2-day J&K Science Congress begins

Srinagar, Oct 21: The Minister for Education Sakina Itoo on Monday stated that the Kashmir valley was lagging far behind in the industrial sector which has led to the less exposure among the students about the potential of the sector of the Valley.

Sakina Itoo who also holds the portfolio of Health and Medical Education (H&ME) department and Social Welfare was speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the two-day JK Science Congress organised by the Government College for Women, MA road Srinagar. The event was organised in collaboration with J&K Science and Technology Department.

“We have a lot of intelligent students who do not have the knowledge about the research and potential of the Industrial sector. Kashmir is still far behind in the industrial sector. Until you guide these students they will not be able to go out and research about it,” she said.

She further said the Omar Abdullah-led government was committed to extend all possible help to the higher education, science and technology department.

“Our government is committed and we are ready to do whatever we can to extend our support. We will not leave any stone unturned but the initiative has to come from the departments,” she said.

Itoo said that in contemporary times, science and technology has revolutionized every aspect of our lives and scientific innovations are breaking barriers and opening new possibilities for people.

“We must harness this potential to improve the lives of common people,” she said and emphasised the need of the hour to take the research to a grassroot level where people can take advantage of technological innovations.

The Education minister stressed for greater academia-industry collaboration saying that Kashmir was lagging behind in industry sector.

“While education sector has improved significantly over the decades, there remains a huge scope of improvement in the J&K UT,” she said.

Vice Chancellor, Cluster University (CU) Srinagar, Prof. Mohammad Mobin in his address said research and Development stands at the cornerstone of academic institutions, serving as a catalyst for innovation, knowledge and advancement, and societal progress.

“The significance of R&D in academic institutions extends beyond the confines of traditional education. It propels institutes to the forefront of global competitiveness, positioning them as the hub for cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary collaborations and intellectual contributions,” he said

In her address, Commissioner Secretary, Higher Education Department Rashmi Singh said that learning was not just about being to college and university but also about being connected to the grass root and being able to solve people's problems.

“That is the reason this conference of Science and Technology holds so much importance. The New Education Policy encourages multi-disciplinary education. Similarly, it leaves a lot of scope for skill enhancement, entrepreneurship, project-based and experiential learning,” she said.

Commissioner Secretary Science and Technology, Saurabh Bhagat while speaking at the occasion underlined the role of Science and Technology in propelling the major economies of the world. “There used to be a disconnect between academia and industry in the past but there is a need to collaboratively promote innovation, and sustainable development for a brighter future,” he said.

On the occasion, the Science Congress Souvenir, college magazine ‘The Pamosh’, newsletter ‘College Times’ besides books authored by some faculty members of the host college were also released by the guests.

In her keynote address, Dr. Ashoo Grover said the research cannot be confined to the labs or limited to publications; we really need to take it to the ground level. “We need to have interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, collaborative research which is the backbone of any country's development program,” she said.

Earlier, in her welcome address Principal of the host college, Prof. Ruhi Jan Kanth said the theme of the Science congress reflects the pressing issues of our time.

“This college has played a key role in women emancipation and empowerment since 1950. The college alumni have made their mark in different fields of life and they serve as brand ambassadors of their alma mater,” she said.

Additional Director, JK ST&IC, Dr. Nasir A Shah spoke about the broad objectives of JKST&IC and the various schemes implemented for promotion of research & development and innovation.

Director Colleges J&K Prof. Sheikh Aijaz Bashir, Nodal Principal Prof. Seema Naz, Registrar and Controller of Examinations besides and Deans of various faculties of Cluster University Srinagar besides principals of various degree colleges were also present on the occasion.