Malsawmtluanga Hnialum, Agriculture, Best Innovator Award

Mr. Malsawmtluanga Hnialum: Ph. D. Scholar at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India

Title/Designation: Mr.
Name: Malsawmtluanga Hnialum
Current Role/Designation: Ph.D. Scholar
Organization/Institution: Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India
Subject Track: Agriculture
Key Areas of Expertise: Taxonomy, Biodiversity, Plant Protection
Award Categories: Best Innovator Award

Malsawmtluanga Hnialum is a dedicated Ph.D. scholar in Agricultural Entomology at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, with a strong focus on insect biodiversity, taxonomy, and integrated pest management. He has a keen interest in lepidopteran diversity, ecological modeling, and sustainable strategies for managing agricultural pests. Over the years, he has contributed extensively to scientific literature through research articles, book chapters, and books, and has collaborated with multiple national and international researchers. His work bridges classical entomology with modern approaches, such as citizen science and predictive modeling, reflecting a commitment to both academic excellence and practical agricultural solutions.

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Education

He earned a B.Sc. in Agriculture from Central Agricultural University, Imphal (2020), followed by an M.Sc. (Ag) in Agricultural Entomology from Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola (2022). Currently, he is pursuing his Ph.D. at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, specializing in Agricultural Entomology. Throughout his academic journey, he has consistently focused on insect ecology, pest management, and the application of modern tools and techniques to agricultural research.

Research Focus

His doctoral research investigates the diversity, taxonomy, and elevational distribution of Noctuoidea (Lepidoptera) in Mizoram, aiming to provide comprehensive baseline data for biodiversity conservation and pest management. His master’s research focused on the ovicidal efficacy of various insecticides against the cotton pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella), providing insights into sustainable pest control measures. He is also involved in ecological niche modeling, climate-based predictions of pest distribution, and the integration of citizen science data to enhance agricultural decision-making.

Experience

He has participated in numerous national and international seminars, conferences, and workshops, presenting both oral and poster presentations on topics such as pest management, insect taxonomy, and sustainable agricultural practices. He has hands-on experience in laboratory experiments, field surveys, and modern analytical techniques, including molecular data analysis and statistical modeling using R. He has also been involved in mentoring students and contributing to collaborative research projects that address real-world agricultural challenges.

Research Timeline & Activities

Since 2022, his research has progressed from evaluating insecticidal efficacy against pink bollworm eggs to comprehensive biodiversity assessments of moth species in Mizoram. He has systematically studied ecological patterns, altitudinal diversity gradients, and climate impacts on species distribution. Alongside publishing research articles and book chapters, he has contributed to edited volumes, popular science articles, and co-invented an agricultural pollination drone device (2025), demonstrating his ability to translate research into practical agricultural technologies.

Awards & Honors

His contributions have been recognized through prestigious fellowships and awards, including the National Fellowship for Higher Education, the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Fellowship for doctoral students, and the Young Entomologist Award at the 2nd International Agriculture Conference. He has also been acknowledged for his active participation in workshops, seminars, and conferences that focus on innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and pest management.

Top Noted Publication

Among his impactful publications, a key study is: Hnialum, M., Narayanasami, C., Soundararajan, R. P., et al. (2025). Ecological niche modelling and future distribution prediction of Thysanoplusia orichalcea (Fabricius, 1775) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) using citizen science data and CMIP6 projections in India. Oriental Insects, 1-24. This research combines citizen science, predictive modeling, and climate projections to forecast pest distribution, highlighting his expertise in integrating field entomology with modern analytical tools for sustainable pest management.

  • Ecological niche modelling and future distribution prediction of Thysanoplusia orichalcea (Fabricius, 1775) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) using citizen science data and CMIP6 projections in India
    Oriental Insects, 2025-12-04. DOI: 10.1080/00305316.2025.2593875
    Contributors: Malsawmtluanga Hnialum, Chitra Narayanasami, Raga Palanisamy Soundararajan, Santosh Ganapati Patil, Kumaraperumal Ramalingam, Balasubramani Venkatasamy, Dilipsundar Natarajan, Pachuau Lalruatfeli, Bawlchhim Lalmuanzuala, Bimal Kumar Sahoo
    This study integrates citizen science observations and climate model projections to predict future distribution patterns of the cabbage looper moth across India, offering valuable insights for pest management under climate change scenarios.

