Srinagar, June 30: In a remarkable celebration of creativity and innovation, 57 students from Kashmir were honored for their exceptional toy designs at a prestigious national conference held at the National Institute of Technology Hazratbal.
The two-day event, titled “Role of Academic Driven Start-ups in Developing JK Economy,” took place on June 29-30, 2024, and highlighted the creative spirit nurtured under the JKSCERT Toycathon 2023 initiative.
The conference was inaugurated by the Honorable Lt Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, who praised the young innovators, emphasizing the importance of fostering creativity and technical skills among youth to shape a progressive future for the Union Territory. The event was attended on the second day by Minister of State Shri Jitendra Singh, further underlining the government’s commitment to supporting young talent.
Among the distinguished personalities who felicitated the students were Shri Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary of the Technology Development Board (TDB) – Department of Science and Technology (DST), Professor A. Ravindernath, Vice Chancellor of Central University of Kashmir and Director National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, Sunjay Battacharya Joint Controller of Patent and Design Kolkata, Professor Najeeb u din Head IEDC, Shri Deshraj Sharma General Secretary Vidya Bharti (NZ), Shri Vijay Nadda Organizing Secretary Vidya Bharti and Shri Balkrishan Joint Organizing Secretary Vidya Bharti . Their presence added prestige to the event, recognizing the students’ groundbreaking contributions.
Prof. Parikshat Singh Manhas, Director of JKSCERT, commended the students’ achievements, stating, “Our students have demonstrated extraordinary talent and creativity. Their innovative toy designs reflect not only their ingenuity but also their commitment to preserving and promoting our cultural ethos, scientific temper, and sustainable development.”
The innovative creations ranged from educational kits to eco-friendly playthings, showcasing the diverse potential and technical acumen of these young creators. As the conference concluded, there was a palpable sense of excitement and renewed commitment to nurturing innovation among students.
The success of this event sets the stage for future collaborations and initiatives aimed at fostering creativity and entrepreneurship in the region. The felicitation of these 57 young innovators not only recognizes their achievements but also underscores the growing emphasis on innovation-driven education in Jammu and Kashmir.
This event serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, demonstrating that with the right support and encouragement, the youth of Jammu and Kashmir are capable of competing on the national stage and beyond. As these bright minds continue to push boundaries and challenge conventions, they are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the economic and technological landscape of the region.
