International conference on Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation begins in Srinagar

Srinagar, Mar 19:  In a significant development, the J&K universities have obtained 145 patents for different research projects in the last two years while 200 startups have come up in Jammu and Kashmir as well.

The revelation was made during the inaugural ceremony of the two-day International Conference on Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation-2024 organised by Government College for Women (GCW) MA road Srinagar on Tuesday.

The academicians and the bureaucrats who participated in the conference called for the exploration of innovative ways for integration of academics with the technology with a multi-disciplinary approach. They highlighted the importance of integration of academics and technology in a multi-disciplinary approach to make youth productive individuals in the society.

In her address, Principal Resident Commissioner New Delhi Dr. Rahsmi Singh who was the Guest of Honor at the event said the multidisciplinary approach of research represents the very thought process that aims to understand the issues in a more comprehensive manner and paves the way to solutions and innovations.

Speaking at the occasion, Commissioner Secretary Science and Technology Department Saurabh Bhagat laid stress on multi-disciplinary research saying that it has become part of the knowledge ethos with the implementation of National Educational Policy (NEP-2020) in India. He said that India was at 3rd rank at international level in startups which he attributed to the reforming education sector.

“The efforts being made by the Higher Education Department and technical Education department across the country and J&K is bearing fruits,” he said.

He said that at state level, the science and technology innovation council provides support to all the J&K universities for research and innovations besides providing hand holding to initiate Startups.

“145 patents have been obtained in the last two years by Universities in J&K which is an immense achievement. Around 200 start ups have come up from Science and technology and multi-disciplinary research. There are 3000 research programmes which have led to developing either geographical indicators or a patent,” he said.

He said the country was on the cusp of development wherein a simple idea put forth by any faculty member or student can get converted into an industry.

“The critical part is that if a professor or a faculty member develops some research idea, it should not just stay in paper but translate into a working model and that idea should be picked by an entrepreneur and converted into an industry,” he said.

Stating that the government job was not the end of everything, Baghat urged the students to look for entrepreneurship and ideas of setting up an industry.

“You should not become an employee but an employer and employ several people under you. It will create a value for you in society. That should be an objective,” he said.

In her special address, Director Colleges J&K, Prof. Yasmeen Ashai said NEP-2020 emphasises the role of multidisciplinary research and innovation.

“It also encourages educational approaches that integrate the Humanities and Arts with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. This integration has shown positive learning outcomes, including increased creativity and innovation,” she said.

“Multidisciplinary approaches not only enrich individual expertise, but also advance knowledge by breaking down disciplinary barriers,” she said.

Prof. Ashai reiterated the commitment of Higher Education Department (HED) to foster a culture of research and innovation in the degree colleges across J&K.

“NEP-2020 talks about integration and previously we used to work on different patterns in academics. But now there is a complete integration of Arts and humanities with Science and technology. Integration is making students productive individuals in the society,” she said.

She said in colleges 40 percent courses are taught online while 60 percent courses are taught in colleges.

“The Department of Higher Education is giving huge funding to create a robust research ecosystem in our colleges. Several Colleges are carrying out collaborative research and our focus is to generate patents because we believe that research should be productive in society,” she said. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of J&K Bank was the special guest at the event.

In his address, he said that the idea of sustainability has assumed renewed importance in the global discourse with climate change emerging as the proverbial elephant in the room.

“J&K is particularly vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change. Sustainable Development is about meeting the needs of the present without compromising on the needs of the future generations,” he said.

He said that J&K Bank supports initiatives to promote inclusive growth and such conferences enhance understanding of issues, taking us closer to sustainable solutions. “Educational awareness is important for sustainable development,” he said.

Earlier, the Principal of the host college, Prof. (Dr.) Ruhi Jan Kanth presented her welcome address at the occasion. Among others present on the occasion included Nodal Principal Kashmir Prof. Sheikh Aijaz Bashir, Deans, Controller of Examinations Cluster University Srinagar (CUS) Prof. Khurshid Mir and Principals of the constituent colleges of CUS.