  • Taxonomic notes on lichen moths (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Lithosiini) from Mizoram, India
    International Journal of Tropical Insect Science, 2025-09-11. DOI: 10.1007/s42690-025-01605-5
    Contributors: Malsawmtluanga Hnialum, Chitra Narayanasami, Balasubramani Venkatasamy, Soundararajan Raga Palanisamy, Kumaraperumal Ramalingam, Santosh Ganapati Patil, Amrit Sekhar Mallick, Dilipsundar Natarajan
    Provides updated taxonomic descriptions and distribution records of lichen moth species in Mizoram, enhancing regional biodiversity knowledge.

  • Enhancing the yield of black gram (Vigna mungo L.) using organic seaweed extract
    Plant Science Today, 2025-08-25. DOI: 10.14719/pst.9092
    Contributors: Pachuau Lalruatfeli, Ramanujam Krishnan, Ponnusamy Janaki, Hnialum Malsawmtluanga, B Lalmuanzuala, J Lalremliana
    Demonstrates the use of organic seaweed extracts to improve growth and yield of black gram, supporting sustainable and organic agricultural practices.

  • A review on lepidopteran studies in Mizoram: Overview, present status, hurdles and prospects, along with a compiled checklist of moths
    Plant Science Today, 2025-08-12. DOI: 10.14719/pst.8997
    Contributors: H Malsawmtluanga, N Chitra, R P Soundararajan, GP Santosh, R Kumaraperumal, V Balasubramani, N Dilipsundar
    Comprehensive review of Lepidoptera research in Mizoram, highlighting challenges, research gaps, and providing a detailed checklist of regional moth species.

  • Alpha diversity with increasing altitude and Rapoport’s rule adherence: Elevational trends in Noctuoidea (Lepidoptera) of Mizoram, India
    Biodiversity Data Journal, 2025-04-25. DOI: 10.3897/BDJ.13.e152977
    Contributors: Malsawmtluanga Hnialum, Chitra Narayanasami, Santosh Patil, Soundararajan Palanisamy, Kumaraperumal Ramalingam, Balasubramani Venkatasamy, Amrit Mallick, Dilipsundar Natarajan, Arulkumar Gopal, Lalmuanzuala B
    Analyzes elevational diversity patterns in Noctuoidea moths, testing Rapoport’s rule, and providing insights into biodiversity distribution in northeastern India.

  • Redescription of Cryptophlebia ombrodelta (Lower, 1898) (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae), an emerging pest of leguminous medicinal plants with new host record from India
    Plant Science Today, 2025-01-15. DOI: 10.14719/pst.5914
    Contributors: A S Mallick, C Narayanasamy, S R Palanisamy, E Thiyagarajan, D Natarajan, M Hnialum, V Manickam
    Provides a redescription and updated host record of a pest species affecting leguminous medicinal plants, highlighting its emerging importance in agriculture.

Strengths for the Best Innovator Award

  1. Innovative Research in Agricultural Entomology
    He has pioneered research combining classical entomology with modern tools such as ecological niche modeling, climate projections (CMIP6), and citizen science to predict pest distributions, enabling proactive and data-driven pest management strategies.

  2. Contribution to Biodiversity and Taxonomy
    His work on the diversity, taxonomy, and elevational trends of moth species in Mizoram has filled critical knowledge gaps in regional Lepidoptera biodiversity, producing checklists, taxonomic notes, and review articles that serve as reference points for future research.

  3. Integration of Sustainable Agricultural Practices
    Through studies like enhancing black gram yield using organic seaweed extracts and evaluating eco-friendly pest management methods, he demonstrates the practical application of research toward sustainable and climate-resilient farming.

  4. Development of Technological Innovations
    He has co-invented an agricultural pollination drone device, showcasing his ability to translate research insights into tangible agricultural technologies that improve productivity and efficiency, reflecting true innovation.

  5. Recognition and Leadership in Scientific Contributions
    His awards, fellowships, and extensive publications in high-impact journals underline his excellence and thought leadership in agricultural sciences. He actively mentors students and collaborates internationally, promoting innovation and knowledge dissemination in the field.

CHANDRIMA CHAKRABORTY, Economics, Best Innovator Award

Dr. Chandrima Chakraborty — Associate Professor (HOD) in Economics at Vidyasagar University, India

Title / Designation: Dr.
Name: Chandrima Chakraborty
Current Role / Designation: Associate Professor in Economics
Organization / Institution Details: Vidyasagar University
Country: India
Subject Track: Economics
Award Categories: Best Innovator Award

Dr. Chandrima Chakraborty is an accomplished Associate Professor in the Department of Economics at Vidyasagar University, West Bengal, where she has been actively engaged in teaching, research, and academic leadership for over twenty years. Her scholarly work spans health economics, crime and gender studies, industrial productivity, agricultural efficiency, and education economics, with a strong interdisciplinary orientation. Known for her rigorous empirical approach and command over advanced econometric techniques, she has contributed significantly to understanding socio-economic inequalities, public health challenges, and efficiency measurement across sectors in India. She has published extensively in reputed international and national journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Science and authored several books with global publishers like Springer and Emerald. Dr. Chakraborty is recognized for her dedication to evidence-based research and her commitment to addressing real-world development issues through academic inquiry and field-based studies.

