Technoscience revolutionising human lives, scientific innovations breaking barriers, exploring new possibilities: Sakeena Masood

• 'Inaugurates, addresses 2 day JK Science Congress-2024 at  GCW Srinagar'

SRINAGAR: Minister for Health & Medical Education, Social Welfare, School Education and Higher Education, Sakeena Masood, today remarked that we are living in an era where science and technology are revolutionising every aspect of our lives and scientific innovations are breaking barriers and exploring new possibilities.

The Minister made these remarks while addressing the inaugural session of  a two day JK Science Congress-2024 organised by Government College for Women (GCW), M.A. Road, Srinagar in collaboration with J&K Science, Technology & Innovation Council, Department of Science and Technology commenced here. The theme of the Science congress was ‘Scientific Endeavours, Innovations and Exploring New Possibilities’.

Addressing the gathering after inauguration of the event, Sakeena Masood said that  Omar Abdullah led government is committed to extend all possible help to all departments including higher education and science and technology departments and we will not leave any stone unturned to assist initiatives like these.

“We must harness the potential of Science and Technology to improve lives of common people,” said Sakeena Masood, adding that this two day event will serve an important platform to tap that potential. She cited the example of agriculture and industrial sector, underlining the need for greater academia-industry collaboration in these sectors.

Sakeena Masood further said that education sector has improved significantly over the decades, but there remains a huge scope of improvement here. The Minister complimented the organisers for holding the Science congress, underlining that the need of the hour is to take the research to grassroots level where people can take advantage of the technological innovations.

Sakeena Masood, on the occasion, also expressed her delight that after assuming the charge of Minister, the maiden official event she attended is at Government Women’s College. In his address, Vice Chancellor, Cluster University Srinagar, Prof. Mohammad Mobin said that research and Development stands at the cornerstone of academic institutions, serving as a catalyst for innovation, knowledge and advancement, and societal progress.

In her address, Commissioner Secretary, Higher Education department, Dr. Rashmi, said that learning is not just about being to college and university but it is about getting connected to  grass root. This is about being able to solve people’s problems and that is the reason, this conference of Science and Technology holds so much importance, she maintained.

Commissioner Secretary Science and Technology,  Saurabh Bhagat, while addressing the gathering, underlined the role of Science and Technology in propelling the major economies of the world. He  referred to  vibrant culture of Startups emerging in the country due to efficient educational system as a key contributor. Earlier, in her welcome address, Principal of the host college, Prof.  Ruhi Jan Kanth said the theme of the Science congress reflects the pressing issues of our time.

Referring to the rich history of the institution, she said, “This college has played a key role in women emancipation and empowerment since 1950. The college alumni have made its mark in different fields of life and they serve as brand ambassadors of their alma mater. To name a few, the first female Chief Minister of J&K, the first female Divisional Commissioner, the first female Commissioner Secretary of Higher Education, the first female Vice Chancellor, the first female Director Colleges are among the proud alumni of this college.”

Others who spoke on the occasion included Keynote Speakers, Dr. Ashoo Grover, Deputy Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi and Prof. Moinuddin from AMU, Aligarh. In her keynote address, Dr. Ashoo Grover said, “Research cannot be confined to the labs or limited to publications, we really need to take it to the ground level. We need to have interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, collaborative research which is the backbone of any country’s development program.”

“Indian Council of Medical Research under Department of Health Research is open to all the institutions whoever wants to take area related to health research,” she added. On the occasion, Sakeena Masood also released the Science Congress Souvenir, college magazine ‘The Pamposh’, and newsletter ‘College Times’.

Additional Director, JK ST&IC, Dr. Nasir A Shah; Director Colleges, Prof. (Dr.) Sheikh Ajaz Bashir; Nodal Principal, Prof. Seema Naz; senior office bearers from Cluster University Srinagar including Registrar, Controller of Examinations, Deans of various faculties besides principals of various degree colleges and large number of students were also present on the occasion.