Rs 3 crore sanctioned for 46 research projects under various departments: Com Sec S&T

Srinagar: A two-day workshop on Skilling, Reskilling, and Upskilling under the aegis of SERB-INAE Collaborative Initiative in Engineering (Outreach Programs for NE, J&K, and Ladakh) concluded at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar.
The workshop was organized by the Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship Development Center (IIEDC) NIT Srinagar and Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) and the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE).
Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, Director NIT Srinagar, and Prof. Shivaji Chakravorti, vice president INAE, were Chief Patrons of the workshop.
The workshop was presided over by Saurabh Bhagat (IAS) Commissioner/Secretary to Govt., Science & Technology Department who was Chief Guest in the session. Prof. Sivaji Chakravorti, Vice President INAE, and Prof. Atikur Rehman, Registrar, NIT Srinagar, industrial expert Er. Hafeezullah Khan graced the occasion.
Prof. Adnan Qayoum, HOD MED, NIT Srinagar was the Chairman, while Dr. Saad Parvez, Head IIED Center, NIT Srinagar was the convener of the program. Dr. Noor Zaman Khan, Asst. Prof. MED, NIT Srinagar, and Dr. Dinesh Kumar R, Asst. Prof. MED and NIT Srinagar were the coordinators of the workshop.
In his key address, Com Sec. to Govt. S&T, Saurabh Bhagat said that in a competitive job market, possessing relevant skills is crucial for securing employment. Skill development equips youth with the expertise and capabilities sought after by employers, increasing their chances of finding suitable opportunities, he said.
Bhagat said that an amount of 3 crore was sanctioned for 46 research projects under various departments of NIT Srinagar. The funds shall promote sponsored research, innovation, patents, and startups in the prestigious institution. This grant of JK STIC has been a regular feature and shall be provided annually to all major universities of JK, he said.
“The Department of Science and Technology will continue to support NIT Srinagar for its future endeavors, recognizing the pivotal role it plays in shaping a skilled and adaptable workforce for the benefit of the nation,” he said.
Prof. Sivaji Chakravorti, Vice President of INAE, delivered a noteworthy address on the pivotal role of INAE in creating an ecosystem of skilling and upskilling.
He also highlighted the collaborative efforts required to establish a robust framework for continuous learning and development, emphasizing the need for organizations like INAE to contribute to the dynamic landscape of skill enhancement.
Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Nath said skill development empowers youth to explore entrepreneurial ventures, driving innovation and contributing to the growth of the small and medium enterprise sector. Countries with a skilled workforce are more competitive globally, attracting international businesses and fostering collaboration, he said.
Prof. Nath said that this workshop, therefore, serves as a platform to bridge the gap between industry and academia. The primary focus of the workshop centered on skill development in CNC, welding, and allied technologies. Such workshops are need of the hour, he added.
Institute’s Registrar, Prof. Atikur Rahman said that under the umbrella of ‘Vision Viksit Bharat, young innovators have to work hard to make India a developed nation. Students are the future leaders of our country, and they should take charge, grab opportunities, and use new technologies to help the nation grow, he added.
HOD MED Prof. Adnan Qayoum said that the primary focus of the workshop centered on skill development in CNC, welding, and allied technologies. Such workshops are need of an hour, and the department will continue to support such events in the future, he added.
Head of IIED Centre, Dr. Saad Parvez said skilling involves learning new abilities; reskilling is about updating existing skills, and upskilling means acquiring more advanced skills. These efforts are vital for staying competitive in a rapidly changing world.
He also highlighted the need to revive the traditional skills of Kashmir and talked about the future skills relevant for today’s students and innovators.
Dr. Saad said that during the two days, esteemed experts from both academia and industry were engaged as resource persons, and participants were provided with the highest quality of knowledge sharing and hands-on learning experiences on CNC, welding, 3D printers, Wire EDM, and allied technologies.
He said that NIT’s Srinagar 5-axis CNC Milling center was focused on skill development (Software + operations), and participants were exposed to the machine and its operations.
During the two-day workshop, technical sessions were delivered by Hafeezullah Khan Industrial expert, Dr. Noor Zaman Khan CNC Skills, Mohd Nadeem CNC Operator, Tariq Ahmad Wire EDM, Dr. Sivaji Chakravorti (Soft Skill Development for Engineering Profession – A Necessity Now), Dr. Dinesh Kumar R. (Welding Skills) and other dignitaries.

KR Desk