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Google Scholar Profile

Dr. Chandrima Chakraborty’s research impact is reflected in her growing citation record, with 298 total citations, 147 citations since 2019, an h-index of 8 (7 since 2019), and an i10-index of 8 (4 since 2019). These metrics demonstrate the visibility and influence of her work across multiple research domains, particularly in health economics, gender studies, industrial efficiency, and socio-economic development.

Education

Dr. Chakraborty earned her Ph.D. in Economics from Vidyasagar University in 2000, marking the beginning of a career that merges strong theoretical foundations with practical, policy-relevant research. Her academic training covered multiple domains—health economics, industrial organization, agricultural economics, crime and gender studies, and the economics of education—enabling her to build a versatile and interdisciplinary research portfolio. Her doctoral formation laid the groundwork for her later specialization in efficiency analysis and socio-economic inequality, and her continuous engagement in academic development has allowed her to stay updated with evolving research methodologies and contemporary economic debates.

Research Focus

Her research focuses on critical development challenges in India, including technical efficiency and productivity in agriculture and manufacturing, gender gaps in education and digital access, health disparities across social groups, crime against women, and socio-economic vulnerabilities in marginalized communities. She applies a range of quantitative and econometric tools such as Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA), VAR/VECM models, panel data regression, GMM techniques, and structural break tests to ensure methodological rigor. Her work blends micro-level field data with macro-level policy analysis, enabling her to address real-world issues through evidence-driven insights. Dr. Chakraborty’s research is marked by its policy relevance, social orientation, and capacity to generate practical recommendations for sustainable development.

Experience

Dr. Chakraborty brings over two decades of experience as a faculty member at Vidyasagar University, where she has taught undergraduate, postgraduate, and research-level courses in economics, econometrics, and development studies. She has successfully completed multiple funded research projects under ICSSR, UGC-DRS, and university-incubation programmes, demonstrating her ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex field-based studies. As a resource person, she has delivered invited lectures and specialized training sessions at several universities and academic institutions across India, covering advanced econometric modelling, research methodology, and sectoral development issues. She has presented more than fifty research papers at national and international conferences, reviewed manuscripts for academic journals, contributed to seminar organizations, and mentored numerous students and scholars, thereby enriching the academic ecosystem around her.

Research Timeline & Activities

Throughout her research career, Dr. Chakraborty has undertaken a diverse set of projects addressing agricultural efficiency, industrial technical performance, digital divide in education, public health initiatives like PM Ujjwala Yojana, sanitation and hygiene in urban slums, and socio-economic conditions of artisan communities. Her work reflects a steady progression from sector-specific efficiency studies to broader socio-economic and gender-focused analyses that integrate quantitative modelling with qualitative insight. She continues to engage in policy-oriented research, publish scholarly articles and book chapters, participate in workshops and FDPs, and contribute to collaborative academic initiatives. Her timeline of activities demonstrates consistent scholarly productivity, evolving research depth, and an ongoing commitment to addressing developmental challenges through sustained academic engagement.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Chakraborty has been awarded several prestigious research grants and project opportunities, including ICSSR major and minor grants, an ICSSR–IMPRESS project, UGC-SAP (DRS) research support, and funding from the A.K. Dasgupta Centre for Development Studies at Visva Bharati University. She has been repeatedly invited as a resource person for FDPs, workshops, and academic training programmes, acknowledging her expertise in econometric research methods and development studies. Her selection for competitive projects and recurring invitations to deliver lectures reflect the academic community’s recognition of her contributions, scholarly credibility, and professional excellence.

Top Noted Publication

Among her many significant works, one of her most distinguished publications is the book Performance Analysis of Indian Pharmaceutical Industry: A Global Outlook (Emerald, 2025), which offers a comprehensive measurement of efficiency, competitiveness, and growth trends in the Indian pharmaceutical sector and is widely acknowledged for its analytical depth. Alongside this, her highly cited articles on maternal health inequality, industrial productivity, violence against women, and agricultural efficiency in West Bengal appear in reputed journals such as Discover Public Health, Journal of Asian and African Studies, Economic Affairs, Thailand and the World Economy, and Scopus-indexed international journals, reinforcing her academic visibility and impact.

