Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. AWANTIPORA: The three-day J&K Science Congress 2026 commenced at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) on Tuesday. Being organised under the theme ‘Science, Innovations and Emerging Technologies for Sustainable and VIKSIT J&K,’ the Congress seeks to provide a platform for meaningful academic discourse on emerging scientific developments and their relevance to the sustainable development of Jammu and Kashmir.
The first day of the Congress featured two plenary lectures followed by the inaugural session, technical sessions and a poster presentation.The inaugural session was held at the Nund Reshi Auditorium IUST with Prof. Dinesh Singh, ViceChairman, J&K Higher Education Council as the Chief Guest. Speaking on the occasion, he said,technologies like Quantum computing, Artificial Intelligence and nuclear fusion are the future, however, India remains deficient in these areas. “Therefore, there is a need to accelerate the efforts,” he stressed.
Vice Chancellor, IUST, Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo said, the J&K Science Congress exemplifies the spirit of a true Multiversity, bringing together scientists, academics, and researchers from universities and institutions across the country. “The future of J&K must increasingly be driven by science, technology and innovation, with our universities functioning not merely as centres of teaching but as interconnected ecosystems of research, innovation and entrepreneurship,” he said.
He added that high-end research infrastructure must be optimally shared and leveraged for advanced research. “By pooling institutional strengths, empowering our researchers and translating knowledge into societal solutions, we can contribute meaningfully to building a sustainable, resilient and Viksit J&K, aligned with the larger vision of Viksit Bharat,” said Prof Romshoo.
Guest of Honour Ms. Babila Rakwal (IAS) Commissioner Secretary, Science and Technology Department, Government of J&K said, there is a dire need to bridge the gap between research and its application. “The J&K Science Congress deliberates on themes that go far beyond academic discourse and are directly linked to societal progress,” she said.
The inauguralsession was also attended by Prof. Vinod Kumar Gaur, Former Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Prof. Mohammad Mobin Vice Chancellor, Cluster University, Srinagar, and Prof. A Ravinder Nath Vice Chancellor, Central University of Kashmir. Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Dr. Aabid Hussain Shalla, Dean Research IUST. Meanwhile, JK Science Congress proceedings were released on the occasion.
The scientific proceedings began with its first Plenary lecture delivered by Prof. Sourav Pal, Department of Chemistry, Ashoka University Sonipat Haryana, while the second plenary lecture was delivered by Prof. Dinesh Singh. The inaugural session was followed by technical sessions. A poster presentation was also organised, providing researchers and participants an opportunity to present and exchange ideas emerging from their respective areas of work.
The first day of the Congress thus set the tone for three days of academic engagement, with discussions centred on scientific innovation, emerging technologies and their potential contribution to a sustainable and developed J&K. The Congress will continue with further technical and academic deliberations on the subsequent days.