Teachers training camp on mathematical Olympiad begins at KU  

Srinagar, Aug 25: The Department of Mathematics, University of Kashmir (KU), in collaboration with the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE)–TIFR Mumbai and the National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM), DAE, Government of India, today commenced a four-day Teachers Training Camp on Mathematical Olympiad at the Main Campus.As per a statement issued here, the programme is aimed at empowering selected school teachers from across Kashmir to guide and nurture young mathematical talent for Olympiads and to promote advanced problem-solving skills at the school level. The teachers will receive expert training from Prof. Amitabha Tripathi (IIT Delhi), Prof. Shanta Laishram (ISI Delhi) and Alok Kumar (HBCSE, Mumbai). Speaking at the inaugural session, Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan said, “Mathematics is a discipline of universal relevance and forms the backbone of all sciences and social sciences. Training teachers in advanced problem-solving and Olympiad methods is a crucial step towards building a strong foundation of mathematical talent in our schools.”She further said that such initiatives not only enhance teachers’ capacities but also enable them to inspire and mentor students to think critically and competitively at the national and international level. Dean Academic Affairs KU, Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada, highlighted the interdisciplinary significance of mathematics and noted the growing synergy between mathematics and artificial intelligence to address future academic and research challenges.Prof. Manzoor Ahmad Malik, Dean School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences KU, lauded the Department for its impactful outreach initiatives and stressed on the need to scale up such programmes across J&K. Prof. B.A. Zargar, Coordinator of Mathematical Olympiad, outlined the roadmap of Olympiad activities in Kashmir and emphasised the role of teacher training camps in preparing guides and mentors for budding mathematicians. Earlier, in his welcome address, Head, Department of Mathematics and convener of the programme, Prof. M.A. Khanday, presented an overview of the Department’s initiatives, including district-le vel outreach that has directly benefitted thousands of students in recent years. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. M.A. Mir, faculty at Department of Mathematics KU and co-convener of the programme.