Category: EDUCATION

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.

PULWAMA: On the Directions of Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Baseer-Ul-Haq Choudhary, the National Service Scheme (NSS) unit of GDC Pampore today organized an awareness programme and rally against Drug Abuse and Drug Addiction in Pampore Block of the district.

The campaign was organised with an aim to enlighten the youth about the devastating impact of drug abuse which remains a pressing issue in the Kashmir valley.

Around 100 NSS volunteers participated enthusiastically in the rally. The rally started from the college campus and culminated near Chungi, Tulbagh Pampore. Thereafter, volunteers returned back following the same route.

The aim of the rally was to spread awareness among the common people about the harmful effects of drugs and most importantly to bring awareness among the parents to have a close vigil on their children so that they do not fall prey to any untoward situation with regard to drug addiction.

Holding placards and banners, NSS volunteers of the college marched towards main market from the college and raised awareness among people about ill effects of drugs.They also sensitized the common citizens and shopkeepers about ill effects of tobacco, drug, alcohol and smoking.

 In the said drive and rally, many informative pamphlets regarding the ill effects of Drugs were distributed among the locality members, particularly the teenagers of Tulbagh Pampore.

The programme was coordinated by Prof Alam Ara Shah and Aaliya Bashir, who appreciated the efforts of volunteers in organizing the rally successfully.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Alam Ara Shah said that by conducting the rally, they want people, especially youngsters, to realise the potential threats of drug abuse and the subsequent damage it causes to one’s health.

“Eradicating the practice of drug abuse through a single rally or campaign is not possible. But all we can do is initiate this cause. The youth must spot the difference between good and bad. Through this rally, one is trying to tell you the difference. Ultimately, it is the choice of an individual but this is the least we can do as responsible citizens who care about the next generation,” Prof Alam Ara added.

The campaign got a huge response from the crowd and people participated further in spreading the message about the disadvantages of drug use and abuse.

“It’s a great idea to organise a car rally to raise awareness regarding drug abuse. I have participated in it as a responsible citizen and I would like to thank the organisers for highlighting such an important issue today,” one voluenteer participant said.

Deputy Commissioner Pulwama congratulated the GDC Pampore, Coordinators and volunteers for organizing the much-needed campaign. He said, the District Administration has always taken initiatives to assist families, health professionals, schools and other community workers to identify victims of drug abuse and aid in reducing or eliminating risk factors through various prevention and treatment programmes.

JAMMU: To create awareness among Students and Faculty, an Awareness Workshop on the theme- Gender based Violence and it’s Preventive Measures, was organised by NSS Unit-1 and  Department of Social Work in collaboration with Special Cell for Women Gandhi Nagar Jammu and supported by National Commission for Women, Govt. of India.

 Around 45 students and 5 faculty members participated in the workshop. The resource persons for the workshop were trained Social Workers-  Diksha  Kumari and Kajal Dalpathia. They talked about the different challenges faced by the Women in their daily  lives and emphasized about the various preventive measures for the issues related with Gender based violence.

Prof. Minu Mahajan, Principal, PSPS Govt. College for Women Gandhi Nagar was the Chief Guest. In her address, she advised the students and volunteers to perform their duties while having the proper knowledge of their rights.

Prof. Mala Bhasin, NSS Programme Officer Unit-1 welcomed the august gathering and apprised about the aim of the workshop.  The vote of thanks was presented by Prof. Sunita, Head of Department of Social Work. The programme was well coordinated by Prof. Sugandha Mahajan.

SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 28: SP College, Srinagar gave a warm send-off to two senior faulty members of the college Prof. Mushtaq Ahmad Zargar, Head Department of Statistics and Professor Mohammad Ashraf Wani Department of Chemistry and Coordinator Examination Committee, who attained their superannuation today on 28th February 2023.

The Principal of the college Professor (Dr.) Khurshid Ahmad Khan, Dr. Wilayat Rizvi Principal GDC Bandipora, Prof. Bashir Ahmad Mir Head Department of Chemistry, Prof. Manzoor Ahmad Wani Head Department of Botany, Prof. Shuja Hussain Hakim Head Department of Electronics, Prof. Shahid Ahmad Wani Head Department of Environmental Science and Secretary Staff Council, SP College, Srinagar were present at the farewell event.

College Non-Teaching President, Syeed Imran, Mr. Rafiq Ahmad Charagi and other senior Officials as well as the non-teaching staff of the college also attended the farewell meeting held at College Auditorium.

On this occasion, The Principal of the College, Professor (Dr.) Khurshid Ahmad Khan congratulated them on the successful completion of their active services. He also highlighted their zeal and dedication towards their work.

He added that their punctuality and commitment towards the institution will continue to inspire them and wished retirees a very happy and fulfilling post-retirement life.

At the end of the function, Prof. Shahid Ahmad Wani Secretary Staff Council SP. College, Srinagar extended the vote of thanks on behalf of Staff Council to all the staff members and guests who attended the function.