Srinagar: The 21-day flagship student orientation-cum-foundation program, IRTIQA 2023, concluded on Saturday at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar campus.
In line with NEP-2020, the three-week freshers’ program, IRTIQA or evolution, was held to acclimatise the newly joined undergraduate students with the varsity and orient them towards their future goals and purpose of life. This year’s theme of the orientation program was ‘LEED to LIVE’ – love each other and innovate with the vision to achieve excellence. The foundation program was organised by the SKUAST-K’s Directorate of Education and Department of Student Welfare under the World Bank-ICAR funded National Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP) for the institutional development of the varsity.
Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, who was the chief guest at the valedictory function, highlighted the importance of co-curricular activities in the overall development of students as a professional and an individual. He highlighted the participation of different civil society members, persons of eminence in the Industry & academia along with alumni of the university. He also gave an insight into the sustainable model that SKUAST-K has developed to imbibe innovation and entrepreneurship among the students of SKUAST-K.
While apprising the students and others present in the hall about the illustrious 35-year career of Prof MAA Siddiqui, who retired as Director of Education at SKUAST-K on Saturday, Prof Ganai extended his heartfelt wishes for his future endeavours and a long, fulfilling life.
Earlier Prof Siddiqui, in his welcome address, congratulated all the participants for being part of IRTIQA-23 program. He gave an overview of the three-week foundation program by giving an insight into different activities conducted during the program. He also thanked Prof Ganai, for his support in conducting the mega event, which is the first of its kind in the country under NEP-2020.
The function was attended by Directors, Registrar, Deans, Associate Deans, Student Welfare Officers, HoDs and other staff of the University along with all the students of SKUAST-K.
The officers of the University were felicitated along with all the students who \ participated in different activities during IRTIQA-23. The students who had secured different positions in the competitions held during the foundation program were also felicitated by the Vice Chancellor.
Registrar, SKUAST-K, Prof Tariq H Masoodi, proposed the formal vote of thanks.
Dean, Students Welfare, SKUAST-K, Prof Rafiq A Shahardar, gave an insight into the activities carried out during the foundation program.

KR Desk