CAMPUS ROUNDUP: Kashmir campuses buzz with innovation, excellence, milestone achievements

From celebrating legacy to fostering innovation, Kashmir’s educational institutions—from schools to universities—were abuzz last week with activities highlighting academic achievements, future-focused initiatives, and milestone recognitions.

Sanctorium College of Education Gets NCTE Recognition

In a landmark development, Sanctorium College of Education, Lalad Sopore, received recognition from the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) to run the B.Ed programme, becoming the first such institution in Kashmir to do so.

According to the NCTE recognition letter, the committee was satisfied that the institution met all requirements under the NCTE Act, including infrastructure, financial resources, and norms and standards for teacher education. The recognition follows the inclusion of J&K UT and Ladakh under NCTE’s purview post the abrogation of Article 370.

SRM Welkin Higher Secondary School Sopore Tops Grayquest-India Rankings

Shah Rasool Memorial (SRM) Welkin Higher Secondary School, Sopore, was ranked the best school in the Grayquest – India School Ranking 2025-26 by EducationWorld. The ranking considered academic excellence alongside overall performance parameters.

The school employs around 400 staff, making it one of Sopore’s largest private employers. Over the years, students from Welkin have consistently featured in the Class 12 merit lists and qualified for NEET and JEE.

NIT Srinagar Faculty Secures Rs 73.6 Lakh Research Grant

Two faculty members from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar—Dr. Vivek (Civil Engineering) and Dr. Anshul Gupta (Metallurgical & Materials Engineering) secured a Rs 73.6 lakh grant from the Ministry of Mines for an innovative project titled “Bioremediation-Enhanced Pavement System for Removal of Toxic Elements from Underground Soil.”

Director of NIT Srinagar, Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia, congratulated the researchers and appreciated the Ministry for supporting cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research that fosters sustainable engineering solutions.

IUST Hosts HCI Leadership Workshop on Climate Action

The Department of Geomatics at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) organised a leadership workshop in collaboration with the Healthy Climate Initiative (HCI). The programme focused on innovation, research, and community engagement to tackle climate change and build resilience. Experts, academicians, and practitioners shared insights on sustainable solutions and leadership in climate action.

KU Hosts AI & Robotics Boot Camp, Signs MoU with VMS

The University of Kashmir (KU) organised a three-day boot camp on “AI and Robotics – Designing Futures, Building Pathways” at the IoT Zakura campus. The event featured practical AI prototyping, mini projects, and team-based problem-solving to nurture innovation, critical thinking, and collaboration among students.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan emphasised the importance of such initiatives in preparing students for rapid technological advancements, while Registrar Prof. Naseer Iqbal highlighted their role in promoting multidisciplinary engagement.

In another significant move, KU convened the first meeting of its newly formed Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Voluntary Medicare Society (VMS), underscoring the university’s commitment to inclusivity and community engagement.

GCW MA Road Marks Platinum Jubilee

The Government College for Women (GCW), MA Road, Srinagar, celebrated its Platinum Jubilee, bringing together former principals and faculty members whose services helped lay the strong foundation of the institution. The event also lauded current faculty for carrying forward the college’s legacy as a premier higher education institution.