Category: EDUCATION

CUK’s health centre holds eye check-up camp

Ganderbal, Mar 29: Under the G-20 University Connect, Health Centre of the Central University of Kashmir (CUK) in association with the ASG eye hospital Srinagar, organised a free eye check-up camp for the students and staff of the varsity at Tulmulla campus on Wednesday.

As many as 150 people including the students, staff and the locals availed the services in the camp. They were assessed, advised and counselled by the experts regarding different eye ailments,” said an employee of the Centre, adding the aim of the medical camps like these is to provide basic quality health services to students and staff. On the spot auto-refraction and vision tests of the participants were also conducted.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Farooq Ahmad Shah and Registrar, Prof. M Afzal Zargar, congratulated the health centre team for holding the camp.

Medical Officers Dr. Sheeba Nazir and Dr.Abid Ahmad Sofi along with paramedics, Javaid Ali khan ,Asmat Majeed, Suhail Ahmad Rather, Dr. Samia  and Jahangeera Parvaiz were also present.

KATHUA, MARCH 28: IIIM- Technology Business Incubator (BioNEST Incubator), CSIR-IIIM, Jammu organised an awareness session for students of Government Degree College Kathua on science and technology-based entrepreneurship and manpower training programmes today. The programme aimed to provide an overview of starting and running a technology-based enterprise and acquiring advanced industrial or technical skills. It was organised in collaboration with the Career Counselling and Placement Cell of the college, Institutional Innovation and Incubation Centre and Department of Biotechnology, GDC Kathua.

The programme was inaugurated by the Principal GDC Kathua, Prof Seema Mir. The guests included Er. Ankush Verma from Jammu and Dr Payal Gandotra from IIIM, Jammu. 

In his welcome address, Convener of the Career Counselling and Placement Cell, Prof Rakesh Singh emphasised the need to identify one’s strengths and weaknesses and pursue a career that aligns with their interests and abilities. Prof Singh also spoke about the role of technology business incubators in promoting entrepreneurship and job creation.

In her deliberations, Prof Seema Mir emphasised the importance of entrepreneurship and urged students to be proactive in developing their skills and knowledge in science and technology-based entrepreneurship. She highlighted the importance of turning innovative ideas into successful businesses and encouraged students to take advantage of the resources and opportunities provided by the Incubator and the college.

During the programme, CEO/Coordinator of IIIM-TBI Jammu, Er. Ankush Varma delivered a presentation on IIIM-TBI (BioNEST Incubator) and its role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. He provided details on the various incubation programmes offered by IIIM-TBI, including pre-incubation, incubation and post-incubation programmes. 

Dr Payal Gandotra gave a presentation on entrepreneurship and the opportunities available to budding entrepreneurs. She encouraged students to think creatively and be on the lookout for new ideas. Dr Gandotra discussed the various grants and funding options available for incubating business ideas and highlighted the role of IIIM-TBI (BioNest Incubator) in providing assistance and resources to entrepreneurs.

Convener of the Institutional Innovation and Incubation Centre, Dr Suraya Partap Singh expressed his gratitude to all dignitaries, guests and students for attending the programme. Dr Singh highlighted the importance of promoting entrepreneurship and innovation among students, especially in science and technology. He mentioned the role of the Institutional Innovation and Incubation Centre in providing a platform for students to turn their innovative ideas into reality.

In his vote of thanks, Prof Kaurab Singh expressed his gratitude to the chief guest, members of IIIM Jammu, senior faculty members and students for attending the programme. He thanked IIIM-TBI for organising the event and for their commitment to promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. 

SAMBA, MARCH 25: Government Degree College Ramgarh and the Indian Science Congress Association organized a national conference on “Science and Technology in Sustainable Development with Women Empowerment” to celebrate India’s G20 Presidency. The conference focused on the importance of sustainable development and women’s empowerment, and the role of science and technology in achieving these goals.

The speakers discussed the significance of women’s participation in all areas of modern society, the role of National Education Policy 2020 in promoting women’s development, and the issue of crime against women and the role of the police in addressing it.

The conference was attended by over 60 participants from various institutions, and it provided a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences on the use of science and technology to promote sustainable development and women’s empowerment. Additionally, the conference also recognized the contributions of women to entrepreneurship and employability.

