Need to promote innovation and technology among the students and young researchers: VC Ladakh University

Srinagar: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar Monday organized an ‘awareness workshop on I-Stem portal for the use of R&D resources and formal inauguration of STUTI Programme.
The event was organized by the PG Department of Physics, in association with the Indian Science, Technology and Engineering Facilities Map, (I-STEM), supported by the office of the Principal Scientific Advisor, Govt of India. Dr. Vijay Kumar was the convener of the workshop.
The event was presided over by prominent personalities including Director SKIMS, Prof. Parvaiz A. Koul, Professor S.K Mehta, Vice-Chancellor, University of Ladakh, Director NIT Prof. (Dr.) Rakesh Sehgal, Registrar Prof. Syed Kaiser Bukhari, Prof. S. A Shivashakar, Co-ordinator, I-STEM, IISc Bangalore, and Prof. Navakanta Bhat, IISc Bangalore, and Prof M F Wani, Dean R&C, besides other eminent personalities from Banasthali Vidyapith and Central University Jammu.
Similarly, another program titled, ‘Training cum hands-on program on advanced experimental techniques for Materials Science, STUTI was also inaugurated. It is supported by DST, the Government of India. Prof. M Ikram from Physics dept was the convener of the program.
On the occasion, VC, University of Ladakh, Professor S.K Mehta said there is a need to promote innovation and technology among the students and young researchers.
“We should not depend on technicians rather than young researchers should be allowed to use the high-end machines to have firsthand experience. Such knowledge will more experimental and practical,” he said.
Prof. Mehta also pitched for collaboration from established institutions across India. We have three areas where we can explore more possibilities in the cold desert including Climate Change, rich bio-diversity, and solar energy.
He also expressed his gratitude to Director NIT Prof. (Dr.) Rakesh Sehgal and Head Physics, Dr. Shah.
Addressing the gathering, Director SKIMS, Prof. Parvaiz A. Koul highlighted the importance of regional, national and international collaborations among the institutions.
“Research collaboration may provide opportunities for investigators to learn how approaches from complementary disciplines may be applied to existing problems, and lead to the development of innovative solutions,’ he said.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Rakesh Sehgal said NIT Srinagar have developed a state-of-the-art CRFC for the design, development, and testing of material for various applications.
“Some of the typical facilities existing in this laboratory are high mechanical, tribological, and metallographic testing of materials under reciprocating rotary configurations, and characterization of nano-coatings,” he said.
Prof. Sehgal said the facilities created at NIT Srinagar are unique in the country and are utilized for the development of HT materials and adaptive coatings for defense applications.
” Such things will make the country self-reliant in the development of materials and coatings for harsh, extreme environmental conditions, ” he said.
Director NIT Srinagar also expressed his gratitude to Dr. Vijay Kumar, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Shrivastava, National Coordinator, I-STEM for providing the opportunity to NIT Srinagar for organizing an awareness program.
Institute’s Registrar, Syed Kaiser Bukhari said both of these programs would go a long way in developing our students, and research scholars. It would act as a great significance to our R&D programs, he said.
“We at NIT Srinagar across all departments have a growing R&D sector, which would be soon comparable to the top research institutes of the country, with the help of such programs,” Prof. Bukhari said.
He congratulated Dr. Shah HoD Physics and the conveners for making this program successful. The department has received accolades under his mentorship.
Dean Research and Consultancy, Prof. MF Wani said NIT Srinagar has developed state of the art for facilities for the research facilities and will continue to expand its activities.
On the occasion, Prof. S. A Shivashakar, Co-ordinator, I-STEM, IISc Bangalore said the I-STEM aims to bridge a gap, by converging information on facilities and later utilize these facilities for research work.
‘It is a successful program since 2008 and around 7000 persons have got benefits under the same,’ he said.

In his welcome address, HOD Physics Dr. MA Shah said the Department is taking a lead role in organizing scientific summits under the leadership of Prof. Sehgal and his team. We promise to continue it for the benefit of students and young faculty, he said.

“NIT Srinagar is a beneficiary through many schemes like Nano-Mission, SERB, and very recently through FIST. We have commissioned many types of equipment and more will be set up in the future,” he said.

Earlier, Prof. Navakanda Bhat, Dean, Division of Interdisciplinary Sciences, Centre for Nanoscience and Engineering, IISc Bangalore delivered a virtual address at the conference.

Expert talks were delivered by Dr. Vinay Kumar from Central University of Jammu, Dr. Altaf Bhat, University of Kashmir, and Dr. Nasir Ul Rasheed, CSIR IIIM, Jammu.

A formal vote of thanks was presented by the Co-Convener of the event, Prof. Seemin Rubab. She expressed her gratitude to the Chief guests, experts, and all participants, for making the event successful.

Active participation of all faculty members Prof Prince, Dr. Vijay, Dr. Zubair, and Dr. Harkirat, scholars, and students were acknowledged and appreciated. The certificate distribution was made by Prof M F Wani, Prof Vinay Kumar, Dr Altaf Bhat, Dr Tariq and Dr. Vijay. The students have actively participated in the valedictory session.

KR Desk