Srinagar, Nov 02: A two-week Refresher Course in Research Methodology (Multidisciplinary) concluded at Govt. College for Women, M.A. Road, Srinagar on Wednesday.
The course was being jointly organized by Govt. College for Women, M.A. Road and UGC-Human Resource Development Centre, University of Kashmir. Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof. (Dr.) Nilofer Khan was the Chief Guest at the valedictory function while Mr. G.A. Qureshi, former Director General, Department of Economics & Statistics, was the Guest of Honour.
Others present on the occasion included Principal of the host college, Prof. (Dr.) Ruhi Jan Kanth; Director, UGC-HRDC, Kashmir University, Prof. Mushtaq Ahmad Darzi; Coordinator HRDC, Dr. Sumeer Gul and Coordinator of the course from host college, Dr. Rajou Kumar Pandita.
In her valedictory address, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof. Nilofer Khan underscored the need for colleges and universities to collaborate for successful implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP-2020).
Speaking about the relevance of organizing such refresher courses in research methodology, especially for college teachers, she referred to the emphasis on the research component in the NEP-2020 even at the undergraduate level.
Prof. Khan has been the alumna of the college. Referring to its illustrious history, she said it’s a premier institute of higher education for women in the region.
“Many women of eminence have studied here and earned a place of distinction in their respective fields. I am happy that the university could collaborate with this college for the refresher course,” she said while assuring of all possible assistance from the university in conducting more such productive programmes in future as well.
“Kashmir University has old ties with this college though it’s no longer affiliated with us, but we would love to do handholding and collaborate in various programmes. I am sure under the able guidance of Principal Prof. Ruhi, this college will continue to do the good work it has been doing for so many decades since she herself is a committed and hard worker.
Prof. Khan emphasized on building the capacity of teachers, including research acumen, in the light of the requirements of NEP-2020. Stating that female teachers generally tend to conduct and publish less research work mostly owing to additional domestic responsibilities, she said it’s important for female educators to balance their personal and professional life. She cited her own example of how she used to work on every university assignment.
“Hard work also gives you visibility in professional spaces,” Prof. Khan added.
Earlier, welcoming the chief guest and other dignitaries, Principal of the host college, Prof. (Dr.) Ruhi Jan Kanth said it was for the first time that a college from Kashmir division conducted such an extensive programme in research methodology which in itself can be deemed as a major initiative. She thanked Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir for her consent to collaborate with the college in this respect. Prof. Ruhi also referred to the relevance of the programme with respect to NEP-2020 implementation.
Director, UGC-HRDC, KU, Prof. Mushtaq Ahmad Darzi thanked the host college for reposing trust in HRDC for conducting the course. He referred to various activities conducted by UGC-HRDC to provide adequate opportunities for the professional and career development of teachers in higher education system. Prof. Darzi said HRDC provides opportunity for the teachers to update their knowledge and learn new methods of curricular transactions.
