NGS Delegates Participated in IGC 2023, IIT Roorkee, India

Delegates from the Nepal Geotechnical Society (NGS) actively participated in the Indian Geotechnical Conference (IGC 2023) at IIT Roorkee, India, held from December 14 to 16, 2023. The delegation, consisting of eight members, was led by NGS President Dr. Mandip Subedi.

Key Accomplishments at IGC 2023, IIT Roorkee, India:

1. MOU between IGS and NGS:
   The Nepal Geotechnical Society (NGS) formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaborative efforts with the Indian Geotechnical Society (IGS) on December 15, 2023, during the Indian Geotechnical Conference (IGC 2023) at IIT-Roorkee. The MoU, signed by NGS President Dr. Mandip Subedi and IGS President Dr. Anil Joseph in the presence of office bearers from both sides, signifies a significant stride in fostering cooperation between the two organizations.

2. Prominent NGS Involvement in IGC 2023:
NGS played a significant role in IGC 2023 with two keynote speakers, a session chair for the keynote session, and three technical paper presentations. Details are as follows:

Keynote Presentations:
i. Prof. Dr. Netra Prakash Bhandary (Immediate President, NGS, and Professor, Ehime University, Japan)
ii. Er. Keshab Kumar Sharma (Secretary, Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport)

Keynote Session Chair:
i. Dr. Mandip Subedi (President, NGS)

Technical Paper Presentations and Participation:
i. Er. Jibendra Misra (EC, NGS and PhD Scholar, Ehime University, Japan)
ii. Er. Tulasi Ram Bhattarai (PhD Scholar, Ehime University, Japan)
iii. Er. Kalpana Adhikari (Department of Roads, GoN)
iv. Er. Ujjwal Niraula (Secretary, NGS)
v. Er. Rajan KC (Treasurer, NGS)

1. Visit to the Earthquake Engineering Lab at IIT:
   Delegates gained invaluable insights and hands-on experience in the field.
2. Enhanced Networking Opportunities:
   The conference provided an avenue to strengthen connections with the Indian geotechnical community, fostering mutual understanding among our group.
3. Motivation for GeoMandu 2024:
   The success of IGC 2023 serves as a robust motivation and foundation for the upcoming GeoMandu 2024, acting as a platform to invite numerous participants from India.
4. Meeting with IIT International Coordination Office Dean:
   A crucial interaction aimed at fostering international relationships and cooperation. NGS plans to formalize an MOU, motivating young NGS members for research collaboration with IIT Roorkee.