Srinagar, Oct 14: Chief Secretary J&K, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta on Saturday said that there is the urgent need for a global shift toward more sustainable practices, as the current framework is clearly unsustainable.
The consequences of climate change and resource depletion affect everyone, making it a shared challenge that requires collective action, he said.
He was addressing the “Manak Mahotsava organised by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) – Jammu and Kashmir Branch Office (JKBO) to mark World Standards Day “Shared Vision for a Better World” at National Institute of Technology (NIT), Srinagar.
The function was presided over by Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Secretary Arun Kumar Mehta who was chief guest on the occasion, while Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Sudhakar Yedla was ‘Guest of Honour’.
In his speech, Dr Mehta emphasised the importance of sustainability in our daily lives. It is not always essential for significant decisions to be made at higher levels of government, as each individual can play a pivotal role in shaping a better tomorrow through their actions, he said.
“Sustainability is a critical aspect of our lives. We must recognize that we are not alone on this planet; other creatures share this Earth with us. It is our collective responsibility to limit the use of natural resources and take actions that contribute to a more sustainable planet,” Dr. Mehta said.
He said that by conserving resources, reducing waste, and making sustainable choices, each person can contribute to the larger goal of safeguarding the planet for future generations.
On the occasion, Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Sudhakar Yedla said standards plays a vital role in our daily lives. They help to ensure that the products and services we use are safe, reliable, and efficient, he said.
“Standards also promote interoperability and sustainability across various industries, ultimately benefiting consumers and businesses worldwide,” Prof. Yedla said.
He said this year’s theme for World Standards Day is “A Shared Vision for a Better World.” It reflects the importance of standards in addressing global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and inequality. Standards can help us to build a more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive world for all,” Director NIT Srinagar said.
He said it is pride moment that Bureau of Indian Standards’ Jammu and Kashmir branch office has chosen to celebrate Manak Mahotsav in collaboration with NIT Srinagar. This is a testament to the strong partnership between our two institutions,” he said.
Prof. Yedla said NIT Srinagar is committed to promoting the culture of standardization among its students and faculty.
“We have established a Standardization Cell on campus to coordinate and promote standardization activities. The Cell organizes workshops, seminars, and other events to raise awareness regarding importance of standards and to encourage students and faculty to participate in the standards development process,” he added.
On the occasion, Pramod Kumar Tiwari, IAS and Director General of BIS gave his opening remarks through video conference and encouraged students and faculty to take the step of the R&D revolution initiated by BIS.
He further informed that technical literature for Standardization will be supported by BIS for publications.
Ten stalls were set up to exhibit diverse projects created by NIT Srinagar students, alongside prototypes presented by prominent industries in the Kashmir Valley.
Director of NIT Srinagar, Prof. Yedla, Tilak Raj, and other Deans personally toured each stall, engaging in discussions about several noteworthy projects.
The Manak Mahotsav event has undergone a transformation, bridging the gap between industries and students.
The stalls of Industries was also there such as Kashmir Hallmarking and Assaying Centre stall displaying benefit of HUID and Hallmarking.
Similarly, TRUMBOO cement and KHYBER Cement presented their plant details and cement manufacturing process. Alba Electricals displays the Electric Transformer prototype and make understand students for the workability. While FIIL Industries displayed the Packaged drinking water and juice.
The Manak Mahotsav has been reshaped with the involvement of Industries and students.
The program was also attended by Director School Education Kashmir Tassaduq Hussain Mir, General Manager, DIC, Hameeda Akhtar, Tilak Raj Director and Head of Jammu Kashmir Branch, Pankaj Atri, Joint Director BIS, Dean FW NIT Srinagar, Prof. G.A Harmain, Dean AA Dr. Mohammad Shafi Mir, Dean A&IA Prof. Nazir Ahmad Sheikh, Dean P&D Dr. J. A. Bhat among other dignitaries.
Dr. Chilaka Ranga, Dr. Iqra Altaf were the coordinators of the program from the NIT Srinagar side.
The program was attended by more than 300 students of Govt. Model Higher Secondary School Shadipora, Bandipora, Govt. Model Higher Secondary School Gadakhud Sonawari, Bandipora, Govt. Unani Medical College Ganderbal and faculty members from NIT Srinagar along with more than 100 participants from various Industries, standards club mentors of the Kashmir valley.
