The Department of Computer Science, School of Computing at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Mysuru Campus organized a Two-Day International Conference on Computing and Humanitarian Applications (ICCHA-2023) on June 23rd and 24th, 2023. The conference aimed to explore the intersection of computing and humanitarian applications, highlighting the significant advancements in technology that have revolutionized various sectors.

The event commenced with an inaugural address by Dr. K Rajalakshmi Menon, a distinguished scientist and Director of the Centre for Air Borne System, DRDO, Govt. of India. In her speech, Dr. Menon emphasized the profound impact of the Covid-19 pandemic as an eye-opener, highlighting how technology has played a pivotal role in transforming the healthcare sector and aiding other industries. She further discussed the relevance and advantages of new and emerging technologies in driving a paradigm shift towards humanitarian technologies. Specifically, she emphasized the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive analysis in predicting and responding to crises, as well as the significance of data analysis and decision-making. Dr. Menon also acknowledged the contributions of mobile applications, chatbots, networking, digital cash transfers, and biometric technologies such as fingerprint and facial recognition systems, along with the utilization of drones. She concluded her address by stressing the importance of adhering to the humanitarian principle of “Do No Harm.” While advancing in technology, she called upon young researchers not to forget humanity, neutrality, impartiality and practice being independent for creating trust worthy communities.

The Guest of Honour, Dr. G. Hemantha Kumar, Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Mysore, Mysuru, also delivered the speech during the inaugural ceremony. Dr. Kumar expressed his appreciation for the dedication of researchers in the computing field over the past 30 years, highlighting their contributions as the driving force behind the current technological advancements. Emphasising on the needs of the nation today, he urged the young scholars to pursue the path of scientists and academicians.

Mr. Pranesh T S, IT Head of DRDO under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, graced the inaugural ceremony with his presence.

The keynote addresses that were delivered Include: Dr. Manoj Kumar, an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Engineering & Information Sciences, UoWD, Dubai Knowledge Park, presented on “Genetic Algorithm Based Technique for Collision Avoidance in a Multi-UAV Environment Deployed for Disaster Mitigation.” P. Shivakumar, an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University of Malaya, Malaysia, discussed “Intra and Inter-Disciplinary Approaches for Text Spotting in Natural Scene Images.” Dr. Punitha P, a Senior Consultant at Nymo Technologies, Bengaluru, shared insights on “Machine Learning: Recent Trends, Challenges & Opportunities.” Lastly, Dr. Zhenglin Wang, a Lecturer in ICT at the School of Engineering and Technology, Institute for Future Farming Systems, Sydney, Australia, presented on “Using Machine Vision to Help Optimize Mango Yield.” The valedictory ceremony was graced by Dr. B H Shekar, Professor, Department of Computer Science, Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri, Mangaluru, who served as the Chief Guest. The conference received an overwhelming response, with the submission of over 80 research papers from various parts of the world, all of which were presented over the two-day event.

Additionally, a pre-conference workshop titled “Industry-specific Machine Learning Challenges and Solutions: Philosophy and Hands-on” and poster presentation was conducted as part of the conference, providing attendees with an opportunity to gain practical insights and knowledge in the field. The best posters and papers were awarded cash prizes during the valedictory. The International Conference on Computing and Humanitarian Applications (ICCHA-2023) served as a platform for researchers, experts, and industry professionals to explore the growing influence of technology on humanitarian efforts, highlighting the latest advancements and addressing the challenges and opportunities in the field of computing.