Top Noted Publications

  1. The Vindhyan basin: an overview in the light of current perspectives

    • Authors: C. Chakraborty, A. Bhattacharyya

    • Journal: Memoirs-Geological Society of India, 301-312

    • Year: 1996

    • Citations: 45

  2. Crime against women in India: A state level analysis

    • Authors: C. Chakraborty, A. Afreen, D. Pal

    • Journal: Journal of International Women’s Studies, 22(5), 1-18

    • Year: 2021

    • Citations: 25

  3. Sedimentary records of erg development over a braidplain: Proterozoic Dhandraul Sandstone, Vindhyan Supergroup, Son valley

    • Author: C. Chakraborty

    • Journal: Memoirs-Geological Society of India, 77-100

    • Year: 1996

    • Citations: 25

  4. Supervised machine learning models for prediction of COVID-19 infection using epidemiology dataset

    • Authors: L.J. Muhammad, E.A. Algehyne, S.S. Usman, A. Ahmad, C. Chakraborty, …

    • Journal: SN Computer Science, 2:11

    • Year: 2021

    • Citations: 18

  5. Total factor productivity growth in pharmaceutical industry: A look using modern time series approach with Indian data

    • Authors: A. Ghose, C. Chakraborty

    • Journal: The Journal of Industrial Statistics, 1(2), 250-268

    • Year: 2012

    • Citations: 17

Strengths for Best Innovator Award

  1. Interdisciplinary Research Excellence
    Dr. Chakraborty has demonstrated a remarkable ability to integrate multiple fields of economics—health, education, industrial, agricultural, and gender studies—into a cohesive research portfolio. Her work bridges theory, data, and policy, fostering innovation in addressing complex socio-economic challenges.

  2. Methodological Innovation
    She employs advanced quantitative techniques such as Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA), panel data regression, GMM models, and machine learning for applied economic research. Her innovative application of these tools in real-world contexts highlights her contribution to methodological advancements in economics.

  3. Policy-Relevant Impact
    Her research addresses pressing societal issues such as crime against women, public health inequalities, and industrial productivity. By providing evidence-based insights and actionable recommendations, her work directly influences policy formulation, reflecting practical innovation with measurable societal benefits.

  4. Scholarly Productivity and Recognition
    With 298 citations, multiple publications in high-impact journals, and internationally recognized books, Dr. Chakraborty consistently produces work that is both academically rigorous and widely influential. Her contributions demonstrate leadership in generating original ideas and advancing knowledge in economics.

  5. Mentorship and Capacity Building
    Beyond research, she has actively mentored students, led funded projects, conducted workshops and FDPs, and guided multidisciplinary teams. Her dedication to building research capacity and promoting knowledge transfer underscores her role as an innovator in academic leadership and professional development.

ARITRA MAJUMDER, Engineering, Best Innovator Award

Mr. Aritra Majumder: Research Scholar & Senior Research Fellow at Department of Civil Engineering, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India

Title / Designation: Mr

Name: Aritra Majumder

Current Role / Designation: Research Scholar, Senior Research Fellow

Organization / Institution: Jadavpur University

Country: India

Subject Track: Engineering

Award Categories: Best Innovator Award

Entry ID: 11349

Aritra Majumder is an outgoing Ph.D. scholar in Civil Engineering at Jadavpur University, India, and a Senior Research Fellow under the AICTE Doctoral Fellowship. Specializing in Structural Engineering, he has extensive experience in life cycle assessment, sustainability studies, vernacular architecture documentation, vulnerability evaluation, structural analysis, and material characterization. His work integrates socio-economic, climatic, and environmental factors to promote sustainable, resilient, and cost-effective building solutions. Over the years, he has published in reputed peer-reviewed journals, presented at international and national conferences, and contributed to teaching and mentoring undergraduate and postgraduate students, fostering the next generation of civil engineers.

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  • Total Citations (Since 2020): 2

  • h-index: 1

Education

Aritra is completing his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Jadavpur University, focusing on assessing climate compatibility and sustainability of vernacular architecture across diverse physiographic regions of West Bengal. His M.E. in Structural Engineering from the same university explored innovative environmental solutions, including the incorporation of cigarette butts in concrete to reduce waste and environmental impact. He earned his B.E. in Civil Engineering, building a strong foundation in structural analysis, material properties, and construction practices. His academic journey reflects a consistent focus on combining theoretical knowledge with practical, environmentally sustainable applications in the built environment.