G-20 University Connect

Ganderbal, Mar 21: Department of Politics and Governance, Central University of Kashmir (CUK) in collaboration with Mool Sustainability Research and Training Center organized a one-day workshop on Green Environment, Climate Change and Sustainability under auspices of G-20 University Connect at Sagg-eco Campus here Tuesday.
Speaking on the occasion, Assistant Prof. Dr Khalid Wasim Hassan introduced the students with the relevance of G-20 Presidency of India and the importance of ‘Green Environment and Sustainability’ for the region of South Asia. He emphasized the role that academia, particularly students, have to play towards adapting the environment, friendly livelihoods, profession and sensitizing the society about the impact of climate change in the region. He also introduced the students to the working and functioning of MOOL.
In the beginning, the students were taken for the short tour of sagg-eco campus where Dr Shaheena and Ms Lubna (senior members of MOOL) briefed them about the eco-friendly natural farming techniques and traditional techniques used in construction of the Sagg campus.
In the second session, founder MOOL, Mr. Fayaz Ahmad Dar gave a presentation about the idea behind the concept of Green environment and sustainable development in the context of Kashmir. He educated the students about the idea of sustainable living and how it is necessary in current times. He emphasized that youth can take important steps to sensitize larger society with the idea of aligning with nature. Mr. Fayaz threw light on the concept of Ecological Entrepreneurship and how it can help in minimizing the problem of unemployment. Later the students interacted with the employees of the Mool.

Dy. Director Information, Bilal Mukhtar presides over as chief guest; Singer Mehmeet Syed was guest of honour

SRINAGAR, MARCH 18: The Department of Music, Government Degree College (GDC) for Women, Nawakadal in collaboration with the Cultural Activities Committee today organized an Inter-College Qawali Competition.

The event was presided over by Deputy Director Information (PR) Kashmir, Bilal Mukhtar who was also chief guest on the occasion and renowned singer, Mehmeet Syed was guest of honour.

Among others, Principal of the college, Prof. (Dr) Neelofar Bhat; and faculty members were present on the occasion, besides the students also participated in the event.

At the outset, Principal GDC Nawakadal felicitated chief guest and guest of honour with mementos and flower bouquets.

The programme started with College Tarana sung by a group of students while the entire programme was hosted by Prof.  Mehvish Syed.

Renowned Singer & Composer  Raja Bilal; Assistant Professor, GDC Eidgah, Dr Shah Faisal and Vocalist Muneer Ahmad Mir were the Judges on the occasion and were also felicitated by chief guest and Principal GDC Nawakadal.

The students of Islamia College of Science and Commerce, Government Degree College Pampore, Government Degree College Nawakadal, Government Degree College Sumbal, Government Degree College Baramulla presented their performances and  mesmerized the audience with their qawalies and aroused spiritual feelings.

Meanwhile, Raja Bilal, Mehmet Syed and Muneer Ahmad Mir also enthralled the audience by melodious ghazals and songs.

The soulful performances were pearled with Kashmiri songs and Rouf.

In the competition, GDC Nawakadal won first position while Islamia College secured second position and GDC Sumbal got third position. They were awarded trophies and appreciation certificates.

Earlier, Dr Asmat Ara presented a welcome address in which she welcomed guests, participants, faculty members and students, while at the conclusion of the programme Dr Sabina Ahad presented Vote of thanks.

SRINAGAR: As per directive of Higher Education Department a one-day orientation cum training workshop on Common University Entrance Test, CUET-UG 2023 was organised on 16^th March, 2023 at Islamia College of Science and Commerce, Srinagar for Admission Coordinators of Degree Colleges of Kashmir Division.

            Shri Alok Kumar, (IRS) Principal Secretary to Government, Higher Education Department (Chief Patron of the Workshop) desired that the Colleges should reach out to prospective admission seekers in a big way and for the same there should be capacity building of admission co-ordinators of all colleges regarding CUET 2023 in terms of process and procedure.

The worthy Principal Secretary had mandated the said workshop to sensitize the Admission Coordinators of Degree Colleges of Kashmir Division about CUET-UG (2023) so as to bridge the gap of lack of awareness among 10+2 prospective admission aspirants about the Common University Entrance Test-CUET-UG (2023). He had expressed the view that the coordinators so sensitised will percolate the awareness among the 10 +2   prospective admission seeker aspirants at their respective college and areas.

The workshop commenced by a formal welcome address by Prof. Nayar Rizwana, Dean Humanities.

            Prof. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Principal of the College (Co- Patron of the workshop), While inaugurating the workshop gave a detailed presentation titled CUET-UG: A Way Forward. He informed the participants that CUET-UG is a big leap for College admission process in the UT of J&K as it will streamline the admission by way of bringing meritorious students to the programmes of their choice and ensuring a timeline for admission process.  He emphasised that the admissions through CUET-2023 in Colleges will bring more sheen to College education in UT of J&K.

In technical sessions, Prof. Qayoom Ahmad, Head, Department of Computer Application took participants to detailed process that CUET-UG (2023) involved, while as Dr. Mohd Tanveer Khan, Head, IT&SS, intimated them about CUET Domain Mapping with some Case Studies.

