Srinagar, Feb 28: To foster innovation and scientific progress, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha emphasised the need to invest in the growing field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to keep pace with global technological advancements.
Addressing the National Science Day seminar at the University of Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor underscored the importance of advancing science and technology, promoting knowledge exchange, and encouraging creativity for a sustainable future.
The event paid tribute to the legendary scientist Sir C.V. Raman and highlighted this year’s theme: ‘Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science and Innovation for Viksit Bharat.’
“We cannot imagine a future without AI. It will impact every aspect of our lives, and it is crucial that we equip our youth with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate this transformation,” the Lieutenant Governor stated. He called on all universities in the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory (UT) to establish dedicated AI labs, aimed at cutting-edge research and fostering innovation through multidisciplinary collaborations involving industries, researchers, educators, and technologists.
The proposed AI Labs will function as separate entities within the Department of Science and Technology, facilitating collaboration between academia and local industries. The focus will be on integrating AI innovations into businesses and enhancing productivity.
“These AI Labs will also support the reskilling and upskilling of our workforce, making J&K more competitive on a global scale,” he added. The Lieutenant Governor further urged universities to offer flexible, short-term courses on AI to align with industry trends and meet the rapidly evolving demands of the field.
Highlighting the role of science and technology in India’s future, he said, “Scientists, technologists, and entrepreneurs will be the driving force behind Viksit Bharat. They will not only power India’s progress but also strengthen Jammu and Kashmir’s innovation ecosystem.”
He also emphasized AI’s growing importance across various sectors, particularly in health services, emergency management, industry, and business. “The AI labs should conduct workshops and training programs to ensure that our entire workforce becomes AI-literate, empowering leaders from various sectors to make informed decisions,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor encouraged students and faculty to work collectively on a five-year plan to leverage AI and other emerging technologies for the development of Jammu and Kashmir. He also stressed the need for technological innovations that address local challenges while ensuring that AI remains ethical, unbiased, and transparent.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor also commended the University of Kashmir for its significant contributions to scientific research and education.
Prof. Ajit Kembhavi, Emeritus Professor at the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), and Prof. Anil Bharadwaj, Director of the Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, joined the seminar virtually. Prof. Kembhavi spoke on “Astronomy for Citizens,” while Prof. Bharadwaj discussed the progress of space science in India.
The seminar was organized by the Department of Physics, University of Kashmir, in collaboration with Vigyan Bharati, New Delhi, to commemorate the discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’ by Sir C.V. Raman.
During the event, the Lieutenant Governor also inaugurated a new synthetic athletic track surface at the University of Kashmir campus, further enhancing the university’s infrastructure.
The seminar was attended by a large number of students, faculty members, scientists, and youth. Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, Saurabh Bhagat, Commissioner/Secretary of the Science and Technology Department, Dr. Som Dev Bharadwaj, Organising Secretary of Vigyan Bharati, and other prominent figures were present.
