Category: EDUCATION

Also inaugurates canteen new canteen block

SRINAGAR, JULY 15: Principal Secretary Education , Alok Kumar today visited Amar Singh College and took stock of functioning of the college.

The Principal Secretary during his visit also inaugurated new canteen block of college in presence of Special Secretary, Higher Education Department, Dr. Ravi Shankar Sharma; Principal Amar Singh College, Dr. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir; Vice Chairman Gandhi Global Family, Padma, S.P.Verma and staff members of college. The new canteen block has been constructed at the cost of Rs. 1.25 Cr and is equipped with the latest facilities for the staff and students with special provisions for specially abled persons.

The Principal Secretary also held detailed interaction with the heads of various departments of the college and invited their deliberations suggestions on the various aspects of academic and administrative affairs leading to the overall development of the higher education department. He impressed upon the faculty to connect strongly with students for better outcomes.

Principal Secretary, during the visit, also inaugurated programme on Gandhian Ideology and Philosophy organised by an NGO, Gandhi Global Family and interacted with the members of the NGO across Kashmir Division.

Speaking after inaugurating the program, Alok Kumar impressed upon the practical implications of Gandhian Ideology and Philosophy of peace and tranquillity through the powerful weapon of non violence and gave a patient hearing to the suggestions put forth by the members of Gandhi Global Family.

Principal Amar Singh College in his address, highlighted the significance of Gandhian Philosophy of peace and love in the contemporary world.

Jammu University to launch innovative program ‘Design Your Degree’

SRINAGAR, JULY 12: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha chaired the meeting of J&K Higher Education Council at Raj Bhawan, today.

The meeting deliberated on a range of themes like multidisciplinary education, ecosystem for research and innovation, Indian philosophy and languages, and project based learning mode, combined with needs and challenges of society.

Prof. Dinesh Singh, Vice Chairman, J&K Higher Education Council; Prof. Umesh Rai, VC, University of Jammu; Prof. Nilofer Khan, VC Kashmir University; Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, VC, IUST; Prof. Bechan Lal, VC Cluster University Jammu; Sh Pragati Kumar, VC SMVDU; Prof. Akbar Masood, VC BGSBU; Prof. Qayyum Husain, VC Cluster University Srinagar and other members of the J&K Higher Education Council attended the meeting and also shared their valuable suggestions on ‘Design Your Degree’ an innovative program to be launched by the University of Jammu.

The Lt Governor said, ‘Design Your Degree’ is one of the cornerstones of the National Education Policy-2020. It will promote applicative learning, skill enhancement aligned with needs of 21st Century and provide unique opportunity to students to shape their curriculum, he added.

Sharing the ongoing transformational journey of education sector in J&K UT, the Lt Governor said the rapid advancements in education and other sectors and the evolving needs and aspirations of the society requires contribution of learning in classrooms to changes and new solutions.

“Journey of our Amrit Kaal will not be about only degree but also about skills and values. No classroom can afford to teach subjects that are irrelevant in today’s context,” the Lt Governor said.

He emphasized on identifying new sectors of employment and increasing interaction with leading academicians. Research should reflect the reality of accelerated transformation, he added.

“5Cs- Critical evaluation is must for future strategy. Critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, curiosity will build equitable and vibrant knowledge society”, the Lt Governor observed.

The Lt Governor impressed on the Universities to carry out critical evaluation and identify the strength and weakness. This will help to formulate suitable strategy to achieve future goals, he added.

Multi-disciplinary projects need to be promoted to create vibrant environment for the youth that will engage them on Global, Economic, Social, Cultural and Technical Issues and guide them according to the changes taking place across the globe, he said.

The Lt Governor said that there are still many walls that separate the academic world and the real world. Until and unless we bring down those walls, until the academic world and the real world are seen as one and the same, our task will be incomplete, he added.

He advised the Higher Education Council to explore various ways that can prove to be dividends for the higher education ecosystem of J&K UT.

He further advised on strengthening the alumni network; facilitating student and faculty exchange programmes and improving rankings of the Universities and other Higher Educational Institutions.

We should study successful models of other universities like Delhi University for reforms in examination, the Lt Governor said.

Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu presented a detailed overview of the ‘Design Your Degree’ Undergraduate program.

Sh Alok Kumar, Principal Secretary, Higher Education highlighted the significant measures taken for reforms in education sector in the UT.

Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor; Prof Kavi Arya from IIT Bombay; Ms Shobha Bagai, Director, Cluster Innovation Centre Delhi University; Dr Ravi Shankar, Special Secretary, Higher Education; Dr Yasmeen Ashai, Director Colleges J&K and Prof Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Principal Amar Singh College also attended the meeting.

Thank Chief Secretary, Vice-Chancellor, Secretary HED for fulfilling long-pending demand

Srinagar, July 6: The teaching fraternity of the University of Kashmir on Thursday welcomed the UT administration’s historic decision to enhance the retirement age of University professors to 65 years as per the UGC guidelines.
In a statement, the faculty members across University’s main and satellite campuses expressed their deep gratitude to the Honourable LG (Honorable Chancellor, University of Kashmir), Shri Manoj Sinha, for taking the historic decision of increasing the retirement age and thus fulfilling the long-pending demand of the University professors.
The faculty members said the UT administration’s landmark decision will go a long way in further boosting the academic progression of the University and addressing the faculty shortage in the University to secure the academic interest of the student community.
The faculty members also thanked the worthy Chief Secretary, J&K, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta and Commissioner/Secretary, Higher Education Department, Shri Alok Kumar, for their unflinching commitment to increase the retirement of University professors with this landmark decision taken under the dynamic leadership of the Honourable LG.
The University faculty also places on record its deep gratitude and appreciation to the Honourable Vice-Chancellor University of Kashmir Prof Nilofer Khan for relentlessly pursuing the demand for increasing the retirement age of University professors with the larger objective of strengthening the University’s teaching and research arenas.
The faculty members asserted that the University of Kashmir has already made big strides, including the much-acclaimed recognition of NIRF rank 33, under the leadership of the Honourable Chancellor and is marching ahead on the path of academic excellence.
“The entire teaching fraternity of the University assures the Honorable Chancellor and the Honourable Vice-Chancellor of continuing to work with greater dedication and commitment to realise the objectives of the flagship National Education Policy-2020 and to transform the University of Kashmir into a centre of excellence in near future,” the faculty members said in the statement.

Jammu: MAM College faculty, Dr Vishal Sharma has been “selected for attending conference on Climate Change and SDGs at United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York, USA.”

A handout said: “Son of the soil, Dr. Vishal Sharma S/O Smt. Kanta Devi & Late Sh. Shruti Paul Sharma hails from Basohli, Dist. Kathua, J&K and serving as H. O. D Electronics, Maulana Azad Memorial College Jammu & Fulbright Climate Fellow-USA, Global Goals Ambassador-United Nations (UN) association USA, has been selected for attending the prestigious “Global Climate-SDG Synergies Conference” at United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York, USA on 16th July, 2023.”

“This conference holds great significance as it is convened by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in association with the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development,” the handout added.

As a participant, this conference presents a valuable opportunity for Dr Sharma to present his innovative ideas on “Printable Solar PV Devices for Net Zero Emission” and engage in a comprehensive exchange of experiences during the breakout sessions, which involve intensive multi-stakeholder dialogue.

Dr. Vishal said: “Attending this conference will allow me to contribute my knowledge and expertise towards achieving the aims and objectives of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and the Government of India in the realms of climate mitigation and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By participating in this conference, I aim to actively contribute to the collective efforts towards a greener and more sustainable future for our region and the Nation as a whole.”

51 Students leave today for internship

SRINAGAR, JUNE 12: A total of 51 students from different programmes have been selected for a month-long internship programme fully sponsored by AICTE at the top rated IITs, NITs & IISER of the country.

The internship will commence from 15th June to 15th July .

Addressing the group of selected students who left for attending the said programme today, the Principal, Sri Pratap College Prof (Dr) Ghulam Jeelani Qureshi congratulated them for having bagged such a prestigious internship.

He enjoined upon them to make the most of the opportunity by emulating the work culture of the IITs and help the college reproduce a similar model at the college upon their return.

He assured the students that more such opportunities shall follow in future and the College shall continue to facilitate activities and programmes beneficial for its students.

Speakers laid emphasis on ‘Live for Environment’

SRINAGAR, JUNE 06: The World Environmental Week and Mission LiFE for Environment 2023 celebrations concluded with an impressive valedictory function held at Amar Singh College.

