Brainstorming on J&K’s sustainable development begins at SKUAST-K

Srinagar, Aug 23: A two-day ‘Inter-University Academic Brainstorming on Sustainable Development through Innovations and Startup Ecosystem’ commenced Friday at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar campus.

Leading scientists, researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs and scholars are participating in various sessions to discuss, deliberate and brainstorm on critical aspects of sustainable future vis-à-vis Jammu & Kashmir and develop science and technology action plan for a future-ready J&K.

These discussions are focused on key areas of regional development like Scientific Innovations & Entrepreneurial Opportunities for exploring how technology can be harnessed to drive socio-economic growth and create new business opportunities, Biomedical & New-Age Sciences for advancing healthcare through innovative medical sciences and improving health outcomes for the region's residents.

Food Security & Sustainability for promoting sustainable agricultural practices to ensure long-term food security and environmental health, Biodiversity Conservation & Disaster Management for developing strategies to protect the region's unique ecosystems and mitigate the impact of natural disasters is featuring in the two-day summit.

During the inaugural session, Chief Guest Prof Ashutosh Sharma appreciated the SKUAST-K for developing New Age infrastructure for empowering GenNext through futuristic breakthroughs in science and technology. He said that sustainability is a challenge for which we need to work together and balance the technological world considering the local relevance and global perspective.

Convenor of the Event, Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-K Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai welcomed the dignitaries and delegates from across the country. He informed the gathering about the research and innovation ecosystem of the varsity and how it embraced advanced technologies for emerging as top ranked institution in the country.

Guest of Honour, the CEO of Infosys Dr Kris Gopalakrishnan said that location and scale of business doesn’t matter but dreaming big, working smarter and harder is key to living a successful life.

Director SKIMS Dr Mohammad Ashraf Ganai highlighted the urgency of working together for bettering the human health through technological innovation in health care services.

Dr Subi Chaturvedi, Chief Corporate Affairs and Public Policy, InMobi expressed delight over the innovation ecosystem of the varsity. She said that universities must develop future-ready workforce by building critical skills and problem-solving attitude in the students.

Dr Akhilesh Gupta, former Secretary DST-SERB hailed the skill and entrepreneurship development mechanisms of the J&K UT. He said that with the establishment of facilities like AI & ML, Language Lab, Incubation Facility and so on SKUAST-K has demonstrated its potential in science-led innovation and commitment to emerge as the top innovation led farm university in the country.

Earlier, Director Education Dr DM Makhdoomi presented the welcome address and later the organsing secretary of the event, Dr Mudasir Andrabi thanked all the guests for gracing the occasion.

Pertinent to mention, SKUAST-K is a premier institution dedicated to advancing agricultural sciences and technology. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, the university plays a pivotal role in fostering sustainable development and technological progress in the region.