Prof.(Dr.) Yasmeen Ashai, Director Colleges, Higher Education Department (Patron of the workshop), who joined the workshop in the afternoon session commended the College for holding such workshop saying it was badly needed as there is dire need of creating awareness among 10+2 prospective admission aspirants as they lack awareness and have some confusions about CUET-UG (2023). She exhorted the participant admission co-ordinators to share the take ways from today’s workshop and help the prospective admission seekers about CUET-UG (2023). Worthy Director Colleges emphasised the need for bringing excellence in College education and desired that the CUET-2023 awareness should be taken in right earnest by all participants.

Dr. Sadhna Parashar, Senior Director (Exam.) National Testing Agency (NTA) (Special Guest) joined the workshop online and held an interactive session with participant admission coordinators wherein she answered a number of inquisitive queries of the participants and clarified their various doubts about CUET-UG (2023). In her message to participants, she informed that CUET-UG (2023) is a single exit exam as has been envisaged in NEP 2020 and give an opportunity to a student to choose a college/ University of their choice. The participant certificates were   distributed by the worthy Director among participants at the end of the workshop.

The proceedings of the workshop were conducted by Prof.Uheedah Shah faculty of English Department. The workshop ended with a vote of thanks by Prof. Abdul Majid, Staff secretary of the college.

SRINAGAR, MARCH 17: A two day International Conference on ‘Advances in Computer Sciences & Technology’ began here today at Government College for Women, M.A. Road, Srinagar, with academicians and subject experts deliberating on recent trends in the field.

Vice Chancellor, Cluster University Srinagar, Professor Qayyum Husain was the chief guest on the inaugural ceremony while Nodal Principal Kashmir, Professor Khurshid Ahmad Khan was the guest of honour.

In his presidential address, Vice Chancellor said that computers and the allied technologies have revolutionized every sphere of today’s life. “The discipline of computer science itself has undergone a lot of changes over the years, which makes this conference all the more important. Artificial Intelligence (AI), for instance, has emerged as a very exciting and important field, opening up plethora of possibilities for the future.”

“Keeping the developments in the field of Computer Sciences and other disciplines, Cluster University Srinagar proposed to introduce several new courses in the varsity’s second Academic Council meeting including Masters/Honors programmes in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science; Honors programme in Graphic Designing & Visualization; Diploma programmes in Digital Marketing, Block Chain Management, Cloud Computing and Cyber Security,” Professor Qayyum added.

“These courses not only meet the industry requirements and technological advances made in the respective fields, but are also in line with the implementation of National Education Policy (NEP-2020).

At the same time, we have to be aware of apprehensions and ethical dilemmas related to AI,” he added.

The lead talk of the conference was delivered by Marc Canter, CEO Instigate.ai and Co-Founder Macro-Media, USA. He shared an interesting case study on decentralized computing with professionals from different backgrounds coming together to offer international services with the concept of viral marketing. He cited the examples of ‘SauceNet’ and ‘Instigate.ai’.

In her welcome address, Principal of the host college, Professor Ruhi Jan Kanth said, “With technology touching every aspect of our lives, unprecedented opportunities for human progress and development are unfolding. Computer Science and allied fields are key enablers of the growth and prosperity around the world. With this conference, we aim to develop a better understanding of the changes happening in the world of information technology with innovation and creativity spearheading this evolution.”

The Plenary Talk was delivered by Professor and former Head, Department of Computer Sciences, BHU, Promod Kumar Mishra. He spoke extensively about the underlying concepts of Metaverse and Machine Learning. He also cited an example of India’s first metaverse wedding reception.

In his keynote address, Professor Akshay Agarwal of IISER Bhopal highlighted the new possibilities offered by Artificial Intelligence. He gave an interesting presentation on the power of AI and the future implications of the same. 

Organizing Secretary of the conference, Dr. Sameer Kaul, spoke about the relevance of the conference and introduced the theme and sub-themes spread across the technical sessions of the two-day event.

On the occasion, newsletter of the host institution ‘College Times’ was also released. Three books authored by the faculty members of the host college- Prof. Sheba Drabu, Professor Sania Shakeel and Dr. Riffat Aman- were also released on the occasion.

The inaugural session was also attended by Dean Academic Affairs, Cluster University Srinagar, Prof. Mushtaq Ahmad Lone and Registrar, Prof. Khurshid Mir.

The first technical session was based on the theme of ‘Machine Learning & Neural Networks’ with Dr. A.H. Moon, Dean Research, IUST, as Chairperson. He also delivered the Lead Talk for the session. The second technical session of the day was based on ‘AI & machine Learning’ with Dr. Majid Zaman, Controller Examinations, University of Kashmir, as the Chairperson and Lead Speaker. Dr. Abina Habib moderated the proceedings of the inaugural session while Dr. Suhail Ahmad was the rapporteur. Dr. Bilal Maqbool Beigh presented vote of thanks.

