Srinagar: Two day International Conference on the theme “Coronaviruses: Past, Present and Future” was inaugurated today at SKUAST-Kashmir Shalimar by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Science and Technology/ Earth Sciences/ PM’s office.
The inaugural function was also attended by Junaid Azim Matto, Mayor Srinagar, Prof N. A. Ganai, Vice Chancellor SKUAST Kashmir, Prof. J.P. Sharma, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST Jammu, Dr. Parvaiz Koul, and Director SKIMS Soura besides the others Divisional Commissioner Kashmir PK Pole, along with other dignitaries of National and international repute were present on the occasion.
The Conference happened to be the first Post COVID-19 gathering of stakeholders including Medical Professionals across the region who converged at the Farm University to deliberate and discuss the Past Present and Future perspectives associated with Corona Virus.
The conference aimed at bringing together renowned experts, researcher, young scientists and academicians from around the world on a common platform to discuss and deliberate on corono-viruses in a scientific manner. The major sponsors of the conference are UK International Corono-virus Network Liverpool, Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs, Indian Alliance, DBT welcome, BBSRC, NAHEP, Bio Rad, Daskdan Innovations.
In his inaugural address Dr. Jitender Singh congratulated the University, SKUAST-K for organizing all important international meet on Cornoviruses, post pandemic era. He also appreciated the university vision with regard to the innovations and startups as Dr Singh believed the India to be the Nation of startups that have really made a great impact on the Indian success story. He also highlighted the different dimensions of Indian resilience emerging post covid era and support of Government agencies in keeping up to the rising expectations. Dr. Jitender Singh emphasized on the need to have a joint collaborative approaches for solving most of the problems on sustainable basis. He stressed upon the role of greater interaction among the research academia and industry for a greater societal benefit. Dr. Singh also threw light on futuristic strategies especially in the field of health and science that need to put to place to make India a world leader without any compromise to its roots.
The other dignitaries on the dais also spoke on the theme and hoped the conference would be a great success.
Prof. Nazir A Ganai, VC SKUAST Kashmir in his inaugural speech highlighted the achievements of University and put forth the Vision to be adopted in coming times. Prof Nazir informed the gathering about the initiatives taken by the University with regard to the National Education Policy that stand acclaimed at the National level. A documentary on Faculty of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry along with its admission guide for international students was also released by the Chief guest in the inaugural session besides the compendium and other publication from Animal Biotechnology Division.
In his address Prof. Parvez Koul stressed on the importance of evidence based medicine, which mankind has learnt during the Corona times with collaborative approach while Prof. J.P. Sharma highlighted the role of Agricultural and allied sectors during the tough times of covid crisis. Prof. Talat felt the theme apt to be discuss and deliberate while Junaid Azim expressed his views in handling the covid crisis with responsive instincts.
Earlier the Guests were welcomed and briefed about the event by the organizing Secretary Dr. Nadeem Shabir, the Assistant Prof. at FVSC & AH.

KR Desk