2-day International Conference begins at GCW, M.A. Road

Saurabh Bhagat, Baldev Prakash attend inauguration

SRINAGAR, MAR 19:   Research and Innovation’ commenced at Govt. College for Women, M.A. Road, Srinagar on Tuesday, with academicians and policymakers deliberating on the merits and scope of the collaborative approach in the field of education and research.

The inaugural session was addressed by Commissioner Secretary of the Hospitality and Protocol Department, Dr. Rashmi Singh; Commissioner/Secretary of the Science & Technology Department, Saurabh Bhagat; MD/CEO of J&K Bank, Baldev Prakash; and Director of Colleges, Prof. Yasmeen Ashai. The Keynote Address was delivered by Dr. John Zheng of Mississippi Valley State University.

Dr. Rashmi Singh, who is also the Principal Resident Commissioner in New Delhi, was the Guest of Honor at the event and delivered the Plenary Talk of the conference.

Referring to the relevance of the conference theme, Dr. Rashmi said the multidisciplinary approach to research is not just about teamwork and collaboration but also represents the very thought process aimed at understanding the issues in a more comprehensive manner.

In his Special Address for the conference, Saurabh Bhagat stressed the importance and scope of multidisciplinary research, which he said has become part of the knowledge ethos with the implementation of the National Educational Policy (NEP-2020) in India. He underlined the role of Science and Technology in propelling the major economies of the world.

Bhagat also referred to the vibrant culture of Startups emerging in the country for which he credited the efficient educational system as a key contributor.

In her Special Address, Prof. Yasmeen Ashai said NEP-2020 emphasizes 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.

MD/CEO of J&K Bank, Baldev Prakash, who was the Special Guest at the event, spoke about the importance of Sustainable Development.

“With climate change emerging as the proverbial elephant in the room, the idea of sustainability has assumed renewed importance in the global discourse. J&K is particularly vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change.”

Earlier, in her welcome address, Principal of the host college, Prof. (Dr.) Ruhi Jan Kanth said the conference aims to provide a platform for researchers, academicians, and industry professionals from diverse fields to exchange ideas and innovative solutions.

Dr. John Zheng, chair and professor of English at Mississippi Valley State University, who was the Keynote Speaker of the event, shared excerpts from his work on Sonia Sanchez.

Organizing Secretary of the conference, Dr. Sameer Kaul spoke about the relevance of the conference and introduced the theme and sub-themes spread across the technical sessions of the two-day event.

On the occasion, the abstract book of the conference was released by the guests along with a book authored by one of the faculty members of the college, Dr. Oveesa Farooq. Senior faculty member, Dr. Abina Habib, moderated the proceedings of the inaugural session while Dr. Peerzada Arshid presented the Vote of Thanks. Dr. Suhail Ahmad was the rapporteur for the inaugural session.

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