Srinagar, Feb 28: The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) Friday concluded its 21-day “Orientation-cum- Advanced Leadership Programme” for scientific staff with a valedictory ceremony at the Shalimar Campus.
Conducted by the Institute of Business and Policy Research (IBPR), the programme aimed to equip scientists with essential leadership skills, policy insights, and innovative teaching methodologies to strengthen the higher education ecosystem in the 21st century.
Over the course of three weeks, participants engaged in rigorous training sessions, interactive workshops, expert lectures, and hands-on activities focused on academic governance, scientific research, policy frameworks, digital pedagogy, and institutional leadership. The programme also emphasized effective student engagement and mentorship, ensuring that faculty members are well-prepared to contribute to research-driven societal transformation. The valedictory session was graced by Vice-Chancellor Prof. N. A. Ganai, who served as the Chief Guest, alongside Registrar Prof. Azmat Alam and other senior university officials.
Prof. S. H. Baba, Head of IBPR, highlighted the strategic importance of faculty development, noting that the programme laid a strong foundation for continuous learning and leadership. He encouraged participants to apply their newly acquired skills in fostering student-centric learning, impactful research and knowledge-driven policy-making. He further emphasised the need for interdisciplinary collaborations and technology-driven education to keep SKUAST-K at the forefront of academic innovation.
Prof. Azmat Alam, Registrar, SKUAST-K, commended IBPR for organising a transformative training programme that will enhance academic leadership. He stressed that modern higher education is increasingly becoming a blend of innovation, research, and digital transformation. Encouraging faculty members to work towards industry-academia partnerships, he underscored the importance of experiential teaching methodologies and evidence-based policymaking to make education more engaging, relevant and future-ready.
In his keynote address, Vice-Chancellor Professor Nazir A Ganai lauded IBPR’s proactive approach to faculty development and emphasised the crucial role of academia in driving research excellence and policy formulation. “Faculty members are the cornerstone of any institution, shaping the minds of future generations and contributing to nation-building,” Prof. Ganai stated. He stressed that educators must stay ahead of the curve by embracing new-age pedagogies, industry collaborations, and technology-driven solutions. He further reiterated that the success of an academic institution is not just measured by its infrastructure but by the intellectual capital of its faculty and their ability to mentor students towards excellence. Encouraging faculty to translate their learnings into tangible outcomes, he advocated for a multidisciplinary approach in education and research while urging faculty members to contribute to policy-making and knowledge-driven societal development.
The programme was organised by Prof. F. A. Shaheen, Dr. Abid Sultan, and Dr. O. F. Khan, with the closing ceremony featuring reflections from faculty members who shared their key takeaways. Participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to enhance their leadership capabilities and refine their research methodologies. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. K. Gautam, acknowledging the Vice-Chancellor, resource persons, organizing committee, and participants for their commitment to making the leadership programme a resounding success. The successful conclusion of this initiative marks another milestone in SKUAST-K’s efforts to strengthen academic leadership and foster a research-driven culture, ensuring that its faculty remains at the forefront of scientific and educational advancements.
