Sakeena Itoo Addresses Annual Function at SGSD International School at Baba Jitto Auditorium SKUAST

at Baba Jitto Auditorium SKUAST

Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today addressed the annual function of SGSD International School at Baba Jitto Auditorium SKUAST here.

The Minister, who was chief guest on the occasion, in her address reaffirmed government’s special focus on health and education under the leadership of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, ensuring that necessary assistance will be provided to all institutions working for bringing vibrancy in these important areas.

She further highlighted the critical role of schools in preventing drug abuse among the younger generation. She urged the parents and teachers to extend cooperation to the government agencies in curbing this menace collectively.

Acknowledging the talent among the children of J&K, Sakeena appreciated outstanding cultural performances and the talent displayed at the event. She emphasized the importance of schools in shaping the future of young minds, helping them realize their dreams of becoming doctors, administrators, engineers or social workers.

“Constructing a building is not the big thing, what truly matters is how much we contribute to its functioning,” she said, adding that the government is committed towards supporting schools like SGSD in their mission.

Minister for Agricultural Production, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election departments, Javed Ahmad Dar, also attended the program.

He lauded SGSD International School for its commitment towards providing quality education and empowering students to excel in academics and sports. He appreciated school’s dedication towards ensuring holistic development of the children enrolled there.

Encouraging the students to keep learning and upgrading their skills in line with modern advancements, the Minister described SGSD International School as a model institution contributing significantly to the upbringing of responsible and capable citizens.

The Minister assured that the government will extend all possible support to help such schools grow and continue their mission of academic excellence and social development.

During the programme, the students presented various cultural programs showcasing multi cultural and traditional folk and local dance forms of various states.

The event also included a felicitation ceremony honouring young achievers in academics and sports on the occasion.

Among others, former Minister, Ajay Sadhotra; Principal Anil Pathanya, Administrator Manjit Singh; Chairman Sant Tejwant Singh and Trustee Baldev Singh were also present on the occasion.

Students from Dangiwacha Bag Second Place at Amazon Innovation Summit with ‘Happy Bees’ Project

'Happy Bees' Project

Bringing laurels to the Valley, students of government higher secondary school Dangiwacha bagged second position at Amazon Innovation Summit held recently.

The students namely Asmat Tariq, Tabasum Fayaz, and Mohammad Idrees Sofi displayed their innovative project titled “Happy Bees” at the “Amazon Future Engineer Summit 2025 organized by Amazon at Hotel Taj Palace, New Delhi.

The students were guided by their teacher Tajamul Naseem Lone.As per the official handout, the project was selected among the top 15 innovations nationwide by Amazon and was evaluated by nearly 30 teams of engineers from the Amazon Innovation Team.The students and their mentor were honoured with merit certificates and trophies by the organisers.

NIT Srinagar Hosts ‘Research Reimagined: From Ideas to Impact’ Workshop

NIT Srinagar

The Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering, National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar successfully organized a one day workshop titled “Research Reimagined: From Ideas to Impact” under the Scientific Social responsibility head of the DST-SERB Project.

The workshop was graced by In-charge Director NIT Srinagar and Dean Research and Consultancy Prof. Roohie Naaz Mir and Associate Dean Research and Consultancy Dr. G.R. Begh. HOD ECE Dr. Gausia Qazi, Head, IIED Centre Prof. Najeeb-ud-Din and workshop coordinator Dr. Bisma Bilal among other dignitaries also were present on the occasion.

The event brought together researchers, academicians, and students eager to explore the latest methodologies in research and innovation. The workshop featured expert sessions on key topics including Research Methodology Mastery, the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in Research, and the essential steps involved in the Patenting Process.

In her inaugural address, Prof. Roohie Naaz Mir highlighted the significance of the workshop’s theme, “Research Reimagined: From Ideas to Impact”, emphasizing its relevance in today’s rapidly evolving research landscape.

“There is importance of critical thinking in research and participants should approach their work with a mindset that challenges conventional ideas and fosters innovation,” she said.

Prof. Roohie also encouraged attendees to thoroughly analyze the problems they select and consider the bigger picture in their research endeavors.

Meanwhile Dr. Jagwinder Singh Associate Professor, Department of Humanities & Management, NIT Jalandar, Dr. Sadbhawna Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science & Engineering, MNIT Jaipur and Mr. Jawaaz Ahmad Design Fellow, Design Innovation Centre, Islamic University of Science &Technology, Awantipora were the key speakers of the event.

HOD ECE Dr. Gausia Qazi, who also served as the Co-Convener of the workshop, stated that the event was designed to help researchers, academicians, and students transform their ideas into impactful innovations.

“The workshop included sessions on Research Methodology, offering insights into effective research techniques; Harnessing AI for Research, exploring how AI can enhance research outcomes; and Patent Filing, where participants learned essential steps to protect their innovations and navigate the patenting process,” she added.

Dr. Gousia said that the workshop provided participants with an opportunity to engage with key topics and served as a platform for learning and knowledge exchange, enabling attendees to explore new perspectives in their research endeavors.

“ECE Department is committed to organizing such impactful events, aiming to empower researchers, academicians, and students to translate ideas into tangible, real-world solutions, she added.

Prof. Najeeb-ud-Din, Convener of the workshop, emphasized the importance of fostering a collaborative research environment that encourages innovation and creativity. “The focus of the workshop was to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, he said.

He further highlighted the significance of peer groups in research and encouraged participants to approach their work with a mindset that drives meaningful change in their respective fields.

Coordinator of the event, Dr. Bisma Bilal shared that the event received a tremendous response, with students from various institutions such as NIT Srinagar, SKUAST-Kashmir, and other colleges registering for the workshop.

She expressed heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of the workshop. She acknowledged the visionary leadership of Prof. Najeeb-ud-Din, Convener, and Dr. Gausia Qazi, Co-Convener, along with the invaluable insights shared by the key speakers.

Dr. Bisma also extended special thanks to the student coordinators, Furkaan Fazili and Arfa Jan, for their exceptional dedication and support throughout the event.(KNS) 

SED Principal Secretary Suresh Kumar Gupta Highlights Vocational Education Initiatives in J&K Schools

Vocational education

The Principal Secretary of the School Education Department (SED) Jammu & Kashmir, Suresh Kumar Gupta, announced the introduction of vocational cum skill education in 1315 schools this year, with plans to expand to 554 more schools in 2024-25.

During an extensive tour of educational institutions in Kathua district, Gupta visited several schools including Government High School Uchapind, Government Higher Secondary School Gurah Kalyal, Government Higher Secondary School Nagrota Gujroo, and Government Middle School Kandharnoo.

Accompanied by Director School Education Jammu Ashok Kumar, Project Director Samagra Shiksha Rakesh Magotra, and other officials, Gupta assessed the quality of education and infrastructure. He emphasized academic excellence, holistic development, and innovative teaching methodologies.

Gupta issued directives for improving basic facilities, promoting digital education, and strengthening vocational training programs. He praised the efforts of teachers in fostering a positive learning environment and highlighted the importance of skill education.

This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing the education sector and creating a conducive learning environment for students in Jammu & Kashmir.