciplinary research targeted at key national priorities, including public governance, precision agriculture, healthcare delivery, and disaster management.

Earlier, presenting the conference overview, Dr. Madhukrishna Priyadarshini reported that COCOLE-2026 received 285 research paper submissions from India and abroad, out of which 42 high-impact papers were shortlisted for presentation following a rigorous peer-review process.

The inauguration concluded with the formal unveiling of the COCOLE-2026 conference booklet, followed by a Vote of Thanks proposed by Dr. Bunil Kumar Balabantaray.