Srinagar Dec 12: A 15-day foundation-cum-orientation programme, ‘IRTIQA’, for recently joined undergraduate students was inaugurated Monday at SKAUST-K, Shalimar campus here.
Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai was the chief guest, while as Principal Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, J&K, Saurabh Bhagat was the guest of honour at the occasion.
The programme is aimed to introduce the newly joined 700 students to the university system of professional education in various faculties of the SKUAST-K for different professional degree programmes.
IRTIQA is an amalgamation of orientation, motivation, culture, entrepreneurship and soft skill development course for the incoming students of the university. Further motivational speakers, celebrities and members of civil society are to take part, deliver motivational talks and perform in the orientation programme during the next 15 days.
Addressing a well-attended gathering of the University officers, scientists and students, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor said that aim of the 15-day orientation is to expose students to the university system and out-side world. He said it provides a platform to the students to showcase their hidden talents.
“We are the 6th best Agricultural University in the country and time is not far away when we will be among the top few” Prof Ganai said, adding that due to the strenuous efforts of the university officers and scientists, SKUAST-K has become a torch bearer by taking the lead role in implementation of the New Education Policy 2020.
He lauded the efforts of Dean Students Welfare and his team of students welfare officers for arranging such student specific programmes where these young minds are oriented towards their privileges, duties and responsibilities at the early age.
Commissioner Secretary Shri Saurabh Bhagat also spoke on the occasion. Recalling his own university admission days Shri Bhagat said, it is great to see the university according such a great welcome of fifteen days programme to the freshers. Impressing upon the students to use their knowledge and skills for nation development, he said, Science and Technology Department will provide liberal funding to SKUAST-K for taking up various vital research projects.
Earlier Dean Students welfare, Prof MAA Siddiqui, the main force behind organising the programme welcomed the audience and gave a detailed account of the fifteen days orientation programme.
Besides Faculty of Horticulture students, who presented various cultural progammes, famous rap kid, Arafaat and the radio host and entertainer RJ Vijdhan performed before the audience.
