CUK, ICSSR launch capacity building programme on academic, research excellence

Ganderbal, Oct 27: Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) Vice-Chancellor Prof. A. Ravinder Nath inaugurated a two-week Capacity Building Programme (CBP) on “Academic and Research Excellence in Higher Education” at the Tulmulla campus on Monday. The programme, organised by CUKashmir and sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), aims to enhance teaching, research, and analytical competencies among faculty and scholars.

The inaugural session was attended by Cluster University Srinagar Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mohammad Mubeen, senior deans, faculty members, and participants from across India.

In her welcome address, Course Director Prof. Sandhya Tiwari said the programme seeks to empower educators to adapt to the rapidly evolving academic landscape shaped by NEP 2020. She said it will focus on pedagogy, research methodology, data analysis, and Indian Knowledge Systems, integrating traditional wisdom with modern tools such as SPSS and regression analysis.

Prof. Farooq Ahmad Mir emphasised the need for sincerity and innovation in teaching, calling educators “twice students” who must constantly evolve with technology. Prof. Syed Zahoor Ahmad Geelani said the NEP-2020 envisions educators capable of merging pedagogical innovation, research, and technological fluency.

Prof. Mohammad Mubeen, in his keynote address, said India’s education system must shift from rote learning to producing thinkers and innovators. He stressed that capacity building and self-reflection are vital to quality education.

In his presidential address, Prof. Ravinder Nath said universities must align academic and research goals with long-term institutional development plans to achieve excellence.

The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Co-course Director Dr. Firdous Ahmad Sofal.