AWANTIPORA: The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) concluded its week-long Foundation Day celebrations on Wednesday, marking its 19th anniversary with a grand culmination event that brought together leaders, entrepreneurs, industry representatives, researchers, students, and faculty. The series of festivities were held from November 7-13, 2024.
Throughout the week, a variety of events—including a Business Festival, Tech Exhibition, Book Festival, Cultural Festival, Industry-Academia Conclave, Art Exhibition, Literary Festival, and Food Festival—brought vibrant engagement and excitement to the campus. The closing ceremony was inaugurated by the Honorable Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, who served as the Chief Guest. Also in attendance were Dr. M. Ashraf Ganie, Director of SKIMS Srinagar, and Prof. Mohammad Mobin, Vice-Chancellor of the Cluster University of Kashmir, as Guests of Honor.
In his address, Lieutenant Governor Sinha highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship and education in advancing the economic landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. He commended the university for its strides in becoming a leading skill-based institution in this region and said that IUST has made significant, visible progress and growth since its inception.
The honourable LG distributed seed fund cheques to four promising startups—GR8 Sports, Contragenix, Al Almeen Bayt, and Al Shanara—as part of IUST’s ongoing support for local entrepreneurship. Additionally, awards were presented to outstanding students and faculty in recognition of their achievements. Ten students were awarded in three categories that included D. Alburj R Rahman Best Student Awards (sponsored by Sultana Nahar from McPherson Lab, The Ohio State University), ARCO Cements Meritorious Student Awards and Sarah & G.H. Khan Scholarship Award. The Best Teacher Awards went to Dr. Basharat Ahmed (School of Engineering & Technology), Dr. Ruheela Hassan (School of Humanities and Social Sciences), and Dr. Peer Bilal (School of Sciences), while Dr. Rumaan Bashir received the University-Level Best Teacher Award.
In this address, Prof. Shakil A Romshoo, Vice Chancellor said that IUST is deeply committed to the successful implementation of the National Education Policy 2024, as we believe it is a transformative step towards a more holistic, inclusive, and skill-oriented education system. He reiterated that the university is committed to being a knowledge partner to all the stakeholders of the Union Territory, dedicated to identifying solutions to societal problems.
Registrar Prof. Abdul Wahid Makhdoomi highlighted that the university has pioneered initiatives in innovation and technology, ensuring that our students and faculty are equipped with the latest resources and opportunities to engage in meaningful research and entrepreneurship.
Dr. M. Ashraf Ganie expressed that SKIMS is open to engage in research collaborations with IUST, as partnerships like these drive impactful discoveries and innovative solutions that benefit our community. Prof. Mohammad Mobin, Vice-Chancellor of the Cluster University of Kashmir, added, “The university’s emphasis on integrating industry and academia is preparing a generation equipped with the skills and vision to lead in an evolving economy.”
The ceremony also marked the release of the DYOD Policy Report by the Chief Guest, alongside the launch of the J&K Research Consortium and DST Startup Scheme, underscoring IUST’s role in facilitating research and innovation in the region. A panel discussion on ‘Project Yuwa Scheme and Development of Nano-Entrepreneurship in J&K’ organized by CIED was also held. The five-day vibrant Cultural Festival, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the Young Dramatists Society, celebrating the rich heritage and artistic talent of the region, also concluded today.