Srinagar: The Department of Kashmiri University of Kashmir on Tuesday organised a special function to mark the International Mother Language Day, celebrated annually across the world to promote multilingual education based on mother-tongue.

In his presidential address, eminent Kashmiri writer and scholar, Prof Shafi Shauq highlighted the history and significance of International Mother Language Day. He said multilingual education based on mother-tongue could facilitate access to inclusion in learning for people speaking “non-dominant and indigenous languages.”

Prof Adil Amin Kak, Dean, School of Arts, Languages and Literatures highlighted the need to promote Kashmiri language saying “a threat of extinction is looming over it in this globalised world”.

In her welcome address, Head, Department of Kashmiri Prof Mehfooza Jan emphasised the need to promote Kashmiri language and literature by making it available to a global audience through the medium of translation.

Prof. Majrooh Rashid, former Head, Department of Kashmiri, presented an optimistic vision about the survival of Kashmiri language, remarking that “it survived even the turbulent times”.

Dr Shafqat Altaf, senior faculty at the department of Kashmiri underscored the need to promote linguistic diversity and multilingualism across the nations.

Two research scholars Oawais Gulzar and Imtiyaz Ahmad presented thought-provoking articles on the significance of mother-tongue.

Dr Ashraf Ziya conducted proceedings of the function and presented a vote of thanks.

JAMMU: An induction cum orientation program for B.Ed Fresh Batch of students was organized by Dean Student Welfare, Prof Anju Bala.

In this program, the new students were apprised of complete information about two year B.Ed.  program, curriculum and all the aspects of training like Internships, Teaching Practice and Field Visits.

Faculty members of the college informed the students about various departments, committees and cells meant for the welfare and overall development of the students.

Principal, Prof Aekta Gupta conducted an interactive session of students in which the students were given suggestions for developing communication skills. During the interaction she encouraged the students to develop global competence through actively participating in academic and co-curricular activities. The induction cum Orientation program was followed by a Symposium on the theme “Cultural Practices for Sustainable Environment”.

The programme was organized by IQAC, WDC, Nature Club, Literary Club and G-20 Club of GCOE Jammu in collaboration with the Department of Information and Public Relations.

As many as 10 students participated in the symposium competition. The competition was adjudged by Dr. Maansi Sharma, Prof. Sunita Devi and Dr. Shalini Sharma. The program was coordinated by Prof. Rubina Yasmeen and Prof. Shalini Rana.

Certificates and prizes were given to the students. First prize was bagged by Richa Sharma, 2nd by Mansi Bandral and 3rd by Ritu Choudhary.

The symposium was followed by Cultural performances by Suresh, Mohinder, Kamal Kishore, Rajid and Balbir from the Department of Information and Public Relations.

The Faculty members who attended the program included Prof. Anju Bala, Prof. Satish Sharma, Prof. Anuradha Choudhary, Prof Anuradha Seth, Prof Shamboo Nath, Dr. Shubhra Jamwal, Prof. Neeraj Verma, Prof. Seema Kumari and Dr Deep K Bangotra.

The program was also attended by Pradeep Bali, along with non- teaching staff. The program was organized and coordinated by student volunteers, Shallu Khajuria, Komal Sharma, Richa Sharma, Pooja and Arushi.

The cultural programme was organised under the overall supervision of Cultural Officer, Parul Khajuria. The event concluded with the vote of thanks by Dr. Shalini Sharma, Convenor (Nature Club).

SRINAGAR: An awareness programme on Drug Abuse was today organized by Abdul Ahad Azad Memorial Degree College (AAAMDC) Bemina, Srinagar in collaboration with Srinagar Police, West Zone Srinagar within the college campus, here.

In his address, the Principal of the host College, Prof. (Dr.) Nazir Ahmad Simnani said that drug addiction is a menace and we have to fight against it from every corner.

Sharing the vision of the programme “Nasha Mukt Bharat”, the Principal stressed the need of collaboration on part of various government, non-government, academic and executive organizations to fight this menace. He also stressed the student community to say “Yes to Life and No to Drugs”.

SP West Zone Srinagar, Arif Amin Shah also shared his observations regarding drug abuse. He mentioned that drug addiction is a reality and we need to show concern at all levels against this problem in society.

Besides this, he also mentioned the figures of drug peddlers arrested under PSA in the recent past.

Dr. Muzaffar, Director, Youth Development and Rehabilitation Centre, focused on the pattern of drug addiction, and youth as the main target of those who earn profit out of it.

Ashraf Sultan, Mental Health Counsellor shared his views regarding various stages in the life of drug addict with some preventive measures relevant to the different stages.

A debate was also facilitated in which students from various colleges participated and discussed various dimensions of drug abuse and addiction.

Meanwhile, the host college also presented cultural activities at regular intervals to spread awareness about and against drug abuse. Three positions with cash prizes and certificates to all other participants were also distributed amongst the students.