Research Focus

His research primarily revolves around sustainable construction practices, life cycle assessment (LCA), and comparative studies between vernacular and low-cost conventional buildings. He emphasizes evaluating environmental, structural, and socio-economic dimensions of rural housing, including material sustainability, energy efficiency, climate responsiveness, and resilience against environmental stressors. By integrating structural design, material testing, field-based surveys, and computational modeling, he aims to provide holistic recommendations for climate-adaptive, cost-effective, and sustainable housing solutions that align with local traditions and modern sustainability standards.

Experience

Aritra has served as a Senior Research Fellow (2024–Present) and Junior Research Fellow (2022–2024) under the AICTE Doctoral Fellowship, leading research on sustainability and life cycle assessment of rural housing models, soil and vulnerability investigations, and field documentation of vernacular architecture. He has actively compared low-cost conventional housing with traditional structures, providing insights into energy efficiency, material usage, and socio-economic viability. Additionally, he has been a Teaching Assistant since 2020, conducting tutorials, laboratory guidance, and academic mentoring, helping students develop technical proficiency and research skills in civil engineering.

Research Timeline & Activities

From 2022 to 2024, Aritra concentrated on field-based surveys and life cycle assessments of rural housing systems in different physiographic regions of West Bengal, along with comparative analyses of vernacular and conventional building methods. Since 2024, his work has expanded to include climate and vulnerability studies in plateau and hilly regions, soil investigations, and sustainability assessment of low-cost housing under the PMAY initiative. He has actively participated in national and international conferences, published peer-reviewed papers, and contributed to book chapters, reflecting a continuous commitment to applied research, environmental sustainability, and rural development.

Awards & Honors

He is the recipient of the AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF), Government of India, one of the most prestigious awards for doctoral research in engineering. This fellowship recognizes his innovative contributions to sustainability research, his academic excellence, and potential for high-impact work in the field of civil engineering.

Top Noted Publication

Majumder, A., Debsarkar, A., & Roy, K.D. (2025). Life Cycle Assessment of Vernacular Architecture and Low-Cost Conventional Building in Coastal Region, West Bengal: A Comparative Study. Journal of Housing and the Built Environment. (In press)
This study presents a comprehensive comparative evaluation of vernacular and conventional housing systems, using life cycle assessment to quantify environmental impacts, energy consumption, and sustainability benefits, offering actionable insights for rural development and climate-adaptive housing design.

  • Assessment of multi-dimensional sustainability of vernacular architecture from global perspective: A critical review over the period (2000–2023)
    A. Majumder, A. Debsarkar
    Research Journal of Chemistry and Environment, 28(6), 101–122 (2024)
    Cited by: 2

  • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a Low-Cost Conventional Building in Rishra, West Bengal
    A. Majumder, R. Das, A. Debsarkar, K.D. Roy
    Sustainable Advanced Technologies for Environmental Management: Proceedings (2024)

  • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a Low-Cost Conventional Building in Rishra, West Bengal: A Case Study
    A. Majumder, R. Das, A. Debsarkar, K.D. Roy
    International Conference on Sustainable Advanced Technologies for Environmental Management (SATEM), 2023

strong candidate for the Best Innovator Award, based on your profile:

1. Expertise in Sustainable and Climate-Adaptive Solutions

Aritra’s research focuses on life cycle assessment (LCA), sustainability studies, and climate-responsive design of both vernacular and low-cost conventional buildings. His work addresses pressing environmental challenges by promoting energy-efficient, resilient, and eco-friendly housing solutions, demonstrating innovation in sustainable construction practices.

2. Pioneering Research in Vernacular Architecture

He has conducted extensive field-based documentation and analysis of vernacular architecture across diverse physiographic regions of West Bengal. By integrating structural, bio-climatic, and socio-economic perspectives, he provides actionable insights for preserving traditional knowledge while adapting it to modern sustainable development goals.

3. Applied Innovation in Materials and Construction Techniques

From his M.E. research on incorporating cigarette butts in concrete to his Ph.D. work on low-cost housing, Aritra demonstrates innovative thinking in material usage and construction methods that reduce environmental impact while maintaining structural integrity, highlighting a commitment to practical, scalable solutions.

4. Strong Research and Analytical Skills

He has published in reputed peer-reviewed journals, presented at international conferences, and contributed to book chapters, showing excellence in scientific writing, critical analysis, and applied research. His work uses quantitative tools such as LCA software (OneClick LCA, SimaPro) to generate rigorous, data-driven solutions for sustainable housing.

5. Leadership and Mentorship

As a Senior Research Fellow and Teaching Assistant, Aritra has led research projects, guided field studies, and mentored students in civil engineering. His ability to combine research innovation with leadership and academic mentorship demonstrates the broader impact of his work, fostering knowledge sharing and practical implementation.