Int’l symposium with focus on youth empowerment, innovation organised at KU
Srinagar, Nov 6: The two-day international symposium on “Peace, People and Possibilities,” organised by Vishwagram, concluded on Thursday at the University of Kashmir with a strong emphasis on youth empowerment, innovation, and the role of academia in building a peaceful and self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir.
The sessions on the concluding day focused on themes such as “Youth Development Initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir,” “Peace, Security, Nation Building and Civil Responsibilities,” and “Swadeshi and Atmanirbhar Bharat: Pathways to Sustainable Livelihood and Inclusive Growth.” Scholars, students, and experts deliberated on ways to strengthen local capacities through education, entrepreneurship, and collaborative engagement, said a press release.
A special highlight of the day was the presence of Ashiq Banday, a noted Kashmir-based entrepreneur and social innovator, who attended the event as a special guest. In his address, Banday inspired participants with his vision of blending tradition with innovation for sustainable progress in the Valley. “When our youth learn to create opportunities from challenges, when they innovate with integrity, that is when true peace takes root.”
He underscored the importance of local entrepreneurship and skill-based education, urging universities to nurture “doers, dreamers, and difference-makers.” Banday further said, “Kashmir’s youth are our greatest resource. With the right mindset and mentorship, they can build enterprises that serve both people and the planet.”
Banday stressed that youth should take full benefit of the various schemes launched under the administration of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, which are aimed at empowering young people and fostering entrepreneurship across Jammu & Kashmir.
He also hailed the spirit of camaraderie between the Muslim and Pandit communities during the symposium, describing it as a reflection of Kashmir’s plural ethos. “Such bonhomie should continue in times to come for the greater good of society. Events like this help bridge divides and nurture understanding between communities,” he said.
The valedictory session was graced by leading academicians including Prof. Nilofer Khan (Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir), Padma Shri Prof. Dinesh Singh (Vice Chairman, JK Higher Education Council), Dr. Nazir Ahmad Ganai (VC, SKUAST-K), Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo (VC, IUST Awantipora), Prof. Mohammad Mobin (VC, Cluster University Srinagar), Prof. A. Ravinder Nath (VC, Central University of Kashmir), and Irfan Kant. Prof. (Dr.) Geeta Singh, National President of Vishwagram and patron of the symposium, reaffirmed the organization’s mission of peace-building through dialogue, education, and cultural harmony.
The two-day symposium, held from November 5–6, 2025, opened at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) with inaugural sessions and a cultural programme celebrating the Valley’s rich philosophical and artistic heritage.