The function was presided over by Principal, Amar Singh College, Prof. (Dr) Sheikh Ajaz Bashir while as Prof. Bashir Ahmad Rather, Former Principal, Amar Singh College, graced the occasion as chief guest.

Prof. Ajaz in his laconic valedictory address impressed upon the need of eradication and immediate stoppage of single use plastic and other substances causing threat to the environment. He added that a pollution free environment is the basis of a healthy society.

He while highlighting the role of youth in environment conservation encouraged the youth particularly the student community for greater participation in the environmental awareness and abatement of hazardous substances, which ultimately result in the pollution of the environment.

Prof. Ajaz was all praise for the role and contribution of students during the weeklong celebrations and maintained that the student rally and distribution of biodegradable carry bags has left impressive footprints on the society. He further congratulated the entire organizing team for a successful programme.

Prof. Bashir, the chief guest on the occasion, spoke at length about the importance of a healthy environment and pointed out the threats to the environment. He maintained that immediate steps towards afforestation, green initiatives and use of biodegradable substances, check and balance on the air pollution causing industries and automobiles besides water pollutants and other environmental friendly steps can still play a significant role in the environmental conservation before we cease to exist.

During the weeklong celebrations kick-started on June Ist, many activities related to the programme were held which include student rallies, cleanliness drives, Inter-College and Inter-School Painting Competition, Exhibition, Nukad Natak and much more, all reflecting and depicting the importance of healthy environment.

A large number of student participants from different colleges and schools participated in the events and sent their message through their impressive presentations.

The weeklong programme was jointly organized by the Department of Environmental Sciences, Eco Club SHEHJAR and the NSS Wing of the college with the aim to aware the masses about the adverse effects of single use plastic, pollution causing industries and other means that transport the threat to the green planet.

The student participants were awarded with trophies and certificates on the valedictory function for their outstanding performance and proactive participation.

A large number of faculty members and students across different educational institutions attended the function.

Dr. Bazigha Badar, Convener, Eco Club SHEHJAAR and Programme Coordinator, presented a detailed report of the weeklong activities.

SRINAGAR, JUNE 06: The celebration of World Environment Week on the theme ‘Solutions to Plastic Pollution’ being organized by PG Department of Environmental Science commenced at S.P. College, Srinagar.

Prof. (Dr.) Ghulam Jeelani Qurashi, Principal of SP College inaugurated the weeklong programme and highlighted the issues related to plastic pollution.

Addressing the student community, he called for a responsible role in spreading the awareness about effects of plastic pollution among the common masses.

The highlight of the day was the invited talk by Dr. Khalid Muzamil Gani, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Srinagar in which he addressed about the statistics of the generation of Plastic production, and its effects and gave an extensive research solution to the problem.

The programme Coordinator, Prof. Shahid Ahmad Wani spoke about the major plastic pollution problems that the globe is facing today and gave a detailed overview of possible solutions.

Dr. Gowhar Hamid Dar, organizing secretary of the programme highlighted this year’s theme on World Environment Day and gave a detailed perspective of global technological initiatives available to combat plastic Pollution menace. He gave a brief insight of the week-long programme scheduled to be carried out.

The event also included several interactive sessions, where students were encouraged to actively participate by presenting their meaningful thoughts, through oral presentations on the theme ‘solutions to plastic pollution.’ Efforts were made to encourage students to make small changes in their lives such as using eco-friendly products, reducing plastic waste, and conserving energy.

The presentations were evaluated by a panel of expert judges comprising Prof. Roohi Jan, Dr. Qazi Ashiq Hussain and Dr. Syed Javaid Ahmad Andrabi.

The day concluded with a pledge on “Lifestyle for Environment” which involved students and faculty administered by the Principal of the College under Mission Life.

Programme organized as part of National Technology Day celebrations

SRINAGAR, JUNE 03: Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development, Sri Pratap College, Srinagar today organised a panel discussion of Kashmir based start-up entrepreneurs on the theme ‘Success Stories of Entrepreneurs’ in continuation to the National Technology Day celebrations today.

Prof. Mairaj-ud-din Sheikh, ex Head Department of Geography of the college was the chief guest on the occasion.

The chief guest in his presidential address explained the concept of entrepreneurship and how important it is to have new and innovative ideas for successful ventures.

The panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Shabana Aslam, convener CIED. Dr Shabana said the event has been organised to encourage young students to draw inspiration from the success stories of entrepreneurs and make them future-ready as job-creators rather than job-seekers. She also highlighted the achievements of CIED.

Principal of SP College Prof. (Dr.) Gh Jeelani Qurashi in his welcome address appreciated the entrepreneurs for their achievements and encouraged students to take up ventures for creation of jobs and economic assets. He also appreciated the CIED for organising the programme and urged them to continue with such extracurricular activities in future.

The panelists on the occasion were Sheikh Samiullah (one of the Founders Fastbeetle), Fayaz Ahmed Dar (Founder Sagg Eco Village), Dr. Javaid Ahmad Dar (Founder Khorasan Hi-Tech Food Processing Industry), Shahzada Akhter (Founder Chandani Desi Milk), Sana Imtiyaz (Founder Sweet Temptations) and Dr. Aasif Shah (Head Dept of Commerce, AAAM GDC Bemina).

The panelists shared their success stories talking about their inspirations and the hurdles they faced and how they overcame these hurdles to establish successful ventures.

Students in large numbers attended the panel discussion and enthusiastically participated in the question answer session.

Prof. Manzoor Ahmad Wani, Head Department of Botany and co-patron of the programme, in his concluding remarks summarised the panel discussion and explained to the audience the concept of business ecosystem and the keys for successful ventures.

The rapporteur for the programme was Dr. Qazi Ashiq Hussain and the vote of thanks on the occasion was presented by Dr. Samina Bashir.

Prof. Azimo emphasizes Japan’s reliance on India in his valediction address

SRINAGAR, MAY 29: The five-day 8th International Conference on Nanotechnology, themed ‘Nanotechnology for Better Living’, concluded on Monday with an impressive valedictory ceremony held at the Common Hall of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar.
The valedictory ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Prof. Sudhakar Yedla, Director of NIT Srinagar, Prof. Venugopal Achanta, Director of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL), Prof. A M Wani, former and first Director of NIT Srinagar, and Prof. S K Bukhari, Registrar of NIT Srinagar.
The audience comprised delegates from various parts of the country and abroad, among whom was Prof. Yashiro Azimo from Japan, a Physics professor at IIT Delhi and a frequent visitor to Kashmir’s Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora.
During the valedictory ceremony, participants expressed their admiration for the conference, applauding the diligent efforts of NIT Srinagar in organizing such a remarkable event.
In his address, Prof. Yashiro Azimo remarked that India is a vibrant nation enriched with vast human resources. He emphasized the complementary nature of Japan and India, expressing his hopes for more such collaborative events in the future, where international expertise can be shared with Indian students. Prof. Yashiro confidently stated, “Japan needs India more than India needs Japan.”
Prof Yedla emphasized the significance of conferences like NBL-2023 in prioritizing societal benefits above all else.
“Conferences like NBL-2023 play a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant intellectual ecosystem, bringing together diverse institutions and minds,” Prof Yedla said, adding, “Through the exchange of ideas, collaboration, and sharing of knowledge, we create a powerful catalyst for innovation and progress.”
These conferences, he said, serve as a platform where institutions can collectively push the boundaries of scientific discovery and pave the way for transformative advancements that positively impact society.
Prof. M A Shah, the distinguished head of the Department of Physics at NIT Srinagar and the chair of NBL-2023, praised the diverse expertise and ground-breaking research presented by the academicians, which “significantly contributed to our understanding of nanotechnology and its vast applications.”
“It is a privilege to gather such brilliant minds to foster knowledge exchange and pave the way for advancements in the field,” Prof. Shah said.
He expressed his confidence that the insights gained from the conference sessions would serve as inspiration and fuel future innovations for the betterment of society.
The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar organized the conference in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, and other esteemed universities such as Parul University, the University of Kashmir, and SKUAST-K.
Previously, the first four editions of the conference were held in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, while subsequent editions partnered with prestigious IITs across the country, including the renowned IIT Kharagpur.
Exciting news surfaced during the ceremony, as Shah announced that the next NBL conference, scheduled for 2025, will be held in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad. The organizers launched a promotional campaign to generate enthusiasm and anticipation for this future event.
The valedictory event showcased an exciting art competition, where students from different government and private schools participated and wowed everyone with their creative skills. Both the participants and the winners were praised for their remarkable talents, highlighting the abundance of artistic potential among these students.