Srinagar, Mar 19: A two-day International Conference on ‘MultidisciplinaryResearch and Innovation’ began at Govt. College for Women, M.A. Road, Srinagar on Tuesday with academicians and policymakers deliberating on the merits and scope of the collaborative approach in the field of education and research.
The inaugural session was addressed by Commissioner Secretary, Hospitality and Protocol Department, Dr. Rashmi Singh; Commissioner/Secretary, Science & Technology Department, Shri Saurabh Bhagat; MD/CEO of J&K Bank, Shri Baldev Prakash and Director Colleges, Prof. Yasmeen Ashai. The Keynote Address was delivered by Dr. John Zheng of Mississippi Valley State University.
Among others present on the occasion included Nodal Principal Kashmir, Prof. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir; Deans, Controller of Examinations and Principals of the constituent colleges of Cluster University Srinagar.
Dr. Rahsmi Singh, who is also the Principal Resident Commissioner New Delhi, was the Guest of Honor at the event and delivered the Plenary Talk of the conference. Referring to the relevance of the conference theme, Dr. Rashmi said the multidisciplinary approach of research is not just about team-work and collaboration, but it represents the very thought process that aims to understand the issues in a more comprehensive manner paving way to solutions and innovations.
In his Special Address for the conference, Saurabh Bhagat stressed on the importance and scope of multidisciplinary research which he said has become part of the knowledge ethos with the implementation of National Educational Policy (NEP-2020) in India. He underlined the role of Science and Technology in propelling the major economies of the world. Bhagat also referred to the vibrant culture of Startups emerging in the country for which he credited the efficient educational system as a key contributor.
“UT of J&K has witnessed growing number of innovators, patents, and startups which reflect stories of relentless innovation. We have registered over 300 innovations, nearly 150 patents, over 70 startups and over 200 researches. These numbers are very encouraging,” he said, adding that Science and Technology are important tools to drive socio-economic change.
In her Special Address, Prof. Yasmeen Ashai said NEP-2020 emphasizes the role of multidisciplinary research and innovation. “It also encourages educational approaches that integrate the Humanities and Arts with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. This integration has shown positive learning outcomes, including increased creativity and innovation,” she said.
She said there are a number of government initiatives that seek to capitalize on multidisciplinary research. “There is a shared view among academics and policymakers that this mode of research favours innovation and thereby fuels the economic progress of the country,” said Prof. Ashai.
“Multidisciplinary approaches not only enrich individual expertise, but also advance knowledge by breaking down disciplinary barriers. In India, NEP- 2020 looks at multidisciplinary education as a means to develop social, physical, intellectual, emotional, and moral capacities of human beings in an integrated manner,” she added.
Director Colleges reiterated the commitment of higher education department to foster culture of research and innovation in the degree colleges of the UT. “Innovation and Incubation cells have also come up in the colleges with the aim to develop competencies among young aspiring entrepreneurs, and channelize their talents and innovative ideas,” she added.
MD/CEO of J&K Bank,Baldev Prakash, who was the Special Guest at the event, spoke about the importance of Sustainable Development.
“With climate change emerging as the proverbial elephant in the room, the idea of sustainability has assumed renewed importance in the global discourse. J&K is particularly vulnerable to adverse impact of climate change. Sustainable Development is about meeting the needs of the present without compromising on the needs of the future generations,” said Baldev, adding that banking sector is a key player in this regard.
Earlier, in her welcome address, Principal of the host college, Prof. (Dr.) Ruhi Jan Kanth said the conference aims to provide a platform for researchers, academicians and industry professionals from diverse fields to exchange ideas and innovative solutions. She said the conference will foster interdisciplinary collaboration and contribute to the advancement of knowledge.
“The overarching theme of the conference is “Bridging Disciplines, Building Connections” emphasizing the importance of breaking down traditional disciplinary boundaries and promoting collaboration across various domains,” she said while welcoming the guests and participants.
“I believe such programmes become even more important in the light of the National Education Policy which places great emphasis on developing scientific temper and research aptitude in higher educational institutes. I extend sincere gratitude to all the contributors for sharing their research work thereby helping this conference to achieve its stated aim,” said Prof. Ruhi.
Dr. John Zheng, chair and professor of English at Mississippi Valley State University, who was the Keynote Speaker of the event, shared excerpts from his work on Sonia Sanchez, who has exemplified herself for six decades as a major figure in the Black Arts Movement, a central activist in civil rights and women’s movements, and an internationally-known writer in American literature.
Conference Coordinator, Dr. Sameer Kaul spoke about the relevance of the conference and introduced the theme and sub-themes spread across the technical sessions of the two-day event.
