GANDERBAL: Celebrating the spirit of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship, the Department of Management Studies, School of Business Studies, Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) Thursday organised “Fall Fest-2024,” at varsity’s Green Campus.
The event showcased curated stalls that brought together a mix of creativity, talent, and enterprise. The stalls were set up by the students of the Departments of Management Studies, Tourism and Politics and Governance and a few local enterprises.
Inaugurating the event, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A Ravinder Nath, said, the primary objectives of Fall Fest-2024 is to inculcate entrepreneurial spirit among students. “The festival encourages them to think beyond conventional career paths, empowering them to become job creators rather than job seekers,” he said. Prof. A Ravinder Nath further said the event provides a platform for collaboration, idea-sharing, and inspiration, fostering relationships between academic talent and the broader community. CUKashmir Vice-Chancellor added that such fests, characterized by vibrant stalls showcasing student innovations, business ideas, and creative projects, are more than just celebratory occasions—they serve as real-world classrooms where students learn critical entrepreneurial skills.
Speaking on the occasion, Dean School of Business Studies, Prof. Fayaz Ahmad Nikka said, the Department of Management Studies has been at the forefront of initiatives that blend academic learning with practical exposure. “Fall Fest-2024 is one such initiative, designed to provide students with an experiential learning opportunity that complements their academic studies.” He further said the department’s emphasis on entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainability is evident in the way the festival has been conceptualized and executed. “By bringing together students, local businesses, and the broader community, the department reinforces its commitment to holistic education and community engagement.”
Addressing the students, Additional Sales Tax, Kashmir, Mr. Shakeel Maqbool, said, the educational institutions have increasingly embraced festivals and events as platforms for promoting an entrepreneurial mindset among students. “By combining creativity, practicality, and community engagement, these events inspire students to explore the exciting realm of entrepreneurship while contributing to their holistic development,” he said.
In her speech, Asst Prof DMS and event coordinator, Dr Insha Farooq said that most stalls in the fest are run by teams, fostering a collaborative spirit among participants. “Teamwork is an essential aspect of entrepreneurship, as starting and running a business often involves coordinating with partners, employees, and stakeholders,” she added. Mr. Mohammad, a student from DMS, proposed the vote of thanks.
