Orientation workshop for participating institutions of UT held at NIT Srinagar

Srinagar, Aug 20: The National Institute of Technology Srinagar (NIT Srinagar), one of the Regional Coordinating Institutes (RCI) of Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA), organised  a one-day orientation workshop for participating institutions of UT Jammu and Kashmir.

The programme was inaugurated by Prof M F Wani, Regional Coordinator of RCI NIT Srinagar. Prof Wani introduced the participants to the overarching goals of the UBA programme and outlined the action plan for implementing UBA activities in the adopted villages.

A progress report detailing the achievements of RCI NIT Srinagar was also presented, serving as a source of inspiration and encouragement for all participants.

Prof Ravinder Nath, Director of NIT Srinagar, served as the chief guest for the inaugural ceremony. In his key speech, he emphasised the pivotal role that technical institutes play in the holistic development of rural areas.

Director NIT Srinagar, Prof  Ravinder Nath stressed the importance of leveraging technology and innovation to uplift rural communities, improving their quality of life and ensuring sustainable progress.

He also highlighted the need for collaborative efforts between academic institutions and local communities to address the unique challenges faced by rural populations. He called on students and faculty to actively engage with rural development initiatives, ensuring that the benefits of education and research reach the grassroots level.

Prof. Atikur Rehman, Registrar of NIT Srinagar, attended the inaugural ceremony of UBA workshop as the Guest of Honour. In his address, Prof Rehman outlined UBA’s mission and vision, emphasizing its crucial role in connecting rural communities with educational institutions.

He reflected on the programme’s origins, the challenges faced in its early years, and the perseverance that led to its current success. Prof Rehman credited this achievement to the steadfast support and guidance of Prof M F Wani, acknowledging his significant contribution to the success of UBA at NIT Srinagar.

Dr Harkirat Singh, Co-Coordinator of UBA at NIT Srinagar, delivered an insightful lecture on Renewable Energy and Rural Energy Systems, highlighting their importance for sustainable development in rural areas.

Dr P. K. Singh, Director of UBA at IIT Delhi, also addressed the gathering in an online session, discussing the crucial role of participating institutes in the UBA program and encouraging active involvement in fostering rural development.

Prof M A Shah, Department of Botany, University of Kashmir also contributed to the event with a lecture on value-added products derived from invasive plant species.

He emphasised how these products can enhance the livelihoods of marginalized communities in the Indian Himalayas, turning environmental challenges into economic opportunities.

Manavee Ajit Singh, Senior Project Scientist at UBA IIT Delhi, provided a live demonstration of the new ERP portal for UBA. She demonstrated to the participants how to register and add new participating institutions and submit proposals on the portal, ensuring that everyone was equipped to use this essential tool effectively.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks to the participants by Dr Tanvir Rasool, Member of UBA at NIT Srinagar. The session formally ended with participant feedback on the workshop.

Finally, Prof M F Wani felicitated the attendees by distributing certificates of participation. Overall, it was a fruitful workshop for the participating institutions.