KATRA: 8th National Geo-Research Scholars Meet organized jointly by Wadia Institute Himalayan Geology (WIHG), an autonomous Institute of Department of Science & Technology, GoI and Schools of Civil Engineering, Physics and Architecture from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) was inaugurated here at the campus of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra. The event will conclude on 25th of November, 2024 and has various technical sessions besides field work component which are led by eminent scholars from various specializations.
This prestigious national level event has been able to attract over 70 research scholars from premier research institutions and Universities from all over India besides participants from SMVDU. The inaugural was graced by Prof. S. K. Tandon, Former pro Vice Chancellor, University of Delhi and an eminent Geologist as the chief guest. Prof. Talat Ahmad, Chairman, BoG, WIHG and Former Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir as well as JamiaMilliaIslamia. Prof. M. G. Thakkar, Director, BirbalSahani Institute of Paliobotnay, Lukhnow and acting Director of WIHG. Inaugural function was presided over by Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor, SMVDU.
Speaking on the occasion Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor urged the participants not to work in isolation and emphasized that scientific community to join hands and forge networks as the major research problems cannot be solved by individuals in isolation. He said that faculty members of the University are open to research collaborations to work on major research problems and University is willing to provide them with conducive infrastructure and environment.
Prof. Thakkar while speaking on the occasion congratulated SMVDU for working together with WIHG in organizing the event at the beautiful campus of the SMVDU. He asked the attendees to identify interdisciplinary problems and work towards finding their solutions. Prof. Talat Ahmad while recollecting his association with the University became nostalgic and termed SMVDU as unique and premier University of the country.
He asked the participants to take full advantage of the technical and the field components. Prof. S. K. Tandon said that with the advent of new technology and techniques a lot had changed in the field of geosciences in last 4 to 5 decades and the subject now is able to draw strength from the fields of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering etc. Prof. J. Parumal, Conference Director gave the overview of the meet and presented the scientific program of the event to the attendees and Dr. S. K. Wanchoo, Dean, Faculty of Sciences proposed the vote of thanks.
The event was also graced by Prof. A. K. Das, Dean, FoHSS, Shri. Ajay Kumar Sharma, JKAS, Registrar, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Shri Pankaj Kumar Verma, Registrar, WIHG, Shri Neeraj Gupta, JKAS, Finance Officer, SMVDU. Heads of Schools, Faculty and students from SMVDU besides senior scientific staff from WIHG, Dehradun was also present on the occasion.
